I am new here. I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Chrissy and I am a mother of 4, just turned 40. A little about me... Last year I was diagnosed with cervical cancer (early stage). I had to have a radical hysterectomy (Jan 5, 2018). I ended up having complications afterwards. Although I was told beforehand that recto-vaginal fistulas were rare, it was possible... I was that unlucky person who got 3 fistulas. The surgeon nicked my colon during surgery and had to repair it. So that repair healed to the vaginal repair and left holes. I was devastated. Four weeks after the radical hysterectomy, I had to have an ileostomy (Feb 6, 2018). This whole ordeal has really taken a toll on me emotionally. I have cried almost every day until recently. This ileostomy is temporary, but it still sucks. The doc said about 8 months to see if the fistulas heal on their own. It's only been 4 weeks. Sex has been an issue. My boyfriend of 1.5 years shows no interest. I can't have sex due to the fistulas, however, there are other ways to please one another. Still... nothing in 2 months. He won't even look at my stoma. I have adjusted to it well, better than I expected. I'm certain he is grossed out by it. I even bought the cute black lace wrap from Ostomysecrets. I keep my bag clean. No odor unless emptying it on occasion. I even rinse my bag out every time I empty it. I have never felt so gross. I am not really sure what to do at this point. I know I am not alone. I am curious to see how others handle this situation.
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Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
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Hollister
We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.