My sister (who is only 21) suffers badly from arthritis and Crohns disease, she has just been told that she will need an operation in the next week or two, they are going to fit her with a colostomy bag which she will have for life. She is obviously upset, i was just wondering if anyone else had this procedure or knows someone who has? as we dont really know what to expect or how it will change her life.
This has been the worst day in a very long time
xx
There is nothing so sweet in life, as loves young dream!
CommentAuthorMrs (Dove) Pidgeon
Can't give any advice but she sounds like a brave girl!
Now a extremely happy German housewife and now a Mother!!!!
Islay Jean born 24th June in Hannover.
CommentAuthorGeordie_Nikki
Agreed with Dove, I read something about getting one them bags fitted yesterday (but was a diff situation) something to do with her bowel's not making movements and had exploded inside so the bag was to replace it.
CommentAuthorL JO
My ex boss had crohns disease and had to wear a bag he used to joke about it saying at least he never had to worry about finding a toilet, also the old lady I clean for has one and I know she has to be very carefull what she eats and drinks nothing fizzy or citrisy I think once you have got into the routine of changing the bag etc you can live a normal life xx
CommentAuthorCheryl22
yeah she cant eat alot of things at the moment anyways - but she is getting a food plan so she eliminate what food causes her the most discomfort x
There is nothing so sweet in life, as loves young dream!
I'm on placement at a gastro ward right now. Colostomies can take a while to adjust to, but most people get used to them quite quickly and manage with the bags. The bags have a filter on them of charcoal through which the wind goes. The charcoal takes away the smell, and you can't tell if people have them just from looking (unless they're naked). You can get tiny wee bags so that the colostomy isn't obvious during s.ex or when wearing a bikini etc. I'm still learning, but let me know if there is anything you want to know. Thinking of your sister, Rosi x
CommentAuthorMrs Daltry
awww im sorry im no help here,,but im sure shel get throught it,,just be there when she needs you and most of all listen to her x~x~x
CommentAuthoralibum
Am very sorry for you sister, my late grandad had suffered from crohns all his life but he nver had to have a colostomy bab but he did have some of his stomach removed. i have looked after people in the past who had colostomy bags and i learned to look after them pretty quickly. i really feel for you sister as she must be really suffering to have all these things at such a young age.xx
CommentAuthormrs pinkalice
my dad's friend has a colostomy bag and you would never know he had it by looking at him. I dont know him too well so I couldn't say about the effect its had on his life but i think it took a lot of time to adjust. I really hope everything is ok make sure you look after her :) xx
CommentAuthorSuzi
My cousin suffered for many years with Crohn's disease hun! In and out of hospital all the time having parts of his intestines removed, he went through hell, then they fitted the bag and it changed his life, for the better! I know it must be awful for a young woman to have to go through this but it has to be better than the pain they go through! I wish they had eased my cousins pain alot sooner than they did so that he could live his life to the fullest for a lot longer than he did, as a year after they gave him the bag he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and died last January! My cousin never had any luck, if it wasn't one thing it was another! Morale of the story.. The bag should change her life for the better! In the year that my cousin was at his best he had a gorgeous baby boy after being told he couldn't have children! I hope you all come through this stronger hun! There is lots of support out there for her and the family should you need it! x x
Do not disturb... Already disturbed enough!
CommentAuthorClaire Sky
sending lots of love xxx sorry no advice xxxxxxxxx
CommentAuthorMrsHoward2B
Hi Cheryl, I was diagnosed with Crohns in 2002, so although I don't have a bag...I know exactly what it is like living with the condition. I have had 52cm of my intestines removed (I also had surgery for an abscess on the bowel) and am on meds every day. I would say that although it seems horrible now for her to have to go through this, in the long run a bag is actually the best way - as so many of the symptoms that she will suffer from now will disapear, its just a case of learning a new way of life and adjusting. As per some of the comments above, you can get bags specifically for swimming or excercising, my one piece of advice on that front (as per a friend of mine who has got a bag) is to go for it as soon as you can and not to shy away from these activities, as the quicker you do them the less worried she will be about them.
If i can be of any help at all then please message me.
xx
CommentAuthorCupCake
My sister was married to someone with crohns, and I have a friend that has it too. I know it's not nice but I agree with MrsHoward2b, she will feel much better once she's had the op and got used to it. Sending you (((hugs))) just keep things positive and I'm sure everything will go to plan. xx
