Question My aunt just came home from the hospital on Friday after a colostomy (as well as 2 other surgeries). As she is legally blind this will be a big challenge for her going forward. Do you have any resources you might recommend in a situation such as hers? She lives in the Sutton Ontario…
Question I’ve noticed that I lost 6 pounds overnight. I know the scales are accurate. I could feel it in my clothes as well. How is this possible? Is this common? Response Regardless of the type of ostomy or bowel diversion, it is not typical to experience a 6-pound weight loss overnight. Having said…
Question I’ve had an ostomy for about 5 years but in the last 3 months, the skin under and around the ostomy bag just doesn’t want to stay healed. It’s in a constant state of “red and weeping” or “dry, scabby and peeling”. If I get a handle on it, this doesn’t last. I use…
Question I am 84 yrs. old. I have an ileostomy which I have had for about 29 years, on my right side. A skin sag has developed about one inch below the stoma and is causing adhesion problems for my appliance. I use ConvaTec SUR-FIT Natura Stomahesive Flexible wafer REF 125264. I use Coloplast Brava…
Question I was operated on in January and have had no difficulty with my appliances (Hollister), except, most evenings it fills up with more air than urine and I need to empty about every 45 minutes. Is this normal and is there any way to prevent it from happening? Response Your night system should…
Question I got my ileostomy in December 2019 and can’t seem to get the flange attached so it doesn’t leak. I have had home care, I have watched videos, I have tried ConvaTec, Hollister, Coloplast and it doesn’t seem to matter. I have used 8 in the last 8 days. I am afraid to go…
Question I have had an ileostomy for over 15 years now. I have most recently been having very very high watery output several times a day. I am concerned about dehydration and have been consuming diluted electrolyte drinks. I have been hospitalized with very low and nondetectable levels of magnesium in the past, as a…
Question I would like to receive your magazine. Response The Ostomy Canada magazine is filled with important information, amazing personal stories, inspirational tales of struggles and triumphs, useful ostomy information, and much more… The magazine is designed for people living with an ostomy, by people living with an ostomy, and for people not living…
Question I received a permanent ileostomy in March 2019 and am now receiving the Ontario Assistive Devices Program grant every 6 months. Today I was using a software tax program for my 2019 taxes and I received an alert, from the program, that I may be eligible for a Disability Tax Credit. Until today I…
Question Can you direct me to resources for what to buy someone to help with recovery after getting their ostomy bag? Any information on things that would help the person while they recover and make recovery easier would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!! Response There is a multitude of resources that you will want…
Question My Dad is recovering well from his November 2019 Ostomy. Being very active, he’s seeking a belt that we cannot find anywhere. The only belts seen are very basic. He’s reluctant to buy online, sight unseen.Any ideas where to locate? Any help is appreciated. Response Before purchasing an ostomy support belt/stoma guard, I…
Question I’ve had a J-Pouch for 22 years, with chronic pouchitis. I’ve been on Cipro for many years and have regular anal and top-end j-pouch strictures that need dilating. Long story short, my j-pouch is not working well and I’ve been quite sick for three months. My gastroenterologist tells me that my best (and probably…
Question I have just recently undergone colostomy surgery and on my 3rdweek of recovery. During the first week, the stoma nurse at the hospital applied the ostomy bag, and the seal seemed to work wonderfully. Since I have been home I am constantly having an issue trying to ensure that the fit and seal are…
Question I’ve learned that in Europe, hernia support belts with holes for the pouch are generally not recommended and are actually uncommon. The reverse seems to be true in North America. The argument against holes is that they recreate the situation that gave rise to the hernia in the first place and can make…
Question I’m having a terrible time with chronic wet red fungal infections. I have tried crusting but it didn’t really help. Tinactin is pretty good – it slows the onset but I still end up with it. I have heard Arglaes can help but I don’t know if or how to properly use it. Can…
