Nurses with permanent ostomy?

[PinkPandora]

I am 2 semesters away from my BSN.....I am on medical leave this semester because on August 23rd I just had my colon removed and a permanent ileostomy placed. So far I can't really see too many negatives. I was suffering from severe Crohns diseaes (five hospital admissions so far this year lasting at least 5 days) for several years. So the ostomy is an improvement in what I was dealing with. I am wondering how having an ostomy impacts your nursing career? Does it show under your scrubs? Do you have time to empty it frequently? What if your bag comes off at work?

[mitchel]

Hi, I've been an LPN for 20 years and have had a perm ileostomy for 4 1/2 yrs. d/t crohns/colitis. Nobody knows I have an ileostomy unless I tell them. Can't see it at all. I have no problem with bathroom breaks for emptying which just takes a minute. My pouch has never come off however I have had several leaks (major pain in the neck). I always keep a spare with me and also one at work. Have not had any leaks since I changed to Hollister. I go 7 days now until I have to change the appliance. Remember the more you eat & drink the more output you will have so I try to keep that to a minimum while at work.

I'm glad your feeling better. I was on a high dose of prednisone for years then had a j-pouch (that was worse than the disease). I have had patients who feel depressed about having a new ostomy. I just lift my scrub top a little to expose the top of the pouch (i have the flesh colored ones) and it gives them hope that they are not alone and it is NOT the end of the world.