I am battling appendix cancer. 6 year survivor. Given 6 months to live at diagnosis. Had three major surgery’s. The end result is I currently have No appendix, Gallbladder, spleen, 18 feet of my small intestine gone, my entire right lung, a couple ribs and a small portion of my liver removed. I’m doing good. Currently going thru very rough Chemo to control the cancer. Life is not bad. However. My issues this past year are my bowels and how frequently I have to go to the bathroom. I go so much and so often that my ass feels like it’s bleeding and on fire most the time. It hurts so unbelievably bad when I go that it’s almost unbearable. I have installed bidets in all my bathrooms and that helps a lot. I eat a normal diet as I am trying to keep on the weight and I have found that it really doesn’t matter what I eat, I still empty it violently and soon after anyway. May as well enjoy food.
Lately I am considering getting a bag. I wonder if this would allow me to enjoy life more than I am today. I don’t like leaving the house too often because I fear going to the bathroom outside of my home. Due to the pain and how I feel if I try to hold it in. I have so much gas and diarrhea all the time. Can anyone with a bag tell me if their experience before getting the bag is similar to mine currently and they are happier with the bag or wish they didn’t have it???
please help. I need advice.
Hi Goblue
You really have been through it.
I had Bowel Cancer so had a temporary ileostomy bag whilst Bowel repairs so I’m not and expert however even with the ileostomy being more difficult to adjust to as diet and emptying it lots can be trying I felt so much better really quickly.
I would not go back to the symptoms I had whilst the cancer was blocking me.
There are lots of members here that have had a bag for years and are living life to the full. I have found it so encouraging.
Check out some of the past stories.
Best Wishes
Artsie
Ann
