Monthly Archives: November 2011

Bag Blowout

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Ben

First time I’ve had an appliance failure at the office, and this one was doozy. Long story short, it wasn’t any fun, but I handled it and survived. Of greater concern are the two full-fledged bowel movements I had through … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Ben

Reading this blog and my litany of complications and complaints, it may not seem like it, but I have an awful lot to be thankful for this year. My health. Although I certainly have had my troubles since my first surgery, … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | 1 Comment

The Plan

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Ben

I met with my surgeon (and nurse) yesterday to evaluate my current status (and pending return to work) and come up with a plan going forward. Not surprisingly, she was not thrilled with how the wound around my stoma looks … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

No Gnews is Good Gnews

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Ben

Not much to report today. Status quo. Maybe some improvement. Looking forward to meeting with my surgeon tomorrow.

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Stoma Stories, Episode 15: Not Any Worse

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Ben

I had another home nurse visit today to take a look at my stoma and wound healing. The troublesome right-side wound did not look any worse, but it also didn’t look much better. The skin remains raw and extremely sensitive/painful … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Stoma Stories, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Stoma Stories, Episode 14: Two Steps Back

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Ben

Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, I noticed what appeared to be a small leak from under my appliance wafer. Not wanting to chance anything overnight, I ate a bunch of marshmallows and collected the necessary materials … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Stoma Stories, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Things I Like: Healing (Stoma Stories, Episode 13)

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ben

I just finished changing my appliance with my home nurse, and if I was uncertain last time, there’s no doubt now: My stoma incision wound is healing! The left side is nearly closed with healthy pink skin. The right side … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Stoma Stories, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Things I Hate: Mucus

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Ben

I continue to struggle with mucus release from my J-Pouch. As I’ve described before, I frequently get a sensation like I need to release something from my J-Pouch (which is currently sitting dormant as all waste is diverted to my … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Good Night’s Sleep

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Ben

It’s been a long time coming, but I finally got a good night’s sleep. I was still up several times during the night, but I didn’t struggle for hours with the pain or mucus and I was mercifully able to … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, J-Pouch, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Stoma Stories, Episode 12: “That’s OK.”

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Ben

My home nurse arrived shortly after my most recent posts went live and therefore caught the full brunt of my emotions. “I’m over it.” “I’ve been in pain for four months.” “I don’t care.” “I’m in a negative place today … Continue reading →

Posted in Ileostomy, Stoma Stories, Surgery, Ulcerative Colitis | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments