Queensland Scleroderma Patient's Colostomy Experience

A typical Colostomy bag installation.

Here's an encouraging report on one person's experience with colostomy procedure.

​I was diagnosed with scleroderma about 10 years ago. At that time, my main symptom was Raynauds. Other issues developed over the years, but the one that caused so many problems & concerns was the scleroderma causing a lack of muscle tone in the bowel. My bowel functioning was very erratic, going from constipation to diarrhoea on an almost daily basis, discomfort, & finally bowel incontinence, due to the sphincter valve not working any more.
During this time I had 2 bowel prolapse operations, but these only worked for a short time. My next step was the Colostomy operation & the bag. The thought of this terrified me, but I realised this would be my best option.
I want to say that this was the best thing I have ever had done for my bowel problems. For the first 6 or 8 weeks it was quite difficult to get used to, with different types of bags etc, to find out the most suitable for me. I had visits from the Stoma nurse, both in hospital, & also afterwards at home. The local hospital has a great support network, & also run support group meetings on a regular basis.
I just want to let anyone who is having these sort of bowel problems know that I would recommend this procedure. Feel free to contact me through the scleroderma association.I feel this operation has been a godsend to me, &  I now enjoy a happier & healthier life !