The middle of the night
January 28, 2009This is the only thing I’ll ever complain about, I promise. And that is, having to get up in the middle of the night to empty my ileostomy bag (back when I had an ileostomy). It was always accompanied by a fear of having a leaky bag whenever I woke up, so that was part of the complaint.
Now, you might be wondering if I still have this complaint now that I’m using my j-pouch, since, with my j-pouch, I still get up at least once most nights. But surprisingly, this doesn’t bother me, for two reasons: I never wake up with the fear of my j-pouch leaking, and it’s a lot faster, simpler, and cleaner to empty your j-pouch than it is to empty your ileostomy pouch.
Keep fighting,
~Dennis
Question: What are you like when you get up in the middle of the night to empty your ileostomy? Have you had any bad experiences? Leave a reply below!
Hey there,
I just saw some of your vids on youtube, particularly the one of you changing your stoma bag. You mention about the hairs on your tummy and how it sometimes hurts when you pull of the sticker.
Have you ever heard of “appeel” spray? Basically you spray it on, and it loosens the glue really quickly, stopping the burning. Also it’s oil based, so it leaves your skin feeling soothed afterwards.
(I had a colostomy until mid 2008).
Let me know if youneed any further info and I’ll dig out a bottle and send it to you.
Thanks,
Stefan
I also have that odd light headed stumbling feeling in the middle of the night when I get up to empty my bag. I’m guessing this must be normal because of the quick loss of fluid having an ileostomy.
Hi Dennis,
I still get light headed every time that I get up from a sitting or laying position and I am 2 1/2 months post j-pouch surgery. (I usually have to sit right back down until it passes.) I wonder when this will pass? Did you lose your lightheadedness after your take down surgery?
Hi Beth,
I’ve had virtually no lightheadedness after my takedown surgery. Even when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom I’m in much control of myself. I find, too, that when I wake up in the middle of the night I’m not “as tired,” in that I’m more aware of my surroundings and don’t stumble around at all.
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for the info. I am greatly looking forward to my take down which should be in about 3 weeks. I know that it will have it’s own set of difficulties, but I am getting a little tired of my bag.