This video from Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, Laura Cox, is all about keeping it real. While Laura is grateful for her surgery and the life it has given her, there are still things that irritate her about the process of wearing a bag (sometimes literally!) and other aspects of living with an ostomy. Check out Laura’s video to find out how she handles these issues.
Click here to view Laura’s video with tips about how to dress to help conceal your ostomy pouch.
Laura goes through eight issues that she still encounters, including: occasional leaks, her reliance on supplies, worry about her pouch being visible, making the swimsuit decision, abdominal adhesions, leg abrasions, explaining dietary restrictions, and the concept of “you don’t look sick.” She also addresses how she deals with these things so that they go from concerning issues to minor annoyances.
Want to watch this video with subtitles? You can find that option when you watch this video on YouTube.
Check out these articles and videos for more of Laura Cox and tips about living well with an ostomy:
- Intimacy and Ostomies
- Sleeping with An Ostomy Video
- Choosing the Right Ostomy Products
- About Laura Cox, Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist
- Intestinal Blockages (with link to video)
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Now that summer is here, may I swim in a pool? If so, will my ostomy bag be affected by chlorine in the water?
Laura I listened to what you said about living with a osteomy I agree sometimes it’s a inconvenience but like you said better with it than dead. All the things you talked about I have gone through as well But I ALWAY remember how sick I was before surgery. And glad to be here today. I have 2 sons healthy and know all about me. I’m only open when I have to be other wise I tell no one . Anyway you are beautiful and so happy you are doing well. Keep up the good work
Sandy, this is so true! It is definitely beneficial to reflect and be grateful to the ostomy for allowing us to still be here and live our lives! I’m so glad your sons have their mother here to love and support them, and also show them what it means to be resilient and optimistic!
Thanks, Laura. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but your early video with your Mom when changing your pouch convinced me to get my ileostomy (due to UC). Best decision I’ve ever made. But I share some of your concerns. I, too, worry about the dependency on supplies, and always keep a well-stocked supply cabinet. And I can’t get over the fact that I was so incredibly sick, even tho now I’m feeling so great. I’ve been lucky to channel my energy, and I’m now an Ostomy Advocate connected to the WOCN team at our local hospital. I meet with patients before they go home from the hospital, and it’s so great to see their eyes light up when they see me and realize that they, too, can finally be well and feel good. You continue to be a great inspiration.
Oh my gosh, Susan, thank you so much for sharing! Hearing your testimonial makes everything I do seem so worth it! Sometimes it’s easy to forget you’re making an impact when you’re behind a camera! That is amazing that you are now an advocate who meets with new patients! I’m sure you are so hope-instilling for them! I’m happy to hear you’re feeling well, and I hope that continues! Truly, thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Today was the 7th day without any solid in the pouch, and then it exploded all at once resulting in a blowout. Nasty. Is there a prefered diet or food I should not eat.
Hi Norman, sorry to hear about your blowout! They’re never fun. That’s a great question! I think one of the things that has helped me is eating smaller meals more often, instead of 3 large meals a day. This way, output is expelled throughout the day, instead of all at once. I would also ask your doctor next time you see him or her! I will do some research and try to write a blog post on it!
I hope your day turned around!
Love this authentic sharing!!!! I have all the same concerns. Leaks, supplies, bathing suit, food, honoring what I’ve been thru! Great job Laura. Thank you.
PS Any videos/blogs re: sex and intimacy?
Hi Kristin, thank you for your input! I love the “honoring what I’ve been through” piece. It is so important to acknowledge and even pull strength from the adversities we’ve faced!
Here is a blog about intimacy I wrote a while ago: http://www.shieldhealthcare.com/community/ostomylife/2015/08/26/intimacy-and-an-ostomy/
I hope you’re happy and healthy!
I’m having problems with a lot of blockages lately. We live in an area that doesn’t have an ostomy nurse
Hi Janice. Thank you for your comment. Laura has both an article and a video about dealing with blockages. We hope you have been able to resolve them. Best of luck. -Aimee, Shield HealthCare