Colonoscopy Bag

[jennyjoan]

Neighbour/friend has just rung saying she knows that colonostopy bag operation is near and is very nervous.

But you know with all this Covid delay - it would be aeons away.

My cousin's husband has one for years but has got by so wonderfully.

She has loads of children (older) and the fact she has rung me - I know she is very worried. any advice out there - she is into third impaction this two weeks although dealing with it herself.

[EdmundD]

Do you mean colostomy?

[Mamyalynne]

Anyone would be nervous about a Colostomy, most people cope well once they get into a routine.

[naomi24]

Tell her to contact the Colostomy Association. They will help her and answer any questions she may have. I’m sorry I can’t post a link but if you google you’ll easily find it.

[Peter Pedant]

They have teams in hospital who cover this sort of thing. she wont be left with a load of plastic and told to get on with it.

very different if it is a colostomy or ileostomy - honestly this is covered in Hospital and advice from walk-ins at Lidl's isnt much good.

[EdmundD]

She will be under the care of an experienced team that will have handled many cases like hers.

If she wants a source for info the link below is very good. They have many useful factsheets and booklets.

https://www.colostomyuk.org/information/

[naomi24]

Thanks for posting the link, Edmund. She will of course get lots of advice in hospital but she needs help to allay her fears now.

[EdmundD]

Colostomy UK also has a Facebook group which she could join (if she uses Facebook). People talk about their experiences, seek advice etc.

[Mamyalynne]

That's the best way to share tips and hints that are up to date, my experiences are years old and no doubt now much has improved.

[~Wingnut~]

Hi! Slightly different but my husband has a urostomy and we found his urostomy nurse (will be the same nurse for a colostomy too)to be really good and helpful. I have also found being a member of urostomy groups on Facebook to be a wonderful world of good hints and tips and really good support too. I’m sure it would be the same for colostomy Facebook groups.

[AB Editor]

Hi jj, I had a colostomy bag (an ileostomy rather than colostomy) for five months, many years ago. There is so much support available online, including Facebook groups and other websites. Colostomy UK has already been mentioned but I'd also suggest Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association: https://iasupport.org/ They have a forum for asking questions as well. People will have different experiences with a colostomy bag but I'd recommend her talking to someone who has been through it, either online or in person, to get some reassurance. Also, the hospital will have stoma nurses specially trained to help through the whole process and beyond - and in my experiences, these people are a godsend.

If you or your friend has any specific questions or worries I'll be happy to try to answer based on my experience. Sending best wishes to her.

[jennyjoan]

thanks AB