Proctocolectomy Wound Care | Let's Talk IBD

I took some of your suggestions to care for my incision - and it worked! I talk about these products and why they work.
For those new to this channel: I am Maggie, a 27 year old nurse & patient. I have Crohn's disease, which caused me to need portions of my small intestine (ileosecectomy) removed as well as my colon, rectum, and anus removed (panproctocolectomy). I now live with an ostomy bag (ileostomy), which is how I go to the bathroom. I share my experiences so others don't feel quite so alone!
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[@adrianaeamaya]

Maggie, I am an adult med-surg RN and have been watching your videos since nursing school because you are just awesome and make super helpful and interesting videos! And I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I had a patient last week who was recovering fron perforated diverticulitis and had a new colostomy. He was very anxious and uncertain and worried about his new ostomy. I was able to use everything I've learned from you to really help him! Thank you for teaching me so much! I felt so grateful to you as I was caring for him. Thanks for being awesome!

[@greenthumb8170]

This is amazing!

[@andreatownes988]

Maggie, I had the same surgery as you, so I also have a Barbi butt. I found that while I was healing, I wore disposalble underware and it made me feel much more confident if I had to go out. I wore the ones that can above my bag, so I didn't have pressure on the stoma, nor my bag. If you get leakage from your butt wound or the products you have to use on your butt it's absorbed into the disposalble underware. My clothes were protected and I rarely had embarrassing situations. I continue to wear them, if I have places to go, as insurance. I hope this info helps you or someone else.

[@PaigeA6741]

“It really was just a pain in the butt” -literally

[@DonnaWrightRN]

Maggie, I do not have IBD our Crohn’s. I’m a nurse (retired) and I love your positive attitude, and the simple way that you explain all of this. You’re professional and don’t talk over our heads. If I were 30 years younger, we would be good friends.

[@alanbower8175]

You are so brave not only to endure but to present honestly this affliction you are dealing with. I wish you the best fortune that life has to offer. Sweet lady!

[@Joyce-dd3fm]

You have such a positive attitude. God bless you Maggie. Zak is wonderful too!

[@pjwalker5412]

I had a rectal fissure. I don’t think the public understands how painful this problem is. It took a year to get healing and relief. I used topical lidocaine which did give relief. I used a sitz bath for bowel movements and cleaning. Adult disposal diapers were a great help.

[@Golddusttwin1]

That sounds terribly painful. I hope you’re doing better and continuing to heal.

[@AudreeAdam]

It can be really painful. I had that problem after a rape when I was 12, I didn't tell my parents because I was afraid. My dad still doesn't know, my mom learned about it when I was... 25 or so. It was so painful and it took about a year and half, two years maybe to get healed for me too. It took so long because I used over-the-counter creams instead of something prescribed by a doctor.

[@THICCpikachu]

I had to pack my now hubby’s pilonidal cyst while it healed, we had been dating for like 4 months when it exploded in bed one day! Talk about bonding, u gotta keeper if they help with that kind of wound care.

[@Fluteperson01]

I had one my my now husband packed mine, we were engaged, in return I did dressing changes on his 2nd degree burns BID, I have also had him help me post partum, its true love ...

[@alexandralamberton5615]

I found out I had C diff a week into dating my partner. It definitely makes you get some boundaries out of the way early

[@jenbingham0914]

I have my own experience with a polinoidil cyst. It filled up very badly about 25 years ago and it required a surgical drainage. It healed fine, bust left a small opening at the top of my tailbone. Fast forward to about 5 years ago. I had not had any issues with out over those years until out of the blue I felt that familiar pressure. I was hoping it would just go away. I was wrong, it filled completely back up again. I was in the bathroom and gently cleaned the are after using the bathroom, and it ruptured. Badly. I screamed for my bf (who does not deal with this stuff very well, he is great, but the overall grossness turns his stomach pretty badly) and he came in to see me obviously doubled over in pain, standing in the bathtub because the stuff would just not stop coming out. I keep a supply of freshly washed and bleached rags and towels in a container on hand (I also suffer from Hidradenitis so dealing with open would and abscesses is nothing new to me) so he grabbed them as they are the closest thing to sterile I have. He ended up using the shower to gently run water over the area while through lots of tears, I squeezed to empty it as much as possible. After that was all done, he helped me place a clean dry rag over the cyst secured with medical tape to catch the drainage. But bless his heart twice a day he helped me gently wash the area with surgical scrub and gauze to keep it clean, and he was just a godsend. Sounds like your hubby is lucky to have you to help. I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through that healing process without him. Fortunately it has been about 5 years with no refilling. But that man has done so much to help me recover after multiple surgeries and procedures including taking the responsibility of caring for 48 staples in my back from a 5 level spinal fusion. Somehow he was able to push aside his queasiness to care for me. Having a fantastic partner that cares so much about you that they are willing to help care for things that are relatively disgusting, and even in embarrassing situations can truly make all the difference in the world!

[@diegosaurusrex8652]

You’re awesome. I’ve been following your videos for about two years. As a colorectal cancer survivor (with no rectum) , I can relate to some of your videos. Keep doing good things, and keep getting better :-)

[@miriambarnett2782]

Another great video Maggie!! I love your chickens!! And your place. You were the first you tuber I started following after my colectomy. I’m thankful that my bottom healed up really well. Although it took a long time to get used to the way it feels now. God Bless you and Zak. Take care!💕

[@barbaraconnolly9000]

You are right, you can call it what you want and humour is so very important.

[@LuckyLarry]

The barn is huge! Looks like a beautiful space for celebrations...y’all are so brave to undertake that project!

[@amandaanderson8254]

You explain things so well. I have a family member with chrons and through your videos I have learned so much to be supportive to her

[@kathystych6215]

I love the wonderful attitude you have towards your ordeal. And Sam is wonderful towards everything.

[@serenityherold3002]

I love alginate dressing so much! My husband had a bad accident that left a terrible wound on his toe a couple/few years ago that was bad enough for him to need to go to Urgent Care. When he came home from Urgent Care, they had dressed his toe with alginate dressing. I had no idea how to care for his wound, or change the dressing, so I called the Urgent Care and the nurse I spoke with gave me a really thorough lesson on using it. I always have some on hand now. Medihoney is new to me. Thank you for talking about it! I'll get some and add that to my wound care kit!

[@unicornsarereal4254]

You’re so incredibly intelligent and you present your information better than most doctors! Healing prayers

[@christypflanz2567]

Thank you sooo much for sharing, I am 9 weeks post op tomorrow and feeling no hope of closing my wounds. I am ordering medihoney today!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!!🥰

[@rvagal2106]

Maggie you’ll get through this time, healing will happen and the difficulties of “now” will become distant memories. But I want to let you know how absolutely fabulous you are looking! So incredibly healthy and filled with energy and life. It’s wonderful to see you thriving.

[@wandadevers9598]

I admire your courageous attitude. I have Crohns too but in remission for many years.

[@bethsanford1513]

Thanks for posting. Because of cancer, I’m about to under go the same surgery and it’s good to know what to expect. Your videos have been a big help to me. You explain things so well. And I like calling it a Barbie Butt. Ostomate for life!

[@mselva81]

I had a pilonidal cyst two years ago - hydrofera blue, promogran prisma, a stint on a wound vac, and my wonderful mother and sister were the keys to my wound care plan. It took about 9 months post-surgery for the last little bit - up by my tailbone, too - to heal. You’ll get there - good luck!

[@sandyh5653]

Thank you for sharing something so personal for the benefit of others.

[@leahcurds8965]

Oh Maggi, ive been following you, to learn about the stoma. As my friend has been going through, this procedure, due to bowel cancer. Youve helped me understand so much more, and appreciate your you tubes. Also, my Aunt who hs now paseed, had crohns disease all of her adult life. She never spoke much about it. I like to be able to support my friend as much as possible. So thank you so much. Your doing very well, under your circumstances. Take care.

[@vivianpennington5330]

Great advice. After lots of experiments , I use the mirrors just like you . I’m an older lady with Crohns and glad to learn all I can. Thanks

[@franceswomble8083]

I have wondered what happened to people who were suffering from this illness. I am shock that it is such a serious illness. WOW I didn't know! I haven't known anyone with this illness also. You are so brave young woman for sharing your journey. I am sure other's with this illness will be so glad to have you to look to for encouragement. I am praying for you to heal fully from your surgery.

[@shauntelle3005]

God I love you so much. My boyfriend’s ileostomy with the proctecolectomy was broken into two parts because of his long time being on a high-dose of prednisone and being a high blood risk. I was pretty unclear what all went into things and your channel has helped so much learn and become a better partner for the loml. My boyfriend is so, so scared and nervous for the proctecolectomy. Just because of the nerve damage with the man-hood region. I hope things work out for us/him when the time comes for the second procedure but I wanted to thank you for you being vulnerable and honest. It helps even ppl w/o any GI disease become educated and better informed to be compassionate and understanding rather than judgmental.

[@Jefuslives]

Thank you so much for these very informative videos. I too was worried about post surgical pain, but it turned out that the constant pain from the condition itself was far worse for me.

[@kimmaguire5865]

You are a great teacher!! I started watching your channel because I have know someone that has had this surgery. Love listening to you and love your honesty

[@kellirobertson6370]

You are ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL your HUMOR and JUST the WORD DISABILITY is fantastic. We all have hurdles and things to over come and how we deal with them on an individual level is TOO EACH THERE OWN. My disability is different from yours as yours is mine . People judgements of others is ridiculous. Do you and whatever that means for us all if this makes sense!!✌

[@LechLecha893]

Keep on taking control. Keep on owning it. When you do, you help my patients.

[@kristyoconnell6571]

Hi! I’m 3 weeks post-op same surgery. I’m in agony. I thought I’d be able to handle this post-op pain a lot better than I am. I had almost all of my colon removed in February 2020. They left my very inflamed sigmoid, rectum and anus to be removed at another date (3 weeks ago) My rectum was so inflamed for so long that it attached itself to my vaginal wall. The incision in the vaginal wall had to be repaired internally so I’ve got some extra stitches (yay)! I’ve had IBD for 21 years now, I’m 42. My stitches are still in place and are unbearably uncomfortable. I’m hoping when they are removed some of the pain will cease. Thank you Maggie, for your very personal videos and your upbeat personality. It’s nice to see that I’m not experiencing this alone and that I’m not the only person who is, what I refer to as, SANS BUMHO. OR in English, without bumho! I live in a very small town of 3,000 and have no family or support other than my husband. YOU GIVE ME HOPE! Thank you...

[@vertfemme6215]

As someone who has to practice CIC 4-5 times a day due to an autoimmune disease, I admire your poise, humor and positive behavior in dealing with the cards that life has dealt you. My husband has been my caregiver. Zak sounds like a prince. For future reference, if you need a flexible mirror, look into a catheter mirror. It wraps around your leg and it adjustable. Just an idea.

[@oddds]

I don't have this condition...but a relative of mine almost had to have this procedure and as a kid it terrified me. Watching these videos is kind of helping me heal.

[@victoriatucker6271]

Thank you for educating people.

[@jonkicker1278]

I had a doctors appointment with my Endocrinologist in Chambersburg PA today. I had forgotten how beautiful it is in Pennsylvania. It's been a few years since I have been there. I didn' like my last Endocrinologist and I like DO's because they tend to spend more time with their patients. It's a hike from Virginia, but it is worth it to me to have a good doctor. I loved and enjoyed the drive.

[@longtabsigo]

You get to call it WHATEVER YOU LIKE!! It is you, it is your life, it is your condition. You keep going gurl!!

[@karendeakin8861]

You really do some brilliant videos so clearly explained but never scary ! Thank you very much

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Thanks!!

[@sugarcoma7662]

Hope you start doing better.. i love your channel it helps me so much. I've had bowel resection and severe adhesions. Radical hysterectomy and 3 other stomach surgeries. I am also a nurse. Love you sweetheart

[@beverlyelliott1100]

As I started watching this I was so hoping you were using Medihoney. Then you said it. It is great!

[@nightshadekelly]

This sounds so stressful. Your awsome getting through this.

[@adrianlowe9369]

I had the Barbie Bum 6 weeks ago, after a partial bowel removal and 20 year of Crohns. Luckily for me, I am healing well and only have nerve pain. Using humour at these times is a great way to get through them, and thanks for the video, it's good to see this talked about. All the best with your recovery.

[@claudiatighe514]

You are wonderful! Bless you sweet girl for helping us!💕

[@suzannelegg7423]

Pretty chickens. I have had rectal cancer twice. If it comes back again I will have the surgery you had and you are so informative

[@eloyhernandez5156]

Hi Maggie, i just went threw my surgery on 8/25 got my bag and they also closed my backside. Im currently going threw wound care due to it not healing. I still have draining threw out the day so i do wear pull ups. It's big change in a person's lifestyle, but i have great family support. Thank you for your suggestions.

[@cindy5995]

I came upon your channel a few months ago, I have zero medical issues like you have. I’m totally hooked on you two. Cutest couple ever, I pray for your health and enjoy watching you do life together. Love from a grandma in Florida 🌴, former Pennsylvanian, Go Steelers!💛

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Aww thank you so much! But oh man, Steelers?! Nooooo! 🤣❤

[@abbycat2142]

We’re 🦅 fans here!

[@cindy5995]

AbbyCat214 Yikes!😀 all in good fun,,,,,

[@jenniferkelly1797]

That manuka honey is amazing!! I have it just in a jar and use if I burn or cut myself. Just put a little tiny bit on cut and it’s healed in like a day or 2. Great stuff!!

[@cosplaypaige5891]

I thought stitches thru the entire bottom of my foot and tendons sucked. I know that had to suck! But you’re really teaching so many of us. Hate anyone has to go through it though

[@pattypatten1626]

Your so amazing, helping so many❤️

[@jhors7777]

Best wishes to you Maggie!!

[@JustAnotherBuckyLover]

I struggle with wound healing because of a skin condition (hidradenitis suppurativa), complete with wounds that have been open for years, granulation tissue, etc and like you, I found alginate was a game-changer. It helps so much to reduce the skin maceration and ulceration, especially with sinus tracts that just aren't going to heal any time soon.

[@kellirobertson6370]

Just subscribed!!! YOUR POSITIVE VIBE is AMAZING . THANKS FOR SHARING.✌

[@faithinhumanity3390]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@mariedonna1488]

You are simply awesome! I wish you the best. I am an RN, also. This compliment is for you I'll share my little story sometime. 😊

[@britty9465]

Maggie those mirrors are great for lots of things. I used them when I was learning to self cath

[@jonkicker1278]

Thank you for sharing. It was a lot of good information.

[@AudreeAdam]

Barbie butt really makes me laugh. Good for you for keeping your sense of humor, it's so important!

[@researchplease]

I used hydrofera blue on my wound and my husband dressed mine. He's the best husband in the world. It is healed all the way now

[@yomama8873]

Very interesting Hope you heal soon💜💜💜

[@Justin-zt6nr]

Mesalt works amazing. It healed the wound in my stomach super quickly where they pulled my colon out during the first surgery. The nurses were incredibly impressed at how quick it closed up. I just had a proctocolectomy with barbie butt and it is working wonders for me just 1.5 weeks into it. I put a strip of mesalt down first then some gauze on top. Just a suggestion for anyone to try.

[@helenewebster9462]

Mom's Doctors told me nothing for Colostomy Care. I was not informed if Mom needed rectum surgery nor informed me about leakage that she had from rectum. I was under the impression in 2013 that there where no leakage; but to my horror in 2015 or 16 Mom did still have rectum drainage. Now I realized this possibly was the reason for her Chronic UTI Infections. Thank you for the information.

[@GayleDichazi]

Maybe get a small video camera for your phone to watch your wound! I looked down a drain earlier with one and it came to mind watching your video. Bless you and Zak!

[@rfvfdsa]

I hope it continues to heal nicely for you! Some wounds can be so difficult. I had a surgery and ended up with a huge long tunnel across my stomach. The dr stuck the wood end of a long q tip and couldn't reach the end. 🙄 I spent lots of hours packing that thing.

[@thexavierfamily172]

wow i just found you. thank you soo much for all this info💗

[@patriciaconstantino4669]

If I had 1/4 of your attitude and positivity I’d be in much better shape!!!! You have the best attitude and seem to live your life to the fullest😊 Cannot understand what would possibly offend someone by the term “Barbie butt”....really???? 🤔

[@researchplease]

I also had a wound vac for a couple of months.

[@miken.4693]

I’m compelled to watch just based on the title and too much curiosity. I didn’t even know this was medically possible!

[@gerdienverhagen5405]

Hi there, I am a wound nurse from the Netherlands. The product you use are great for your wound! If it leakes more though, you could also try a hidrofiber (such as Aquacel), if needed added with antibacterial silver (AG). It can't break becease of a fiber string and absorbes better than a alginate. An alginate is more natural though. good luck!

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Thanks so much!! I may switch to hydrofiber because I think I need just a little more absorption!

[@industryqueen]

Maggie. Do you use a silver sulfadiazine cream? It helped greatly when my Aunts diabetic issued complicated her ability to heal. Much love to you sweet girl for being such a courageous advocate. 💜

[@anikabaddeleyrollingbackwa7341]

Thanks for mentioning motility issues

[@margithammer8835]

What if you lean forward when you pee, like tilt your pelvis so the pee flows toward your front?

[@india239]

Most humiliating moment as student nurse- dr came to look at a leg ulcers. When I put the dressing on I failed to lift off the backing. It was clear and I was unfamiliar with it. Lesson learnt- make sure I fully understand a new bit of kit. The patient was totally fine, it didn’t cause any issues bug I felt bad and was mortified

[@a.kbeast8781]

Best wishes for your health. May God give you beautiful ,healthful amazing life. And you are cute!

[@anikabaddeleyrollingbackwa7341]

Love your hair

[@nabywanieks]

This sounds so so similar. With my fistulotomies. I had so many and the worst places to have them. This helps a lot in case I come out of remission and this is an option one day.

[@ellelynne6374]

Hey I love your videos I grew up right outside of Philly and work in mount laurel, I have Tourette’s syndrome and I had humor to it best way to deal with it

[@LetsTalkIBD]

I'm from mount laurel :) thanks!!

[@seregadogua5797]

Hello LetsTalkIBD as a health spouse. Little fellow INTO throwing himself! health to you, happiness and joy in life.

[@marymiletta7656]

Precioso lugar !!!😁

[@CarlaH704]

God bless you. God bless you. God bless you.

[@maryisabell8760]

Yes , GOD BLESS 🙏🏼

[@anitahalvorson6586]

omg love how you had to spell w a l k for the dogs. i did that with my dog.

[@EGLovebird]

Thanks!

[@amaza888]

Hi! This might have been talked about before, but I'm curious as to why no vacuum-assisted closure device? I had it after my pilonidal cyst removal and it worked incredibly well. Not the same surgery of course. Just curious.

[@kingjasOPB]

I used medihoney when I had 2nd and 3rd degree burns from my knee to my ankle. I have a few scars, but it healed way better than normal (I heal very slowly).

[@shelikestuff]

Medi honey is so hit or miss .. I’ve had patients with wounds and it turns them totally necrotic , was never my favorite .

[@kingjasOPB]

There's always that risk of the honey either being the wrong kind of honey, or contamination during application or processing. They were super expensive though, so I got some raw manuka honey and after making plasters soaked in chamomile, I put the honey down and the plaster over that. I have the advantage though of being an herbalist. I've got training and I'm not a layperson, but it's so easy to mess up. The wound site needs to be sterile, the dressing needs to be sterile, your hand do too and so on. I've seen it go really badly though.

[@chenickematthys9384]

Maybe you're diabetic. They heal slower than the normal

[@kingjasOPB]

@@chenickematthys9384 Slow healing, for me, isn't related to diabetes. I've got ehlers danlos syndrome that address with scarring, and gastroparesis that at the time was being particularly awful so I was severely underweight. The nurses had me on a "if it stays down, have as much as you want" diet namely with things high in protein. I ate so much peanut butter.

[@Maria-zc6jp]

You are inspiring

[@ashkakak9983]

I have Crohn’s as well, and yes it’s a very shitty condition to have. God bless and tc.

[@kimberlyarroyo7993]

Do you know if everybody with Crohs will eventually have to have their anus removed?

[@bread9173]

To avoid peeing on gauze. There are these plastic things I use when hiking that kinda aims my pee flow like a funnel. These would probably help a lot.

[@PB-cs5ph]

I had exactly the same procedure done on me, however I got a serious MRSA infection 7 weeks post op which re-opened all wounds from my surgery. I developed sepsis, but luckily after 5 months I beat the infection. My anal wound took up to 5 years to close. I had numerous surgical procedures to clean the wound from over granulation. Thankfully it is now closed now. What I would recommend is that you keep on top of your immune system, to make sure that you don't get an infection.

[@gaylelizabeth]

@@WoodlandDance - oh my goodness ~ I feel for you and your daughter ~ I had my colostomy in March of 2022 ~ then my rectum stopped having peristalsis so the natural mucous our body secretes hardened in my anus and it felt like hardened glass … my gastroenterologist and colorectal surgeon recommended I have my rectum and anus removed due to anal and rectal stenosis… ugh. So on February 21 2023 I had proctectomy surgery ~ and developed a wound dehiscence 6cm deep I have wound care nurses coming to my house to unpack and pack it three times a week ( I was in the hospital for a month ) this wound is the most painful thing I’ve ever endured in my entire life ~ i can totally relate to how your daughter must feel ~ I send you both hugs and I hope things are going better now for the both of you~ if you or your daughter would like to keep in touch … I’m open !

[@WoodlandDance]

@@gaylelizabeth Oh, Gayle - you have been through it! I send you every good thought, and hope. Yesterday marked 1 year since my daughter's rectum removal surgery. Some of it has healed but there is still an open wound about 1 1/2 to 2 " long. The community nurses stopped coming last summer - there just aren't enough of them. So our hospital wound care nurse had to teach me how to do it. We go see the wound care nurse 1x a week for silver nitrate (ouch), and the rest of the time I do the daily dressing changes. I really hope your progress is coming along. It's very difficult isn't it? Having people always 'down there' looking over your bottom is - ugh - not nice! There's some loss of dignity to be sure. I don't know if your stitches were left in, but my daughter's were all removed after her infection, and the wound left to heal by secondary intention. I've had to teach myself alot about chronic/complex wound healing. Our current focus is managing biofilm. Thank you for reaching out; sharing your story; and showing you care. xoxoxo

[@gaylelizabeth]

@@WoodlandDance oh gosh ~ firstly thank you my friend for showing you care ~ 💝~ and responding… truly means so much to me 🦋 after my ostomy surgery ( had complications there ~ stoma prolapsed , became necrotic , had a revision and within less then 24 hours had a mesentery bleed- woke up in ICU learned they found blood in all 4 quadrants of my abdomen and I had 5L of blood transfused - this all happened with the first two weeks post operatively . After that tho my stoma has been fabulous 🙏🏼 thank goodness 😅 Your Maggie has certainly been through extensive recovery ❤️‍🩹 ~ as have you ! You two are battling the toughest and most painful area to heal with these types of complications ~ ugh - you are so right - it’s not the greatest always having someone “ down there “ - but we surely can’t do if ourselves … it sounds very much like Maggie is dealing with a very complex wound ~ with a one year anniversary you’ve come quite a long , exhausting way I’m sure, and it makes me so sad … she’s so young too 😢 I’m relieved you are able to care for her wound at home. May I ask is she able to sit and/or walk ? I’m still very early on I know and unable to sit at all … perhaps it’s because the wound feels like it’s continuing to dehisce although I’ve read most people feel that sensation … I just have so many thoughts and questions - I had a JP drain left in after surgery that was removed at day ten ~ from what I understand my surgeon used internal dissolvable sutures , and externally he used some type of surgical glue ? The dehiscence I have is about an inch and a half long and 2 and 1/2 inches deep. My six week appointment is coming up on April 6 2023 although if my pain still keeps increasing and it still keeps draining bloody fluid ( it had stopped prior to the dehiscence) I may go to hospital before then as I’m 64 years of age .., and my like Maggie’s had been through so much in the last few years. If you’d like to hear how my story got started I’d be honored to share . I’m so grateful you responded and I will surely continue to pray for you and your daughter. Do you have medical background ? Teaching yourself all that you have is really quite an accomplishment! Biofilms and secondary intention … phew - I’m not sure what my surgeon is going to say or do with me at this point. I currently live in Arizona ( just six years ) all my family lives in Maryland. I wasn’t planning on staying out here this long ~ long story ~ involves getting sepsis from a simple hemmorhoid banding - in 2020- My life partner John , whom I’ve known since we were 15 is not able to take care of me ~ my family of course is - but I’m struggling to get well enough to fly home ! I’ve got two daughters and 4 grown grandson’s and one granddaughter who just turned 7 - I haven’t been home since January of 2020 ! Oh my I’m writing a novelette here. Thank you again for your kindness , and caring. I will continue to think of and pray for you both - please continue to stay in touch if you like ~ I’m surely willing - I’m interested to learn what you’ve learned about managing biofilms ~ ( yikes) lots of hugs and love , your friend , Gayle This is the one - I’m editing and adding this sentence in hopes you’ll get a message about it 🌹 let me know 😊

[@gaylelizabeth]

@@WoodlandDance did you receive my long reply ? It seems as if it’s disappeared!? Please let me know as I shared quite a bit - perhaps to much and the tube may have removed ? Yikes - if this has happened I’ll re write my response my friend 💗

[@WoodlandDance]

@@gaylelizabeth I'm not sure? I read the comment you originally left - and then responded. Next is your message (above). Was there another one? 🌹

[@melaniepoulton6738]

Your so positive! I went through a very similar situation, and after seven months the wounds are closed. I have a question regarding your ostomy bag (sorry I should have asked when you talked about your sores related to the flange) how often do you change your bag and flange? Do you change it more often when the skin underneath is sore? or always try and change it the same amount of time?

[@LetsTalkIBD]

Hi there! I change it every 3 days or so unless the skin is weeping. In that case, the flange peels off on its own

[@melaniepoulton6738]

@@LetsTalkIBD Thank you-I have been told to change it every 5-7 days, and sometimes when I do the skin under it Is bleeding so badly. I appreciate you getting back to me-have a great day!!

[@judyconstantino9838]

Maggie, are you a nurse? You seem very comfortable and knowledgeable discussing your health issue So!

[@LetsTalkIBD]

I am! Figured I better put this medical experience to use :) thanks!

[@user-ys1dn9wz3o]

Hi Maggie! I'm new here and I love you and your channel! 💖 😊 I had the same operation, burbie butt or better ken butt, two years ago but the wound hasn't healed yet. I feel very uncomfortable.😞 The wound drains and is constantly wet. I need to wear sanitary pads and wound dressing. Surgeon has no solution to suggest because said that a fistula has been created that does not allow the wound to heal. The only solution suggests is to wash the wound with Betadine and hydrogen peroxide and when there is outbreak of fistula I'll need to take antibiotics... 😞 I will try what you suggest and I hope that some of them will work for me and there will be some progress in wound healing. Thank you very much for sharing your experience with all of us who face similar issues! God bless you and Zak! 💚💛💚

[@codename495]

Try adult incontinence underwear perhaps?

[@user-ys1dn9wz3o]

@@codename495 No, I didn't try adult underwear. I use sterile gauze for wound and sanitary napkins to keep underwear from getting dirty.

[@jeanetteh.9240]

If you have access, consider seeing a wound specialist. It sounds like your surgeon may not have the expertise you now require. Your family doctor might be able to help you find someone, if Googling doesn't turn up anyone in your area.

[@arichalevas2298]

You all are so cute!

[@Fluteperson01]

can i ask if you have used laser therapy? Im a veterinary technician and we use Laser therapy all the time, we also use sugar and honey dressings, we have used it in infected anal glands, horse tendon wounds, major road rash. we even use is post op during spays, and its been shown to reduce inflammation in wounds, and joints.

[@femalelucifer1219]

Respectful question, forewarning of tactical word choices were always considered. When you and your fiance /if you and your fiance would like to start a family, would you be able to deliver a baby "normally" or would you have to have a c section. Because one only thinks of how delicate your wounded area is and how damaging that process is normally let alone for your delicate healed. .. in your own words "barbie butt"

[@lizajane1878]

Same question too.

[@millisagable1318]

Girl I'm in love with your make up!!! You know my mom and grandma didnt know what barbie butt meant tell I explained it. The thought of feeling it open sounds freaky af. Do u have a video about why you had to get a ostomy?

[@5p674]

Healthy looking chickens. You. look healthy too!

[@sandraargo8382]

Are y’all gonna eat the chickens?

[@meganlovesdisneyandcrafts4780]

Sandra Argo They are egg laying .

[@hannahprentice1939]

I’m new here, and I’ve decided I LOVE you and your channel! Thanks for bringing a whole new level of wonderful to KZbin 💛 also you call it a Barbie butt if you want! It’s your butt, and if people are offended that’s their problem

[@Slastukin67]

Barred Rocks and Rhode Island Reds? And Barbie Butt is freakin' hilarious! People are too easily offended.

[@alishabacchus4891]

Love the chickens

[@tamarak9393]

I just love your chickens. I would sit in the field all day with the chickens. How many eggs do you get everyday. I love eggs it’s how I get most of my protein.

[@gaylelizabeth]

I just had the BB surgery and have had a 2 1/2 inch deep dehiscence that is about 2 inches in length. It’s the most painful thing ever - having to have it packed and unpacked every other day. I’ve already had one hospitalization because if it ( no MRI 😔) is there any thing I can do about the pain? This is considered pretty deep in a 64 year old woman … any recommendations would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏼

[@beautywearsboots6458]

You've shared before that you are no stranger to wound healing struggles. Is this possibly related to the fact that you have an autoimmune condition? ETA: have you looked into any kind of absorbent underwear? Some of the ones designed for periods have a leak-proof layer that goes all the way up the back. May help with the leaking through clothes issues

[@LetsTalkIBD]

It definitely could be that! So many reasons and its always hard to pinpoint. That is a great idea!