IBD, ostomy, life and me!

I am often trying out new products ... Particularly pouches. I try a range, find one I like and stick with it for a while then I find out about some other new or improved product so give that a go. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Ostomy companies are generally happy to give out free samples in the hope that they will get your custom... It's like any business.... Up until now I have researched and tried out products off my back because I wanted to, there has only been personal reasons for this, I have begun to post short feedback on the website as I feel this might help others. Back in April I received an email from a lady, Mathilde, from Coloplast in Denmark who had read the "Toilets, trees and other things" post that was shared on the Ostomyland website. Mathilde asked if I would be interested in in reviewing Coloplast's Brava Lubricating Deodorant. Mathilde explained that this product helps to eliminate the odour from ostomy pouches, as well as preven...

I've been thinking a great deal recently about what happens next.....  When I had my initial emergency op the surgeon left my rectal stump in, just in case I wanted to have a "j - pouch" created. The J pouch is an option that basically joins the end of the small intestine to the rectum and creates a small holding pouch so that essentially you can regain "normal" bowel function. I have never fancied this as a realistic option. There are several reasons.... Mainly because initially you return to having to go to loo several times a day! No thanks ... It's not for me although I know it's a great option for many people. However as I don't want this operation I have to have my rectal stump removed! Why? Well essentially as it is not used now it is a dead organ. While it is inside me there is a gradually increasing risk of it becoming diseased again, or developing cancerous cells. At the moment it is fine, although I still get a very small amount of mucus ...

Waking up from my colon removal I entered a whole new world of appliances, delivery companies, "lingerie", prescriptions and support garments. My first challenge beyond getting out of bed, was to discover the contents of my "black bag" which the hospital stoma nurses guided me through - pouches, wipes,  adhesive removal sprays, scissors. All inhibitions, if I had any left after a week of using a commode were soon banished with a nurse watching me learn to empty my bag, and then change it.  To be fair... It's not rocket science....spray to release the stick, wet wipes to clean, dry wipes to dry, barrier wipes to protect and bag on. Oh and use the template that the nurse has made to cut the whole to exactly the right size! I was fairly determined to get home, particularly after I was moved onto a ward and I knew they weren't going to let me out until I could do this on my own. After two and a half nights in my private room being moved onto the ward ...