Hi Diana,
Gas is a problem for me. I like to eat certain foods that cause it. I have
found though 2 things that do cause gas that you didn't mention, and may not
have even thought about. Soda pop with carbonation, any carbonation makes
my gas ten times worse. Also, being nervous also causes tons of gas. I
have found that the more nervous a situation makes me,then the gas starts.
And of course, in some cases, the more gas I get the more nervous I get,
thus a vicious cycle. One thing you may want to talk to your Dr. about is
something to calm her nerves. It just may help. You didn't say if she
drinks a lot of soda pop. Also, iced liquids cause gas. I am an RN, and we
tell our post-op patients that they will get more gas pains if they drink
ice water. I also use a 2 piece appliance, so I can "burp" it, like
tupperware.
As far as dealing with the bag in the woods, I would say unless she is a
very experienced ostomate, DON'T attempt that. There are disposable toilet
containers in most camping supply stores. Very handy for on the road. The
small packages of kleenexes do nicely for toilet paper also.
I hope maybe this will help.
Jacy

-------Original Message-------

From: Diana Russell
Date: 05/16/05 22:56:17
To: peopleswithostomy2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [peoples with ostomy2] New Member & Questions

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

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




Yahoo! Groups Links

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/peopleswithostomy2/

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
peopleswithostomy2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]