tspotters Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I was in an accident where I have damaged my anal sphincter and I currently have an ostomy while a wound on my rectum heals. I found out today that my anal sphincter may not be strong enough for them to reverse the ostomy. Does anyone here have experience with using a colostomy appliance and if it is better to keep or to be fecally incontinent and use diapers? The colostomy does handle smell well but it is really inconvenient. A poop filled diaper might be pretty inconvenient too tho. What do you guys think? Link to comment
Dill_Pickle Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I've read that those paralyzed use a bowel program (meaning, use medical means such as suppositories to bathroom on schedule) to ensure they defecate when they are at home and in a good place to clean up. Link to comment
bigbabygee Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 I have a bag and in my experience it is better to have a bag than a dirty nappy/diaper.These things can be reversed so do not rush to get rid of the bag let the healing take its time. Link to comment
tspotters Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 I really hate the bag, and I miss wearing diapers. I have a lot of time to think about it tho. The wound is gonna take months to heal. Link to comment
Dill_Pickle Posted September 15, 2014 Share Posted September 15, 2014 tspotter: You should not be missing out on diapers just because you have a colostomy bag! Link to comment
tspotters Posted September 15, 2014 Author Share Posted September 15, 2014 The waistband gets in the way of the ostomy. And I also am worried about the dressing on the wound getting soaked with pee. It just doesn't feel the same anymore. Link to comment
Dill_Pickle Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 Sorry the feelings have changed.... Link to comment
tspotters Posted September 16, 2014 Author Share Posted September 16, 2014 The dressing is covered but I know I can't shower with the dressing. As for the sphincter muscle, I am going to ask about exercises and things I can do to make it stronger at my next appointment. Thanks for the advice. I have been frustrated lately. Link to comment
littleJaina Posted September 16, 2014 Share Posted September 16, 2014 Good luck. I imagine Is a frustrating position to endure. Link to comment
tspotters Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share Posted November 19, 2014 I met with my colon rectal surgeon today. Link to comment
Personalias Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 I had a similar experience to yours. Link to comment
Dill_Pickle Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Talk to the guy doing the manometry about what to do to strengthen yourself. Link to comment
Midwest Babygirl Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 For me, diapers were the lesser of two evils. Link to comment
Walesiswet Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 I don't have an ostomy but have a few fecal accidents in diapers. If I was FI it would depend on the severity of it wether I would go bag or diapers. Onece or twice a week in diapers I think I could handle but if it was worse I'd go bag. Neither are nice options. I wish you all the best. Link to comment
tspotters Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 I thankfully don't have problems with the bag leaking or it smelling bad. My ostomy area is really healthy and I rarely have any bleeding. The Colo rectal surgeon says I may have some tone in my rectum but is talking about an artificial rectum or reconstructing the rectum with a ligament from my knee. I am hoping that they just reverse the ostomy and I have moderate control, but I will have to see. I really don't want to have a surgery and have them cut out the remaining muscle. It might be kinda fun to have a button that would make me poo tho! (Jk jk) Link to comment
Walesiswet Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 A poo button, I wish I had one I them now then I could just dump my load on demand, so to speak. I think if you had moderate control you'd go with diapers. It's so difficult but one of the things that make dealing with my UI is having choice. If I had to spend all the time with a leg bag and straps on it would drive me crazy but thankfully I have a choice of different diapers, pads or bags etc. Link to comment
silver76 Posted November 25, 2014 Share Posted November 25, 2014 As you currently have a bag, here's the opportunity for you to try it out and see how you get on with it,if you find it's not a problem then stay with the bag. Speaking from my own current experience.Nappies can be a real chore,especially if you want to go and stay somewhere.Not only do you have to take a supply of nappies with you but also all the associated paraphenallia such as creams,baby powder,disposal bags,wipes,toilet paper,etc. With a colostomy bag is you need to empty it you can take off the clip and empty it into a toilet,reapply the clip,clean up and go.If you have to change the bag and you have a flange fitted it's simply a case of removing the full one and fitting an empty.You'll need a disposal bag for the full one which you can then place in a bin.A replacement colostomy bag can be folded up pretty small and it will fit in your pocket or bag easily. Changing nappies and cleaning up in a public restroom can be really awkward,trying to do it quietly is nigh on impossible. Link to comment
tspotters Posted November 29, 2014 Author Share Posted November 29, 2014 Thanks Stew! Link to comment
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