Hi all,

Please bear with this rambling message. My mom, in her late 60's, has had a
colostomy since 7/03 and has not come to accept it. I know it is an individual
thing as to how long it takes someone to process such a life change, but I'm
hoping I can help her with some questions. First, she doesn't have a computer,
so it's not likely she would ever join this listserv. Second, she's a very
private person and not much of a joiner to begin with, especially in this
situation, though she has subscribed to a newsletter that contains information.

The main issue that plagues her daily is an excessive amount of gas. I know gas
is an issue for all ostomates, but hers has not improved with ANY of the OTC
(Maalox, bean-o, Gas-x) or even prescription medicines her doctor gave her
(unfortunately, I don't know the names of the latter at this point). She has
tried not eating certain foods, but no matter what she eats....tons of gas. And,
for some reason, she doesn't want the bag with a release valve (can anyone
describe the pros and cons of this so I can understand her point of view?) She
has had at least 2 instances where the bag exploded, one of them in a store, the
other in the car. She has been scarred by this and, as a result, will not eat
before going to a movie, for example (though she normally eats frequently...I
read that skipping meals can cause gas). Afterwards, they go to a restaurant and
she wants to go home immediately afterwards. This is a quality of life issue
that I hope she can overcome even a little in the future.

The other question is in regards to travelling in a car long distances where
there are no bathroom facilities available. Is this a situation that can be
overcome easily or is it just as well she not make such a trip? She doesn't want
to be off in the woods somewhere dealing with the bag.

Thanks, in advance,
Diana

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