After dealing with ulcerative colitis and having embarrassing accidents, it was time for an ileostomy. I was very nervous about it. I thought about what kind of clothes I will be able to wear, what will fit, and how to cover the ostomy pouch.
There is no guarantee you won’t have an accident or a blowout on occasion. If it happens don’t panic, just get yourself cleaned up and get on with your life. Always have extra supplies with you.
One of the most important factors is working with a wound nurse. Your wound nurse will help you get the best pouch for your unique situation. They will also teach you how to use it correctly. There are many products made by different companies. You wound nurse will guide you through a trial-and-error exercise to find the right one for you.
Usually, you will be given a list of foods to eat or not eat. Your body will let you know what you can tolerate.
The Heart of Iowa Ostomy Support Group is open to everyone and meets once a month. Everyone feels free to discuss problems, ask questions, and learn from each other.
Finally, I recommend subscribing to the Phoenix magazine it covers a lot of information and answers lots of questions people ask about life with an ostomy.