Well, I called Coloplast a couple days ago and was on hold so long I just gave up and hung up. You know how impatient we USers can be. I have an appointment with a surgeon in 4 days to discuss a colostomy. Peristeen might be an alternative for me. Hence, the impatience.
dnvrdave, I would highly suggest you try Peristeen before even considering a colostomy. Try giving them another call as Lαrα has suggested and if there's no response, try calling up Craig Hospital just to see if they could help.
I personally would not get a colostomy unless my life depended on it but everyone's different. It's a serious procedure on your body so go to it as your last resort if you can.
That's why I pay for my peristeen system, colostomy was the next step for me, no bloody way am I going to have that done, like DJ I would only consider it if my life depended on it.
That's why I pay for my peristeen system, colostomy was the next step for me, no bloody way am I going to have that done, like DJ I would only consider it if my life depended on it.
I have found that nearly everyone who doesn't have a colostomy hates the idea of them, but nearly everyone who has one loves it. I see that both of you are also newly injured. I am 51 years old, 28 years post, always been very active, but want to be even moreso. The stigma of a colostomy doesn't really bother me much more than my quad belly and hunched shoulders. At least it would be somewhat hidden.
Speaking of "bloody", my latest concern with Peristeen is that it may irritate my hemorrhoiods, which can be large but don't bleed (yet). Does anyone have experience with that?
Hi dnvrdave, I have hemorrhoids and peristeen does not affect them at all, I have 2 quite nasty ones. The colostomy idea I just can't get my head around. I have read up up on them and even nearly considered it, but no I just can't do it.
dnvrdave, I understand where you're coming from, though I really do hope you get to try the Peristeen before making a decision on whether or not you want a colostomy
I don't have any answer for your second question unfortunately but it looks like Butiki has answered your question
Thanks for the tips. I called Coloplast and went right to the order line. They are looking for a medical supplier that can sell it to me.
Oh good news dnvrdave....be sure to call them again if you don't hear from them soon enough. Do you have a nurse who will assist you whilst you get practiced with the system?
Hi dnvrdave, you will need a bit of training with peristeen with a nurse who knows a bit about it, it's not that hard but just sorting out how many pumps for the balloon and how many litres to pump in, should only take a week to sort out, but once you have it sorted you won't look back
Also a word of warning, if you get a upset tummy or eat something that does not agree with you the system will not fix it. For example in my case I can not eat mushrooms,squid or peanuts, they all go straight trough me, and if you get on the grog same problem
And curry we discovered tonight, but otherwise a good way to go
Peristeen training and evaluation is not available at Craig Hospital yet. I could probably find a doctor or nurse to train me, but my problem now is how to purchase one. I won't be able to go through Coloplast until official training is available. I understand the necessity for training (risk of perforating the colon, proper filling method, etc). To purchase it, I've tried eBay and Craig's List. Is there somewhere else I can try? Or is there a way to do a global search on craigslist; it seems to be able to do only one city at a time?
In the meantime, my colostomy surgery is tentatively scheduled for mid-December.
Peristeen training and evaluation is not available at Craig Hospital yet. I could probably find a doctor or nurse to train me, but my problem now is how to purchase one. I won't be able to go through Coloplast until official training is available. I understand the necessity for training (risk of perforating the colon, proper filling method, etc). To purchase it, I've tried eBay and Craig's List. Is there somewhere else I can try? Or is there a way to do a global search on craigslist; it seems to be able to do only one city at a time?
In the meantime, my colostomy surgery is tentatively scheduled for mid-December.
dnvrdave.......its so frustrating that it seems to be almost a catch 22 situation.......Dont give up though...i would go to your doctors asap and ask if they can help with the training so you can then purchase the system?
Well the good news is that it works for me, apart from drinking and eating a few things that don't agree with me, peanuts, mushrooms,squid and curry, I have not had an accident in just over a month It has given me the confidence to get out and enjoy life again. It's funny I didn't realize that those foods didn't agree with me before I started on this system because I spent my life sitting in poo and didn't know the difference. So now I'm learning what to avoid and I should be right. I still wear contenance pads sometimes during the day and always at night, just until I'm 100% sure of what's happening in that department.