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I am 27 y.o. and was diagnosed with CD in May and since then have been on a multitude of medications including Prednisone (60mg), Pentasa, Lomotil, Bentyl, Remicade, Nexium, and many others.  I recently was admitted into the hospital due to small bowel obstruction for 23 days during which time I was on TPN and underwent a small bowel resection (approx 9 inches).  Unfortunately, my anastamosis ruptured began leaking into my peritoneum, causing me to become septic, requiring an emergency exploratory laparotomy.  Surgeons had to resect more of my small and large intestines, clamp off my large intestine, and create a temporary iliostomy because they felt my healing would be hindered by the large amount of steroids in my system. 

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

Thank you to all of those who have shared their personal stories and advice!  It really means the world to me to have a community to share things with!

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

Hi!  I'm sorry to hear of your intimacy troubles.  Have you considered talking with a counselor to help you accept your ileostomy?

I had an ileostomy for eight weeks when I had my colon removed becase of UC.  The ileostomy did not bother me nor did it bother my husband during intimate moments.

However, I did feel more attractive and "normal" after purchasing a great garment from ostomysecrets.com.  This company has some great products to hide and support the ostomy bag during intimate times.  The garments are made of soft, feminine fabrics with feminine details.

Give ostomysecrets.com a try.  I hope this helps.  Best wishes to you.

Ange

PS - Rest assured, I do not work for ostomysecrets, I'm just a very satisfied customer.  :)

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

I was diagnosed 16 years ago....had many ups and downs and eventually lost most of my colon.  Had a bag for 18 months and didn't do to well with it.  Intimacy, even after 27 plus years of marriage was tough on me, however my husband was fine with my new attire.  I think I put more emphasis on my body image than I did with feeling better.  I eventually had it reversed but now 5 years later I will probably being going back to the bag.  With my fistula being so bad it has totally ruined all intimacy, so now the bag is starting to look good.  My husband is so supportive and patient, I guess I can give up some of my personal body image problems and focus my attention on his body.  Good luck to you. Remember....for better or worse, sicker or poorer. 

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

I can feel your pain I too had a tempary Iliostomy and I am only 32 and was single and started dating while I had the bag.At first yes it hard to get us to, but that will change once you get more comfortable with it. If you do have them they sell small bags for just this reason. Also having a ostomy belt helps too. I know it is not always easy to plan when you might have sex but with a bag planning is helpful. I also found wearing something new and sexy helped me feel sexy and take my mind off the bag.

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

Hi!  I am 29 years old and I totally understand how you are feeling.  I was hospitalized on and off for a year; last year and had a hole in my colon and started going septic, I had a colostomy bag for about 6 months.&; At first I was very emotional as well.  Unlike you, I am not married I am single and boy did this put a cramp in my dating life!  But I can give you a few tips around it.  Well one thing is that alot of lingerie can hide your bag, you can still look sexy and have a colostomy bag.  I had an intimate relationship with someone I was dating at the time, and I told him about it, and he seemed to understand.  I never showed it to him, and I always had some time of lingerie on but the sex was still pretty good!  I also looked at the bag as a positive thing, if I didn't have the bag I would be dead from going septic.  It was only a temporary situation for me, but I was able to get through it by having a good sense of humor, the support adn love from my family and friends, and a good lingerie store close to my house!

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

I don't have a good answer for you because I've never had a ostomy but I really feel for you and identify with you.  I've have stomach problems my whole life and I have a wonderful marriage but the emotional and physical aspects take their toll.  Just know you're not alone.

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

I had an ostomy for one year and although it took a little time to get used to , life goes on, including your sex life. I had what I call "one handed sex".I would keep my hand pressed against my folded up ostomy bag on my stomach,this way I felt it would not come off and felt secure. Please remember the only thing that has changed about you is your plumming,it's taking another route and your belly won't hurt anymore.Ican say for sure my stomach felt no pain at all when I had my ostomy.

 Reply posted for mandypanda95.

I don't have an answer for you but am very interested in the answer.  I am 28 and have Crohn's disease and am going in in 2 weeks to have my whole large intestine removed and get a permanent illiostomy bag.  My Crohn's has had almost 20 years to reek havoc on my intestine and it is clear through the rectum so there is no hope in reconnecting me.