Colostomy Bag
I've had multiple surgeries since being diagnosed in 2011 and am at the point where my next surgery would be to have a colostomy bag. I've been trying my best to avoid needing this and am wondering if it's worth going through the pains and everything that come with it to have this procedure done to let my bottom heal a bit more. Any thoughts on this/input is appreciated.
Hi
. it sounds like you have certainly been through a lot. Please know that there are people here who understand. While everyone's experience can be different, I want to share this story where a fellow community member said the colostomy surgery saved her life: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/stories/a-journey-of-hope-faith-and-healing. Also, we have some articles from our patient leaders on ostomies, such as: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/world-ostomy-to-me-2 and https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/tips-for-new-ostomate and https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/skin-issues-with-ostomy. Hope this information helps and that others chime in with their experiences. Also, please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
Thank you for your question,
. While I have not personally had surgery for a colostomy, many of our community members have, and I wanted to share some articles with you that can help give you references and information as you go through your decision making process:
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/stories/bowel-intussusception-diagnosis
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/surgery-earlier
Please keep us posted on what you decide, as we know this is not an easy decision.
--Julie (Team Member)
