I have to admit, when I make a good decision for myself, I want to share it. As I explained in an earlier post, I had somewhat major surgery on my left hand. I was very worried about being able to manage sweet "Maxine" on my tummy with changing out my ostomy bag and barrier. The decision to switch to non-drainable bags until I could use both hands was a stellar move on my part. At first, it was a challenge, but after two or three tries, I was good to go and can easily and quickly make the change as needed. Granted, I do go through the bags more often, but with that aside, it is so much easier to manage with one hand. The VA was so understanding and accommodating with my need to switch for a time. I don't know what I would have done without them. If any of you ever have to have hand surgery or another surgery that takes away the use of one of your hands and need advice, please message me. I have adapted a lot of different ways of working things with one hand and can help you to learn to make your temporary situation livable. Cheers!!
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When I found this web site, I didn't think its name had anything to do with actually meeting an ostomate but I later learned there were some folks who did meet and develop relationships. How good is that? That wasn't my intention. I definitely didn't want anyone to meet me. I felt broken and wasn't prepared to express those feelings. I thought it was a place where ostomates wrote about themselves, posed questions, shared thoughts, told jokes and, sometimes, just vented. I thought of it as a community of folks with similar interests and various degrees of experience. Mostly I found some of the most caring, selfless, wise and understanding people I ever imagined. I was so impressed with some of the writings; not because of their literary value but the way in which they addressed such a very complex environment. I read hundreds of exchanges and admired the way folks cared for each other. I became hopeful with my own situation and looked forward to the next day's offerings. Certainly some contributors stood out with their experience or particular skills in addressing some things but it seemed like a total effort with synergistic results. I felt blessed to have found this site. I still do.
Mike
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.


