Keep me in your thoughts and prayers please as I start part two of this journey. 15 weeks ago, my world was turned upside down with a ruptured diverticulum and emergency surgery. My hospital team was wonderful through the entire process. Fingers crossed I get the exact same staff who cared for me the first time. By the time I left the hospital, I felt as though I had new family members, not just healthcare providers with me. Getting home and adjusted, of course, took some trial and error moments and a few tears and meltdowns. But as weeks went along, I finally started to get accustomed to things I could tolerate eating, managing an ostomy routine, and learning to not get panicked at anything that seemed to be "weird," but of course, everything was weird and new by then. Weeks started to fly by, and before I knew it, I was going back to the surgeon to discuss reversal. Excited and nervous for sure. Not sure what to expect and already dreaming about my first "real meal" again. Will keep you all in my thoughts as well.

This is a remarkable community of 40,900 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Marjatta
This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.
Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo