Anyone had a stoma bag ?

[christie63]

My consultant has said I will have to have a stoma bag,wonder if anyone else has had one of these and how do you cope with it as I am very worried about it

[bantam12]

My mum had one, she coped fine with it, there are different variations so if you don't get on with one design there are usually others to try.

[christie63 in reply to bantam12]

Do you know how long was the operation to get the stoma bag fitted

[bantam12 in reply to christie63]

No idea I'm afraid, hers was a while back so techniques will have changed.

[gaynorwishes]

Is it permanent or temporary?

[christie63 in reply to gaynorwishes]

its permanent

[camann]

Do you need the stoma for your bowel or bladder?. I have an indiana pouch which is a reservoir formed inside made out of a section of bowel. I don't wear a stoma bag but use a stoma cap and swabs as I can leak a bit. I empty it by inserting a catheter into a small stoma on my abdomen. I had interstitial cystitis and this is an improvement for me. There's lots of stoma organisations and support groups available. It can be really helpful to contact them even before your surgery. They can give advice and also let you talk to some-one who's had similar surgery. It depends on what surgery you have as to how long you're in theatre.

[christie63]

I am having a stoma for my bowel so not sure if you had the same thing, I would like to find someone who has been through the operation they say its a 3 hour operation so quite long

[camann]

I was in theatre for nine hours but the surgery was to replace my bladder. I assume it's a colostomy you're having. I don't know where you live but I attend a support group in my area for people with all forms of stoma. Some people come along prior to the surgery to speak to members who have already had it. There are quite a few charities as well as small independent groups who could help you. The Colostomy association deal with all types of bowel related stomas. If you contact them they'll be able to put you in touch with an ostomist for support and advice. Depending on who's nearby volunteers in these group can befriend either by phone or in person. The surgery is probably more common than you realise, you may find there's already a group locally. It's easy to find details online. The hospital you attend may also be able to give you information and leaflets about this.