Re-Introduction and Emptying Question

[The Burn]

Hi. I'm Russell. I was an active member here almost a decade ago when I got my Ken butt and ileostomy due to Stage 3 rectal cancer (an an 18-year history of UC). Whatever complications I've had over the years, I've dealt with, although not always happily

I've had a peristomal hernia for several years that has contributed to a few full obstructions and a range of shorter term ones. I'm having that repaired on Thursday, along with a small hiatal hernia that I wasn't even aware of until my CT earlier this year. While they're in there, they will doing some exploratoration on possible adhesions.

The other reasons I was going forward with this surgery was the fact that my stoma would be re-sited. I was hoping for a lower placement because with my size/shapes and the height of my stoma, my pouch doesn't clear the top of a toilet seat (nor does it really reach my belt line when standing). For the last 10 years, I've been kneeling in front of the toilet at home and squatting in public restrooms to empty my pouch. At 56, both of those actions are getting slightly more difficult but I see the writing on the wall.

Well, i met with the ostomy nurse today and she explained and showed me why we can't go any lower really because of how my flange would likely cut into me when sitting down and how the skin barrier would end up in a crease and possibly cause leakage.

So now I'm trying to find other solutions for emptying. I can't use the longer, high output pouches because my output is not always liquid. Somethings don't digest at all and sometimes my output is thick. I don't think I can use disposable closed end pouches because I empty so much I don't think Medicare would cover enough. The other option the nurse thought of was the liners. I've never tried them and I have no idea how hard/easy to use they are or how cost prohibitive it might be. What I really want is to invent a standing toilet that would be waist height

Any and all thoughts would be welcome.

TIA

[ot dave]

I haven't sat on the toilet to empty a pouch in so long, that I don't remember stopping! I agree that squatting in front of the toilet would get more difficult as time progresses. The solution that works for me, and I have a two torn medial menisci in my knees, is to perform kind of a lunge in front of the toilet. My stoma is on the left side, so what I do is stand in front of the toilet, my left foot goes back, and then I lunge with my right foot to the side of the toilet to the point that it is comfortable enough to empty the pouch. Still not as good as a waist high toilet, but it is better than squatting! Hope that helps some.

David

[SeaQuest]

What type of bag are you using? I have an ileostomy (for 7 years now), and I remember well the preferred bag the hospital stuck on me when I had my surgery. Laying in the bed it worked fine, but the adhesive part was thick and had no give in it at all. I told the doctors/nurses that it was like having a license plate stuck on my abdomen. My stoma is very close to level with my navel so it's positioning definitely requires flexibility of the appliance (or a flatter stomach). There's no way I could have ever bent over/sat while wearing what the hospital had provided. Before I had left the hospital, I had already begun receiving samples from other vendors. I use the Sensura Mio because of how flexible the back is. I sometimes kneel, sometimes hover, and sometimes just sit when using the toilet. Any of the methods allows for plenty of clearance to "deposit" without getting on anything on the toilet seat.

SeaQuest

[steiconi]

I don't understand why thick output means you can't use longer pouches. Does it pancake?

Aside from that, is there room by your toilet for a stool? Skooch the stool up close, with the toilet between your knees. I do this when irrigating. Maybe use one of those stool canes for when you're away from home.