Stoma bag

So sorry to hear this as I also went through a lot of issues. Had stoma removed a few years ago after having a sacral nerve stimulator fitted inside the bottom of my back. I still need to be careful as to my diet and need Loperamide (Imodium) at various times of the week but much better than I was. Check out the sacral nerve: referred by my cancer surgeon  to the Royal Hospital Liverpool.

I have had a permanent stoma since June 2019. I can honestly say it has not been anything like as bad as I expected and allows me to do all of the things I was able to do before. It takes a bit of getting used to but as long as you have a positive attitude you will find it works well and I have no pain or issues with it, or need to take any medication.  I am now doing stoma irrigation which means eventually I won't have to use bags at all. Hope that helps.

I had my stoma op aged 10 years old for crohns. I'm now nearly 50 and can honestly say that having a stoma is ok. You will adapt to it and get used to managing it. It doesn't limit the choices you make, you will be anxious at times and get annoyed with it but if its going to give you a better quality of life then surely thats something to think about. 

Hi I had an iliostomy 2 yrs ago today after 30 yrs of colitis and then bowel cancer.

It really is no problem and hasnt stopped me doing anything that I would like to do.

I havent travelled very far yet due to covid restrictions which came in just as I was finishing chemo but I cant see any problems when I am able to

All the best

I sympatise with you - it sounds rotten for you.  Unexpectedly  I had to have a stoma created in early March during an emergencty operation for a blocked bowel.  A bag is something I've always dreaded, but I have to echo the comments here that say it's not so bad.  The bags self-adhere firmly to the skin around the stoma and can easily be changed for you if self-care becomes an issue. Even after this time I'm learning which type of bag suits me, when best to change the bag and so on.  There'll be 'accidents' but the nature of the bag means that they are likely to be in the form of some leakage from the seal 'behind' the bag next to your stomach rather than catastrophic faiures - my experience so far anyway.  You would join other local fellow sufferers in being looked after by a group of MacMillan stoma nurses.  Mine are very experienced in general nursing, practical and approachable.  They started visiting my bedside and showed me the ropes until I was discharged  I take no medications and have had no pain.  I garden, walk into town, get out on the roof to clear the valley and do other DIY  We eat out fairly often and visit friends and family (within current rules)..  There is a tumour in situ in my bowel, that itself discharges mucus so if you are similar that may be a continuing issue but your oncologist can advise you about that.  It's not my place, of course, to recommend anything, but I hope this helps.