I have been reading this story and enjoying it very much (even shedding a tear or two), but I just had to ask when on earth the colostomy was performed because you haven't mentioned it previously. In fact, if Dean has a colostomy, would there be any need for the magic bullets? Just curious. I think otherwise you're doing a pretty good job with very difficult subject matter. :D
Hey! Whoops - thanks for the catch. You have definitely captured one of my (hopefully) few moments of insanity where I regress to my early days of research (and by early, I mean like 10-15 years ago...). Don't ask me why, but for the longest time I thought colostomy bag referred to a collection bag for either type of human elimination, and I just can't seem to move past that. If I'm typing too fast for my brain to catch up, it sometimes just comes out... Sorry! It is fixed now. And you are correct, magic bullets wouldn't be necessary if he'd had the procedure done, but it wouldn't be a normal procedure to perform in this situation. Glad you're enjoying the rest of the story! Thanks for keeping me on my toes : ) ~nc
Actually, they do sometimes perform a colostomy for quads and paras just because the magic bullet is an unpleasant, and can be a tediously lengthy, procedure. The cousin of one of my friends (I think from memory a T9 para) has had a colostomy.
You're right, I have heard of a few people who have had colostomies performed, and it supposedly gives them more freedom and the capability to care for themselves instead of needing outsider care. But the procedure itself is a very radical and invasive procedure that comes with problems of its own - including leakage, odor, skin breakdown, and constipation (which, yes, can occur with standard bowel programs, too, but with lower rates). The colostomy is becoming a more accepted practice, but at this point in time is still used pretty much as a last resort. Check out the Craig hospital site - they have some good information on this.
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