Day in the Life of an Ostomy Patient | Let's Talk IBD

I share how I manage my ostomy on a day-to-day basis, from how I empty an ostomy bag to getting out of the house with it!
Below are the products I use throughout this video to manage my ostomy!
Nuun Electrolyte Tablets: rstyle.me/+qW_...
Ostomy Black Trash Bags: amzn.to/3livfrm
NuHope Adhesive: amzn.to/3zYWLyo
Hollister New Image Ceraplus Flange (15102): rstyle.me/+8tV...
Hollister Mini Pouch (18392): rstyle.me/+4Nq...
Hollister Stoma Powder (7906): rstyle.me/+Ob4...
Hollister Adapt Slim Barrier Ring (7815): rstyle.me/+S39...
Sensicare Adhesive Remover (413500): rstyle.me/+gHF...
Marathon Skin Protectant (MSC093005): amzn.to/3j93qzc
Links within this description may be affiliate/sponsored links in which I receive compensation from purchases made. Thank you for supporting my channel!
For business inquiries, please email me at [e-mail]!
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Links within this description may be affiliate/sponsored links in which I receive compensation from purchases made. Thank you for supporting my channel!
Our Mailing Address!
7790 Easton Road
PO Box # 483
Ottsville, PA 18942
Music and/or other elements of this video are licensed through Envato Elements, EnvatoElements.com
#ostomy #ibd #chronicillness
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And as always, find me on...
KZbin (duh) / letstalkibd
Instagram / maggietretton
Facebook / letstalkibd

[@zanneb6854]

Yesterday was my stoma's 15th birthday. Even after all of these years, there are still tricks I learn and you have given me great ideas! Especially the black bags. Thanks!

[@Emily-gv3ne]

I love your videos. 💕 I don’t have crohn’s or know anyone who does but you have such a great, calming presence that I watch them when I’m stressed out. Relaxing AND educational!

[@tgbluewolf]

*cue everyone with crohns trying to figure out how it can be calming* Lol seriously though it's great that people without crohn's are learning about it, education makes everyone's lives better!

[@Emily-gv3ne]

@@tgbluewolf lol, the crohn’s definitely isn’t the relaxing part. Maggie just has a really great presence. I bet you she is an amazing nurse. ❤️

[@JamesBaker-wb1gw]

I can feel your frustration about not having trash cans in restrooms; being an incontinent person myself; if I’m going to be out and about for an extended period of time I have to pack a “diaper bag “ and it’s frustrating having to haul used a undergarment around until I can find a trash can to dispose of it; even if it’s inside of a plastic bag

[@barbarawolcott6999]

I ordered my first supply of Hollister closed bags. I always clean my bags anyway. Hollister bags can take a lot of cleaning even on the outside. You can remove most stains too on the non see through fabric.

[@rogersilcox524]

I’ve had my ileostomy for three yrs, this August. I also have a fistula on the opposite side of my body. Both sit on top of very large hernias that I’m told, would be too complicated to fix. It took me two yrs to find a stoma bag that fits well and, rarely leaks. It is concave and, one piece. Apart from the occasional sore spot around the stone, I am so far coping well. I’m 72 yrs of age. Thank you for doing your videos.

[@jenniferyates6622]

My husband got his on August 2and and we have to learn how to do all of this and watching your videos help so much! Thank you Maggie!

[@jackie3]

I have the regular Hollister that empty, I just empty it , then I have my hospital container and fill it up with water and I rinse my bag out after each empty, along with hydrogen peroxide for smell...works great...

[@toddlaverdure2223]

I also rinse mine with my hospital container usually two times and add 15 or so drops of hollister M9 odor eliminator. That completely eliminates any odor. Its amazing how good that stuff works!

[@antoinettemurphy8822]

You are just so beautiful! You and your husband are amazing people . Helping so many.

[@mikewilson8513]

I had my Ileostomy in 1976. I am 74 now. Never regretted the surgery for one second. I had severe Crohns for 6 years. 6th May 1976 i got my life back. Videos like these do so much for people having to face drastic suergery. Back when i had mine done, there was no such thing as the internet. So hopefully you will have shown that is not the end of the world. Crohns cannot be cured, once that is realised, there is only one course of action. Once i had made my mind up to have the surgery, I couldn't wait. It was a long painful road back, but it was so wirth it. Good luck to you, you have an understanding partner. Treasure him !

[@susanaitken2820]

I love the way you answer people’s questions, that’s so thoughtful, helpful and kind. Been having a bad Crohn’s day today, couldn’t go out to meet friends, but your positive attitude has given me the strength to keep on keeping on. Thank you!

[@rebecca9906]

I can see why u love that place selling the plants,it's beautiful 🌲🌳🌴🪴💮🥀🌸🌺

[@pelodoodlequeen7290]

You have an amazing attitude! Thank you for taking us on a day with you! ❤️😊

[@debbiemeyer467]

I want to thank you for sharing yourself with something so personal. My adult son is probably looking at this procedure because his intestines are slowly shutting down and drs cant figure out why. You have taught me so much. Even tho my son refuses to even entertain the idea of having this procedure done I dont think he will have a choice. When the time comes I am going to introduce him to your videos in hopes to eliminate some of his fears. Again a huge thank you for sharing YOU! You are really special and sweet and just a lovely person.

[@IdkIdk-gw3qo]

how is your son now? My large intestine is also slowly dying and doctor cant figure out why?

[@SarahG1183]

Shit Maggie, thanks for mentioning me! You're a star can I share this? Super stoked. I'm glad you got it and liked the stickers, who doesn't like stickers and they change the mood of the day! Watched a few times and it's like you're really talking to me. I'm glad this made you smile.

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Thank you so much for them - it really made my day!! Absolutely you can share :) ♡

[@SarahG1183]

@@LetsTalkIBD well who knows maybe there will be some fun mail in your future! (you don't have to share if you don't want to) Thank you! I will be doing that. It made me said that even as healthcare person you get the same damn run around that regular lay people. You were really upset and it was a small thing i could do!

[@philipjeanmard6056]

You guys are wonderful. I never knew any of this and I’m so glad I found out about Crohns from you. You guys are great keep educating us!

[@jameschristiansson3137]

Your husband seems like one cool dude. Lucky him, lucky you.

[@toddpartyof6774]

Love you guys and this channel! Thanks for bringing all of us along 😃

[@randinatkowitz2487]

Zak is the kind of guy and husband that all of us single ladies need! So compassionate and easy going. And Maggie, I just adore you. You can make any of us feel better about everything!! ❤️

[@buteverythinghurts]

Everyone should have a Maggie and Zak in their lives, right?! 🥰

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Zak is the best. :)

[@buteverythinghurts]

@@LetsTalkIBD he really is! Even though i dont know him. That says a lot. He goes right through the screen, just like you 🥰

[@michetrue-aspoonielife4me389]

I agree 👍💯

[@ThisCrazyRALife]

As a person with different chronic illnesses, I would be over the moon to have someone like this as a partner. The last 2 men have left because it was just too much…

[@Sherrie561]

Loved watching you go out to eat!! Fun

[@peachxtaehyung]

Your hair is so pretty here!!! Dark hair looks amazing on you

[@missiris1234]

You are doing so much good for so many. I really enjoy your channel too!

[@wendyy__6893]

Love your videos!! I've had my ileostomy for a little over a year now and it can be a struggle some days especially when ur always rushing to get somewhere lol Thanks for sharing Maggie! wish I was brave enough to show others the ostomy life. Btw You and Zak are so cutee together!!

[@act110mort048]

Hey, I just wanted to say that I don't find it gross what you're doing. I think it's great that you are explaining how you empty your ostomy bag with a positive attitude. I don't think that you should apologize for being who you are. God bless always. 😊

[@WannabeProv31Lady]

Zak is a gem; he is very patient and kind.

[@jeanlewis7379]

I dont have an ostomy but just watch your vidios as you are the nicest couple i seen and heard and so helpful to people who have a ostomy .jean from u k .

[@valeriemillns3415]

Maggie this is how I’ve emptied my pouch for 41 years.. I have an ileostomy and have ALWAYS used a closed pouch..

[@sakaimae]

I found your channel few months ago and I just want to say that your videos always cheer me up! You're such a radiant person. Have a wonderful day

[@eileenshea9564]

I haven't seen you in ages. Missed you. You are so inspiring and informative. I had to think about how to find your site even though I'm subscribed. Zak is a great hubby. Bless your marriage 💑 🙏

[@jackiecosta7620]

Hi Maggie… trying to visit a couple vlogs I missed… hoping you can see this comment today is Oct 31, 2021… I would recommend …. when you spoke about the seat belt … if it were me I would not keep the bag inside your pants… the bag needs to expand whenever your body wants to clear waste… maybe sew a pouch as large as a full O bag with a waste tie ? wear a long shirt to cover… having backup can and will make you feel sick and may be the cause of some of your issues… so, just my thought. also, wear gloves whenever you re touching and changing the ostomy bag or adding paste ect. and of course hand washing asap… and rinsing out the O bag as well.

[@sharonzona4346]

I got 2 helpful hints from your video! Using the drainless pouches and the adhesive. My bags are about $80 for 10 so using drainless pouches would save a ton. Thanks for the positive video!

[@rhenajimenez203]

Love your videos! You’re such a strong woman!

[@michetrue-aspoonielife4me389]

Thanks Maggie, I'm a fellow Ostomate with an ileostomy as well. It's permanent and extremely convex. I'm using Hollister drainage pouches. The very large ones because my stoma ET (yes I named him) but not after the NSWOCC formerly known as ET Nurse's. That was a fluke. My output is around 2 liters in 8 hours massive output & liquid. I know the feeling of waking up just when my pouch needs to be emptied. I love The 60 pouch idea wow but I think I would be constantly emptying it. I love the seat belt idea as well, I never thought of that. I've been to afraid to wear one because when the output comes, most times it's like a geyser going off & it fills in less than a few minutes. It's crazy, so I worried about that, however, I'll try what you said. Thank you. 😊

[@loftyradish6972]

I love your earrings so much. I like your fashion in general, you always look gorgeous, but those earrings are special.

[@mandybarnett3647]

I love your videos…so much common sense…I love your tips!

[@janicejohnson8411]

You have probably already tried this, but my WOCN recommended I use domboro for my skin irritation issues. I can get it at CVS, its usually with the calamine lotion (strange as that is). It works wonders for me. Just a thought

[@cubbi2789]

I understand the hassle of living with an ostomy now. Dislike some bags especially when they leak after a day or two

[@getraining3772]

Had a bag for 6 years. I just wash round stoma with hot water everyday and then rub Aloe Vera around at base to ease itchiness. Works a great.

[@BeautyBanter]

Your skin is glowing!

[@deefitzgerald2906]

Watching you with your husband makes think how much I miss mine…. Life when your are young and married is the BEST and it goes by so fast…..you 2 are so cute….

[@edgrabousky9995]

You really are awesome! 👍I just had my stoma reversal surgery. 👎🏻 Now I trying to learn how to control my rectum. I’ve been having a lot of trouble with this issue. I’m being forced to stay close to home. At least with my ostomy I could go out frequently. You are an inspiration to this community!

[@nova_merollis]

maggie: “zak don’t step in the puddle” 5 minutes later zak: “i stepped in a puddle”

[@natashaw401]

Cool the office stickers

[@sarahbelmonte8888]

I still have swelling and pain (complicated body) so I’d love to 1. Wear pants 2. Have my seat belt not hurt or be uncomfortable at anytime. I have to pull it out and hold it and on my body the belt is directly over the actual stoma. But! We All have something right 🌷

[@kimmoyer2891]

Maggie you are comical..i love it.

[@jamespayette7574]

Zac….at lunch, did you notice the sexy “Come Hither” look Maggie gave with raising the eyebrows? Also I love Hawaiian shirts. In Hawaii they are called Aloha Shirts. A bit of useless trivia for you!

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Lol that was my "give me my camera before you break it" look!

[@Brandi.65]

Looking great! Love your hair too. It looks so thick. Love y'all

[@sharonwilliams5701]

Why do osties stay away from fish? I hope to get your kind of bags so I can just throw it out after it’s full. I like the adapt deodorant and water to rinse which is also good☺️ I may be to nosey, but where do you live…if you don’t want to answer I understand I’m 68 years old and live in NC,USA. I have been really sick after 2 colon surgery and neither worked… So, my surgeon told me I’ve run out of time we have to take out all my plumbing, so they did. Stay informed with us, you have a positive attitude and we Love you💖

[@darlenevillanueva6181]

I love your attitude

[@JM-ig4ed]

I love that you do these videos - so informative and makes it less scary to contemplate. I am VERY allergic to almost ALL aadhesives. If I ever needed to have this done, what would someone like me do given how allergic I am.

[@ValMcdonough]

Thankyou for your help.you are amazing. Pretty too .❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

[@amandaanne3578]

With the seat belt issue: especially right after any of my surgeries or when I have had a drain or wound vac I had one of the beanie babies someone gave me that was the ball shaped kind I used to stick along side my hip bone to alleviate any pressure on my stomach. I still can't handle pressure on my abdomen almost 10 years later.... pants hurt if the waist band is even a little tight and even shirts if they are too tight after a short period I am uncomfortable and eventually in agony.

[@gingerlee1221]

Oh Maggie you Zac and your videos have been so helpful. I am still so nervous dealing with this situation but I had to thank as I will be on my way home in 3 days.😕 I am so glad you are sharing with so many of us. Thank You again ❤️

[@natashaw401]

Dont have Instagram but enjoy ur channel

[@jackiebeans2689]

Thanks for all the info!!💕😺😺😺

[@natashaw401]

Watching from Toronto Ont Canada

[@amadou1970]

Do the deoderisers help? I am really having issues with the odour from my output. It has become especially bad since I had to have surgery for a twisted bowel and a section of my ileum was cut away.

[@brittanyfreeland8322]

I would love to find Trashbags Like the one that you use but i can’t find anything like that on the Canadian Amazon

[@ikramurazbaev405]

Zor bolipti, from Uzbekistan 🇺🇿

[@paigesteele4406]

You look so healthy Maggie !

[@jodij6280]

I've had my colostomy since November. I have dumping syndrome so I'm lucky in a way. I stop eating at 7 pm and my bag stays empty all night.

[@betsybabf748]

That salad looks good. I'm afraid to go to Lowe' because I will want plants and have no more room to plant them.

[@sunflowerrosem.8651]

Quick question about the deodorizer. How did you add that to your current bag so fast? There's no other opening/drain, so I'm confused. 🤔 Sorry if it's a stupid question. Maybe I'm missing an important detail. Also, I'm over here smiling at 85° being "so hot". 😁 It's 108° here today in the Socal desert again. 🏜️ (I know how humidity makes the heat unbearable, but a dry 108° is still pretty dang uncomfortable!) 😏 Thx for showing us how you live daily with the ostomy. Those of us dealing with Crohn's always need to think ahead, prepare, and expect the unexpected! 👍

[@LetsTalkIBD]

I unclicked my bag partially, just peeling the bag from the flange enough that I could put the nozzle of the deodorizer in!

[@sofiamarsden2251]

Love you two.

[@strawbemmy]

gosh this is so irrelevant to the video but your earrings remind me of those beautiful fancy focaccia breads where they put veggies and stuff in it to make it look like flowers (this is most definitely a compliment, btw)

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Oh my gosh yes!! A subscriber actually made these for me and I love them!

[@strawbemmy]

@@LetsTalkIBD they're wicked cute!

[@kat1984]

Garden centers are dangerous places for me. I can't get out of one without buying a few plants. I have 50 plants in my bedroom alone.

[@kanwalpreetkaur4136]

That is cool😎.

[@denisegarwood2901]

Had a colostomy through colitis about two or three years before dad had his colostomy stoma I have now got a internet stoma

[@jonathaneast233]

Hey Maggie! Do you prefer the barrier rings over the barrier paste now?

[@natashaw401]

Food looks so good

[@chantellsenekal2641]

"putting away the iceeeeee" 😂😂

[@richardmconnochie1669]

ive had a bag since 22 iam 50 now endless health problems bowel obstraton few times talken into hosptail many times deyration and got fiberomlagia as well very down no surport or talk to in new zealand

[@saveth3whales123]

Do you find the non draining bags shorter and that’s why you use them? I just got a surprise ileostomy from ovarian cancer that spread to the colon and I feel like the worst part is the long bag that I can feel on my legs

[@audreygraham235]

Hi, I just had my surgery 9 weeks ago. I have the same issue as you, with the Convatec bag I'm using. My Stoma Nurse is coming to see me this week and bringing a smaller bag for me to try. I'm only 5 ft, so quite short in the body. I'll let you know how I get on 🙂 I use the drainable bags

[@aparker884]

I am homeless at the moment at my sister’s but once my house is ready I’m moving in but I’m so embarrassed before I found your channel I thought I was broken but my baby niece loves my colostomy bag and she loves me she will be 1on September 13th but she smiles every time she sees me I’m missing so many teeth I would wear a mask to hide my face and my baby niece pulls my mask off and smiles at me.

[@dees3179]

I wonder about the feasibility of getting an additional seatbelt mounted from the other side (ie from the roof) for vehicles where an appropriate support structure could be built in. Would make life a lot more comfortable. I am lucky that I drive on the other side of the road, would struggle if I had to sit on the left.

[@trelana]

There are actually cushions designed for ostomates and seatbelts, but you could always use a small travel pillow. I just fuss with the seat belt until it's not pressing on the bag or about to take it off the barrier. Not that I worry about that with the extra secure bags I have.

[@nikkiaddison5998]

When did you switch back to hollister? I started with hollister, then convatec, and I am now using coloplast (after you and another ostomate’s recommendation). What made you switch back? Just curious. :)

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Just a few months ago! I decided to try the ceraplus line with all my skin issues, and even though it didn't help a ton with that, I found they stick a little better in water than the Coloplast ones I was using!

[@car17yn71]

My stoma is higher up ... and the shoulder strap of the seatbelt lays across it.

[@LetsTalkIBD]

I think there is some sort of seat belt protector out there if it bugs you - can't remember what it is called, I'm sorry!

[@marlenequigley7476]

Good bless you

[@natashaw401]

Lollll joking about the lightning in ur bathroom

[@carlacordova728]

So you reused the bag . Isn’t there still poo in the bag though?

[@helensagar3588]

Hi Just curious to know if you have tried the bags that empty. I have an illiostomy and use the bags that empty and they seem to be more user friendly than yours. Is there a reason that you prefer the ones you use. Hope you don’t mind me asking. ❤

[@LetsTalkIBD]

That's what I used to wear for the first few years! I found I could never get the bottom really clean, even with rinsing the bags out. I also didn't like the bump of the clip/velcro ended ones. The ones I use are completely flat so they don't appear under my shirts!

[@monmas929]

I am getting my ostomy surgery in the morning. I check in at 7 am. I am just lying in bed rubbing my belly crying thinking how it will never look or feel like this again. Please tell me the pain will be so relieved that I will never care ever that my belly has a stoma sticking out of it. I’m super sad kind of grieving. I had one on 2010 and reversed. This one will be permanent. Is it weird that I feel like I failed or something because I couldn’t hack it? Ugh. Your videos are so helpful. Thank you for sharing so much. I should sleep I have to get up in a few hours. 💜

[@nataliegraham9552]

🤗 I'll be thinking of you and sending healing thoughts to you and your care team for an uncomplicated surgery and recovery. This is tough - a very significant transition in your life - and of course you will be feeling a lot of conflicting emotions, including the grief that comes with such a change. I will be hoping that the relief you get from your pain will very much outweigh the adjustment to a new normal in your life. You can do this - and I'm glad you have found a community on KZbin that will help, especially Maggie and Zach. Warmth and light to you. Take care!

[@callummacleod8634]

I had a reversible ostomy and less than a year a full proctocolectomy. Bye bye colon. About 10 years later, my life has never been better, and although the recovery from surgery was bumpy, it was well worth it. Happy bagman.

[@yorkiemom4498]

My life is so much better now with my perm iliostomy. My jpouch failed and I had a lot of problems but I am so glad I don’t have to deal with that anymore😊🤞🏻

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Sending so much love! Before I had mine, I was terrified of ostomies and didn't want to live with it. Then I wound up with one anyways.. My plan was to get it reversed as soon as possible. Once I lived with it a couple of months, I realized how much better I felt and how I could finally live life! Now it has been almost 12 years and am grateful to have it still. I know it is really, really difficult ♡ I am sending so much love your way and hoping you get so much relief when you have surgery!!

[@monmas929]

@@LetsTalkIBD well I had the surgery Tuesday and I’m home by Friday. I am having the most pain in my lower right abdomen. He said that’s because he had to cut and sew muscle back together there. I got two interesting takes on what was causing my problems. Anyways, I did fine while in the hospital but now that I am home I am kinda freaking out a little and realizing omg this is forever. The rest is my life. And have been second guessing my decision. Luckily my son who is 21 has been with me tonight and has gently reminded me of everything I was going through before, and how long I had tried to find a cure. I simply had no other options left. So while I’m on here I wanted to mention I am feeling “fluttering” way down low. Is this normal? He did leave part of my rectum so I wondered if it may be spasming or something. I’m going to find some of your videos to make myself feel better now. 💜

[@rogerofrhodri]

You are BEAUTIFUL beyond compare

[@jamespayette7574]

Maggie….Did I see an extra pup?

[@swapnilkanse2034]

M chroens guy..love u

[@swapnilkanse2034]

@Jamie-Lynn M Roddy what

[@kerryhorrocks4453]

I meant to say. I’m having some breath test the it’s looking like I need the same one you have as my large bowel has shut shop lol how many tests I’ve had and she the top surgeons have ever seen anyone with a bowel so lazy the bottom of my bowel near the rectum it’s very narrow too she’s getting a second opinion I’m hoping my small bowel works ….she kept saying we could do a stoma but it won’t work for you as Fowler’s patients struggle then I sad it may be EDS she said that’s no better everything suggested she said but not for you 😔so now the last time the breath test

[@wondertwin13]

Always hungry & never have an appetite (ME)

[@fancydeer]

is it safe to reuse your bags?

[@norseczar27]

No cats?

[@natashaw401]

Lolll Zach singing hes happy but corny song

[@wondertwin13]

New Hope or New Home adhesive? Tyia😊

[@LetsTalkIBD]

NuHope!

[@cockeyedoptimista]

Nice shirt, Zak. Maggie, ur funny. Your sense of humor is so pleasant and you're also so clear yet concise in your expansions. I got my colostomy reversed 2 months ago now but this is still interesting tho I'm only watching half. You're so lovely, brave and sweet, and you-guys are a great couple: I wish you forever joy and peace.

[@Michelle-qd9gm]

Hi Maggie feeling crap this last few days 10 weeks after surgery I was doing well now back down again not really fancying food but drinking Xxx

[@gothgirlatheart3545]

Loperamide is just imodium

[@nancywilliams6777]

Surely you’re not going to plant trees in August!

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Oh no! Hopefully this fall! Our landscaper is doing it :)

[@natashaw401]

Hack can be good

[@sallyflory6009]

Hi maggie thanks for sharing your story but i was wondering did have your stoma before you and zac got married ❤

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Yes! I had my stoma before we even met as I got it at 16, and met Zak at 19! :)

[@buteverythinghurts]

I wonder if Zak has a single brother 🤔😜

[@viorelscrob6391]

And my Mother had a stoma

[@natashaw401]

Bag change instead of empty keep using?

[@hectorlandry4174]

Guys I NEED SOME ADVICE PLEASE MY doctor has been wanting to get an Ostomy bag I have colorectal cancer. I have refused multiple times I am a young gay male and the gay community is so judgmental well hell everyone is I don’t think I could live like this..::

[@LetsTalkIBD]

I highly recommend joining an ostomy group on facebook! They are very supportive and might be able to answer your questions! 🩷