It's been a year since I started what would be the worst 2 months I have ever experienced. My diverticulitis flared up and IBS was on overdrive. Add to that a very stressful job, weekly doctor visits, a myriad of medications, and hospital stays. Unfathomable pain, mental exhaustion, panic attacks, and anxiety, I was the quintessential hot mess! Nothing worked, I was not living, merely existing. Take me to October 26, 2023, and I wake up with a colostomy and not a happy camper at all! What a journey this has been. I fought through one of the darkest times mentally and physically. It took 3 months before I got to the point where I could go out and experience life. 6 months later, I was donning a bathing suit and heading to the pool with my grandkids. Not an easy journey, not one I would wish on anyone, and yes, I woke up and gained what I feared most, a colostomy. BUT I lost so much more I lost my self-doubt—I can make it through anything. I lost my loathing of my body—it's keeping me alive. I lost my inhibitions—you have to when you talk about poop and stuff. I lost my fear of the unknown—life happens whether you worry or not. I lost a stressful job—I have an awesome one now. I lost pain—once healed, I am no longer doubled over crying every day. I can honestly say life is indeed good, I just had to have mine shaken and stirred quite a bit to finally get it. I don't let a day go by that I'm not grateful for the opportunity of living.

A Year Later. What I Lost But Gained

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 2:03 pm

Reply to Morning glory

Thank you!

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Marjatta

Sep 14, 2024 3:03 pm

Detailing the ups and downs of your personal journey has been very inspiring to me, Nini4. Yours are the posts that I cling to in my darkest hours, when I feel that no one else could possibly understand what I'm going through. You help to light up the way from my temporary dark cloud.

Congrats on having such a kick-ass life! You deserve it!

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7dragonflies.hm

Sep 14, 2024 3:17 pm

Absolutely beautiful. Lovely perspective!

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Tips For Coping In A Crisis

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.

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 5:50 pm

Reply to Marjatta

Marjatta,

Oh my. I'm touched beyond belief. I am happy to know I can be of comfort to someone. This journey is nothing to face alone.

Much love your way.

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Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 5:51 pm

Reply to 7dragonflies.hm

Thank you!

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My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

brokelawnman

Sep 14, 2024 5:54 pm

I don't post on here much; I'm very shy, not much of a keyboard warrior. It'll be two years this Christmas Day since my modification. 😁 Your post sure hit home with me to a "T". I really needed it right now. 👍 Thanks and God bless you. 🙏

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Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 6:01 pm

Reply to brokelawnman

Bless you! Sending good thoughts your way.

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ahynes111

Sep 14, 2024 10:56 pm

No one falls up a hill!

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SharkFan

Sep 15, 2024 5:49 am

It's all about perspective. Seems like you understand that. Your post will help many.

Keep it up and best of Health,

SharkFan

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Nini4

Sep 15, 2024 11:31 am

Reply to SharkFan

Thank you!

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Tips For Talking About Your Stoma

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.

Lulume

Sep 15, 2024 4:17 pm

Way to go, Nini... Waking up with a colostomy is unnerving, to say the least, and acceptance comes slowly... but it's a small price to pay for a second lease on life. I love how you won the battle and your change of attitude. 👍

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A year later. What I lost but gained

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister