I didn’t have a colostomy but I did have a temporary ileostomy for several months between surgeries. I don’t know if you have any bowel re-sectioning done but depending on what’s going on it may be an option. I don’t thick it is really a great idea to have Doc’s cut out feet of your guts but in 2002 I had a foot of my small intestine removed then later a foot of my large. I had three surgeries spaced out about six months apart which was bad having them open you from the sternum to down below but the benefit may be worth it? I will not allow it to take place again though. Re-sectioning are like bandaids mine bought me six years of pretty good heath and minimal pain but now my time is up. The Crohn’s reforms where they cut the bowel it’s just a matter of when, for me six years. I was young as well when I had my ileostomy, about 21yr old. The most difficult thing dealing with it was my pride. It was hard for me to try and be young macho man worrying about this apparatus. I will briefly give you my downsides: like Signs said the noises can be awkward, your skin around the opening will occasionally get very chaffed and if you are like me you might get self conscience about a lot more things. Now the positive! You never have to run to the restroom again!!! It didn’t change my wardrobe to much. You would be surprised at how not using the restroom real is kind of great. The cramping reduced in an amazing way because I was only using a portion of my digestive tract.

As for other options I don’t really know what you have tried yet but after dealing with it for 20 yrs I would imagine you have tried more than a thing or two. My only advise is don’t be afraid if you choose the ostomy option, I graduated college as a recreation major and am an avid outdoors man and if I could get past my pride having a bag would minimally change my lifestyle. Best wishes!

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