Hi, everyone. I had colon surgery October 19, 2011. I had to wait six months for my diseased colon to heal (about 8 inches had to be removed). My colostomy reversal surgery was done six weeks ago and I am healing, just problems with pinned up gas. One tip for colostomy wearers who are female: I always emptied and cleaned my bag on my knees in front of the toilet. I am short and it just did not work for me to sit on the toilet and do it. After my first surgery I was very depressed and cried a lot, had a lot of self-pity. I have always exercised and been able to control my weight. I put on about 25 pounds between my surgeries (6 months). However, I had quit smoking during this time also. I know my October surgery saved my life and I am grateful for my surgery and my surgeons. There is life after colon surgery, good luck and follow doctor's orders and do keep your sense of humor. My husband and I used to joke about us praying for poop, but our prayers were answered.

I had a colostomy done about 5 weeks ago and I am very appreciative of this article. It answered a few of the little nagging questions about care of the device. I will now carry an extra one with me. I also work in the medical profession. I fell, landing on my back, fracturing 3 ribs, and resulting in a diaphragmatic hernia with bowel in the chest. The surgery also required a chest tube for a pneumothorax. All resolved but now I still have, shall I say a bloated feeling, and only am able to eat smaller meals, but do use protein drinks and snacks in between with fluids. One definite necessity is to have a nurse (WIFE) to make you do all to get well.

Good article, happy to know that recovery from the reversal isn't as painful or time-consuming. Suggestion for cleaning the bag when away from home. After you unclamp the bag, fold it back on itself like a cuff. After you have emptied it, wipe off the new end, then unfold the cuff. At this point, I lay it on my leg and with the "male" side of the clip, scrape the residual back up the bag a little way. This keeps the end cleaner and keeps the clip from squeezing feces out. I would be careful about how much olive oil you put in it, because it will cause the adhesive patch to release. Also, DON'T use Alli for dieting purposes, because it really works! And it turns any fat you consume into liquid grease, and the adhesive won't work, AT ALL.

Mine started as a lower bowel resection for diverticulitis. The colon was reattached but began leaking, and a colostomy was performed. It was reversed three months later, but once the surgeon went back in, most of my colon had gone bad and required resection. Two years passed and three operations later, all seems well.

I have had a colostomy since 1988 as a result of cancer. There have been relatively few problems except for the occasional blow out and a few bowl obstructions. One that required surgery. The main issue was learning how to cope and accept that this was a permanent problem. A realization that I am going to have to learn how to live with it. I was only 46 years old, divorced, with 4 kids. This took a major adjustment to maintain my quality of life. I'm now 70. The whole key to getting through this ordeal is attitude and a sense of humor.

hello everyone I'm 31 years old and have had a colostomy since birth. There is time I fall down and cry. I have been wanting to have a baby, but no luck. Can you be pregnant and have a colostomy?

I have colon cancer and find out next week when surgery is. Because of where the tumor is almost positive of colostomy. I agree keep the sense of humor. These articles have helped immensely. I have no idea what I am in for, but I do expect to have the latest fashion accessory that everyone will want.

My brother had the operation (colostomy) 10-24-11. He now says he feels like a freak, he won't go anywhere because he says he always has a smell. He also was given 3 to 6 months to live. That was two months ago. I want to make him as happy as I can, I'd like to get him to go out. If anyone knows how to stop the smell from the mucus from his rectum, we appreciate your help.