The biopsy is booked! I had to change the date because they gave me less than a weeks notice and I couldn’t get the time off work, but it’s only a few weeks to wait. I’m hoping it’ll give me a diagnosis but, although I’m hoping it isn’t PSC, I’m not going to get my hopes up.

Another MRI!

I’ve got another one for my liver. This one is apparently meant to be a more precise scam so they can look at my liver in more detail. They still want to do the biopsy, I think, but I don’t have a date for that yet.

Dressing with an ostomy

One thing I’ve found since having my ostomy is that getting dressed isn’t as easy anymore; I have to be mindful of where my clothes sit over my bag/stoma.

I’ve found the biggest issue is trousers; I have several pairs of work trousers that I can’t wear any more due to them sitting too low to be comfortable over my bag but too high to sit under it. To solve this, I’ve turned to high-waisted trousers and skirts with elasticated waists. As for casual wear, I have found that most of my jeans will sit under my bag quite comfortably, except one pair that rubs the bottom of the adhesive just enough to worry me. It doesn’t create a hole but the last few times I’ve worn them I’ve noticed the edge of the flange has frayed slightly.

There’s also making sure that tops and dresses aren’t too tight over my bag as well but that’s why I try everything on before buying it.

Does anyone else have similar issues and if so, what have you found works for you?

It’s not really IBD/stoma related but I got myself a 3D pen (not very expensive) from amazon so I’d have something else I could do when I’m tired but can’t/don’t want to sleep. Usually I like to watch films but I find lately that I also need to be doing something else as well (playing games on my tablet, drawing, colouring ect).

It’s pretty easy to use and, although my first attempt at making a little butterfly didn’t quite come out as good as I’d hoped, I’m sure I’ll get better with practice. What do you guys do to help when you’re bored but are unable to do anything too strenuous?

Food!

I’ve been trying different foods recently. Not foods that I’ve never tried but foods that I haven’t eaten since having my stoma because I was advised against doing so for a while. Given it’s been nine months tomorrow since I had my surgery, I thought it was about time I started introducing more foods so the things I’ve found I can eat (but was advised not to) include beansprouts, soft carrots, green cabbage and sesame seeds. Bear in mind these are all in small amounts and I am no way saying that all ostomates will be ok with these foods. My point is that it’s ok to test what your body (and your stoma/s) can handle. Has anyone else found that they can eat something they were told not to? I’m actually really interested to know what other ostomates/IBD/IBS sufferers have been able to digest despite being to told to avoid it.

I survived my first Christmas as an ostomate!

(minor) TMI Warning!

I had some concerns about Christmas this year, all related to food and my bag. I know my family likes to make loads of food (enough to still have leftovers for at least two weeks) and I know it’s mostly meat and vegetables. Meat I’m fine with but I have had some issues with reintroducing vegetables to my diet. I’ve found, so far, that well-cooked carrots are ok in small doses and potatoes are ok when mashed or roasted. Most other veg I’ve not been brave enough to try just yet but I decided to give green cabbage a go today. It seemed to go through fine but, even though I took a loperomide before eating, my output was alot heavier this evening, so I’m making sure to drink plenty so as to avoid a blow out overnight.

I hope you’ve all had a good and safe winter holiday. And in case I don’t post before, happy new year.