New bag man needs support.

Hi Joey, Wow, 9 years old. Sounds like an interesting story compared to the rest of us "Old Guys". I think that perhaps you should post this up and relate your story on a new discussion topic though. This was an old topic that is not active any more. There are frequent discussions her almost hourly sometimes.
Rudy
Neo-Bladder and "former" cancer patient

So, I just found this site, I guess I knew that something like this was here but... I got my bag when I was 9, I'm now 33 and well used to it, but it was hard during the teen years. I'm trying to get a social work dgree and work with cancer patients, so I'm familiarizing myself with sites like this. I noticed that it has been a while since anyone has posted here, but I thought I would give it a shot. I would be happy to go into more detail about "my story" if anyone is interested, but for now just know that it's not as bad as it seems at first, and just like so many other things our bodies AND minds will get used to almost anything. Whether you like it or not, you just got another friend! Hope to talk to you soo, Joey

I can empathize with the leaking bag. It took me a couple of months to "get it right"...I use a Convatec 'stomahesive' skin barrier and their bag. I like to change mine on the 4th day. Usually, it starts giving way by then. I keep a spare in the vehicle. But I have had few accidents. Are you using the stomahesive powder on your skin before you apply the barrier? Also, I place a heating pad on me after I apply a new system, that kind of seals it better.

Have a positive attitude toward it...Best way to go. Even after 2 years I feel better about it and handle it better each day. Changes take time to adjust to.

I am having my 2 year scan tomorrow.

Fishman,

Please don't give up! When I got my Indy Pouch in July 2007, it took me a good three months for my bladder to calm down....I was upset and angry and complained to my doctors about how could I possibly be expected to return to work. Well, I was determined to return to work and so I kept asking questions and trying diffent products until I found one that worked for me. I couldn't even get an appointment with a stoma nurse so I called a couple of medical suppliers and asked for samples. They really are good about sending samples so I would encourage you to do that if you haven't already. Things will get better. You have to believe that.

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, til it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811-1896

Hi Fishman,
please take a look at this post..especially RAH's reply

'bladdercancersupport.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=114&func=view&catid=5&id=26096&limit=6&limitstart=6#26130
pat