I was diagnosed with crohn's disease about 25 years ago. I was sick for about a month thinking it was the flu. My doc admitted me into the hospital where they thought I would die because I was so dehydrated but I pulled thru. I'd never heard of crohn's before and was told a lot of miss - information, but it was a long time ago. After a few years of flare-ups, I went 10 years of no problems. Then I started getting sick all the time. I started taking Remicade and did well but due to government bungles, had to stop. Because of the constant flare-ups, my g.e recommended I get an ilieostomy. For most people, it's a life saver, for me it was a disaster. I haven't been able to work since. I'm in constant pain and have to go to the hospital on a regular basis due to scar tissue. My bowel closes off at the stoma and I have to wait for hours for it to untwist. Also, I had never noticed a problem with bandages before. On my arm or leg it wasn't an issue. But after the surgery, I found out I was allergic to adhesive. The skin under the flange is always raw and when I have to change it, the skin pulls off and it's so painful I leave it longer than I should between changes.
I'm sorry this is rambling and sounds like I'm looking for pity, but I just want other people to know, who are considering this, it's probably a good thing to do but check to be sure you aren't allergic to adhesive and you have a good surgeon. Mine was supposed to be good, but he had me on the table for 10 hours instead of the 5 it should have been and my stoma is flush with my stomach so I'm forced to sleep sitting up or it leaks, which has caused arthritis in my spine. I don't want to scare anyone from having the surgery, but I want people to know some of risks they don't think to warn you about. Thanks for reading.
I'm sorry this is rambling and sounds like I'm looking for pity, but I just want other people to know, who are considering this, it's probably a good thing to do but check to be sure you aren't allergic to adhesive and you have a good surgeon. Mine was supposed to be good, but he had me on the table for 10 hours instead of the 5 it should have been and my stoma is flush with my stomach so I'm forced to sleep sitting up or it leaks, which has caused arthritis in my spine. I don't want to scare anyone from having the surgery, but I want people to know some of risks they don't think to warn you about. Thanks for reading.
