Being an actor with an ileostomy

[true2hart]

I'm pursuing an acting career but not 100% comfortable because of my ostomy. I'm looking for some reassurance and tips on how I can navigate challenges that I may come across.

Some of the things I worry about:

* Needing to empty/change my bag and can't leave the set. The pouch getting larger/ballooning, especially if I'm wearing an outfit that doesn't hide this.
* The feeling of the bag on me when it starts to collect (afraid it will distract me from the job on-hand)
* Odor (those odor tablets / drops don't work for me)
* Leakage
* Scenes requiring no shirt (technically, I can just audition for parts that doesn't need the shirt to come off, or talk to the director about shooting me from certain angles)

They say we can live a full and active life, but I fear this life-restoring surgery may prevent me from this career.

[steiconi]

Here are some suggestions; some might be more useful than others.

1) Be really, really nice to the costumers. All actors should be nice to costumers, and I'm not just saying that because I used to be one. They can help camouflage issues and make you look good. Or they can make you look lumpy and lopsided. Be nice!
2) Talk to the director in advance about any potential issues.
3) Look for ways to control output, and use them when you'll be onstage. That might involve fasting or drugs; I'm rather vague on this.
4) Maybe live theater isn't the best choice for you, and television, movies, and commercials would allow more flexibility.
5) Search online for other actors with ileos. There may be a few who talk about it publicly and who might have suggestions.
6) choose roles with less time onstage.
7) wear undergarments that support your pouch so it's not so distracting.

[To Dream a Dream]

https://www.ostomy.org/news/
Welcome to our Discussion Board. Here's a link to the UOAA website that lists many personal stories of people from diverse occupations. You may wish to browse them to find fellow actors/actresses. I can't recall any specifically, but I have read about models who probably have encountered similar situations.
Many of your concerns are applicable to anyone out in the work force who may need certain considerations met to flourish in their profession. Is there an actor's guild that could provide guidance or info?
In the meanwhile, keep active here on our board. And best of luck in your chosen profession.

[ron in mich.]

Hi True i dont know about acting but i,ve had my ilieostomy for 30 some years and worked a 40+ hour job a week plus hobbies like fishing, hunting, trail riding, and also traveling by air and car.

[ileo73]

John Mahoney who played the father on Frasier had an ostomy.

[sandys]

As Bagboy noted in his recent post, Metamucil firms up stool so he only has to empty his bag four times a day.

[wrinky]

True I suspect many of your questions will be answered with time as you adjust and experiment with what works for you. I can say that over the last year with trial and error the bag is less intrusive to my life. Here are some things that worked for me but everyone is different:

I started taking fiber pills daily with success and fewer "surprises".
It becomes easier to empty the bag anytime a need arises. As a woman, I stand up to empty it as for me it is easier and takes very little time.
To address odors I found that a bag with an air filter saves me from embarrassing odors and also does not fill up like a balloon with air. I tried a few and found one that works best for me.
I found that if I empty it more often I don't really have issues with leaking but maybe that depends on what bag anyone is using. I use a smaller bag so that may be why it doesn't leak.
I also wear a bag that has no Flange or barrier ring so the bag is easier to hide under some carefully selected clothes. It is still noticeable if I wear a tighter top but low profile works best for me.

Experiment and see if you are able to adjust some things to feel more secure. Last year I was very stressed over how abnormal it all felt and some of the issues you have experienced but now I forget I even have a bag most times thanks to changes that worked for me.