I was tagged by Thaila Skye to answer some ostomy questions. Enjoy the video :)
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The questions:
1. Why do you have an ostomy?
2. What type of ostomy do you have?
3. Does your stoma have a name?
4. What is your favourite ostomy-friendly food?
5. What is your favourite ostomy-friendly outfit?
6. Can you play sports? If so, what sport do you play?
7. Thing you hate the most about having an ostomy?
8. Thing you love the most about having an ostomy?
9. How long have you had your ostomy?
10. If you could give a new ostomate one piece of advice, what would it be?
I’m tagging the following YouTube ostomates to see what their answers are:
Megan, The Front Butt YouTuber
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheFrontButttuber
Katie w/ UC
https://www.youtube.com/user/katiegenthe
Nicole from Beauty and The Bag
https://www.youtube.com/user/beautyandthebag
Question: Do you have any questions you’d like me to answer about my ostomy?
First of all, will you please remove my last name in a previous question? Please don’t post my last name on this question. My pouch, due to ileostomy, extends from the bra line to below my waist. Any advice would be welcome. Also, as a vegan for 38years, are there certain foods to avoid to prevent ballooning? As I first said, the pouch takes up a lot of “real estate” on my torso.
Hi Linda,
I’ve removed your last name from the previous post. It can’t be shown unless you enter it in, so no need to include it with any follow up questions/comments.
What size pouch are you using, and do you find that a smaller one would suit you better? There should be plenty of options for smaller-sized bags, but since they do hold less, you might find yourself needing to empty them more often.
I like support garments (i.e. StealthBelt), but depending on your needs, they may not be necessary.
Are you looking to conceal the appliance? Support it? Keep it flat against your body? Or something else?
Regarding ballooning, I outline a few strategies in this article: https://www.veganostomy.ca/ostomy-pouch-ballooning/
But there’s no one simple fix, since ballooning is often influenced by many variables.
Let me know if you have any other questions :)
I have. Not heard you talk about paste. Can one wear a ring with a convex pouch?
Can one take gas x or stool softener with an ileostomy?
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your questions!
I do have an article on stoma paste here: https://www.veganostomy.ca/guide-to-ostomy-stoma-paste/
Some people do wear a ring with their convex pouch, but I would suggest doing so only if your stoma nurse says to. There’s a risk of pressure sores when using convex appliances, and using a ring can put additional pressure around the stoma.
Gas-X and stool softeners should be safe, however, I would consult with a doctor to make sure that they are appropriate options. An ileostomy should not require a stool softener, since the output is generally liquid or loose to begin with. Constipation or dry stool with an ileostomy could indicate that you aren’t getting enough fluids. This should be explored further to rule out any problems.
Best to you!
I am an Enterostomal therapists who writes a column for United Ostomy Association of Canada. Is it ok to refer to you site? I am giving resources to readers. kbruton22@gmail.com
Hi Karen,
Absolutely! I would be honored if you did!
Eric