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Any gardening Ostomates out there?

2

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  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    edited 4 January
    Thanks @kate.james58, I remember the info being in the pack I left hospital with, it seemed very uncomfortable so didn’t pursue it at the time.  Maybe things have improved in the last 20 years 😂
    It can be a problem deciding how to time meals in advance of a trip @Lyn, as the output from an ileostomy is pretty much constant or it is for me anyway!  It’s the same during the night as it doesn’t stop then and sleeping in a strange bed is a worry in case of accidents too 🤞😳. You have to laugh …🤨
  • kate.james58kate.james58 Posts: 198
    @Bluejayway I think an ileostomy is more difficult than a colostomy. I irrigate, which means I don't get output in between, but it doesn't always work. And trying to do it in a strange bathroom is difficult - in my own bathroom I know exactly where I put everything. But I don't think you can irrigate an ileostomy?
    And of course eating strange food when you are away is just the thing to upset it!

    Cheshire
  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    No, unfortunately, @kate.james58, there’s no irrigation possible, an ileostomy is like having the runs permanently.  Different foods have different effects as well but the overall  result is a risk of dehydration.  If I feel a little light-headed or even a bit achy sometimes, I take a small amount of salt and am usually ok again.  I was never warned about this but without a colon you tend to lose most of the salt that you’d normally store.

  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I didn’t mean timing the meals,  just watching what you eat,  
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    I know what you mean @Lyn but I've also found that a form of fasting can be helpful too.  There's quite a fine balance really.  However it's approached I've found that it's simply easier to stay at home :D
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    I wouldn’t recommend that for your health reason,  you will get used to it,  it will settle into a routine,   My mum knew the time it would work and provided we didn’t go out very early,  she could have a day out without worry,  providing she hadn’t had foods like onions, prunes or anything like that,  which would affect most people in the same way.  

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    Thanks @Lyn, it's 20 years now and after a lot of experimentation I'm still sometimes caught off guard :D As long as I know where the loos are it's OK, going somewhere new is a bit scary.  We've had a few day trips by coach since we moved to Wales and that's been OK as there's a loo on the coach although I don't fancy the small space it's in :D:D
  • kate.james58kate.james58 Posts: 198
    @Bluejayway, I also find it easier to stay at home. I'm going on the train in a couple of weeks to see my daughter for her birthday, and also to see her new home which she moved into with her boyfriend last September. It will be the first time I've gone, and I'm quite worried about it, but only staying 3 nights so hopefully will be ok. I also have problems with my bladder, so I really need to know where the nearest loo is.
    Cheshire
  • BluejaywayBluejayway Posts: 392
    It can be really difficult to push ourselves out of our comfort zone @kate.james58.  The chances are that all will be well, I wonder if the extra prep and plans we need to make to be ready for any eventuality (and the advance worrying) ensures that nothing will go wrong 🤞👍 You have a lovely trip and enjoy the time with your daughter 😀
  • kate.james58kate.james58 Posts: 198
    Thank you @Bluejayway, will do. I was actually supposed to go for Christmas but the cat had 3 teeth out on 21/12 so I had to look after him.
    Cheshire
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