Anybody switch from colostomy to ileostomy?

[michaelm7001]

Had a colostomy 10 months for rectal dysfunction (no IBD). But just works like...crap. I'm sick all the time and ended up with hernia.

Doc wants to use same location but switch to ileostomy? Also, due to hernia, might have to switch sides.

Really hate to give up the convenience of the colostomy, virtually zero maintenance. Concerned about the added issues of an ileostomy.

[To Dream a Dream]

Hi Michael: I think a lot may depend on how much small bowel you still have left. (Your surgeon should know about that.) You might want to visit the UOAA website (ostomy.org) for comparisons of these two types of diversions.
And please keep posting here. We have many members with experience of both.

[To Dream a Dream]

Michael: I just read your other post & here is a link to the UOAA website: https://www.ostomy.org/
If you check out their menu under 'Latest' category, they have many stories about athletes who have undergone ostomy surgery. If I'm not mistaken ('am getting on in years), a recent one was about a young lady who competes in Martial Arts. I think the article stated she has an ileostomy.

[Angelee]

I have had both a colostomy and an ileostomy(neither by choice) I had the colostomy for five months and the ileostomy for eight. Ater a while I was able to manage the colostomy up to a point. I did not have to get up during the night to empty the bag. The ileostomy was another matter. Even though I would eat dinner early and did not consume liquids before bed I would have to empty the bag during the night. Also it was constantly filling up with gas. I found it to be much more difficult to manage.I also developed a hernia after the colostomy closure and it looks like I have a hernia where the ileostomy was as well. I hope this information is helpful.

[Diane C]

Hi Michael,

I can post again with more details if you want them. Yes, I switched and didn't really want to but also developed a hernia. I was IRRIGATING which could make a colostomy so much easier to handle but had other issues. I did think an ileostomy would be far easier to handle and in MY case (we're all different), this has not proved to be the case. I agree with Angelee. Leakage has been an issue but I THINK I've a handle on that now. Pancaking is a big challenge for me... where stool collects around the stoma under the pouch. Today, in fact, I'm going back to using Brava's lubricating deoderant in my high-output pouch. That's not to say the output is often firm or solid. It's definitely mixed with a very liquid output so I use an absorbing material at the bottom of my pouch called "Diamonds" or "Pearls" or "Para-Absorb" -- depending on the manufacturer.

Agree -- wisest course of action is to discuss with a surgeon you TRUST. I've never heard of a stoma for a colostomy being placed where the stoma is for an ileostomy but I guess it depends where your initial stoma was placed.

Let us know if you need more info. "It depends" on your situation if a colostomy or an ileostomy presents more challenges. Good luck!

Diane C

[fapope]

I have had both prior to my eventual reversal and yes the Ileostomy was on the old colostomy site. With the Colostomy, I sorted out most of my skin/bag problems. So when the Ileostomy eventuated I didn't have too many problems. I did experience some leakage and burning/irritation around the stoma which was principally solved by using a stoma adhesive paste. I also developed a routine of warming and drying my stoma skin and the bag base plate with a hair drier to enhance adhesion.