In 2008 I decided to run in the Mother’s Day 10K in Kanab, Utah. It was strung out along U.S. 89, a scenic byway with beautiful rock monoliths on both sides of the road varying in color from red to salmon, rust to umber, beige to brown. Since it began early in the morning, I figured I’d be okay; I’d not eaten anything. Everyone was bussed out from the city to the starting point at Moqui Cave. It was a cold day and, just before the race commenced, we were dumping our jackets and sweats into a designated spot for retrieval later. Then, we were off. I hadn’t gone more than one mile when I became conscious of the sloshing. It would have been normal for me if I’d had my usual two cups of coffee to begin the day, but I hadn’t. The physical activity was doing it. After about two miles, the sloshing was pronounced. Plus, it was getting heavy and had become a definite annoyance. My determination was starting to flag. I worried about finishing. Then, thankfully, I spotted a Porta-Potty at the 3.1-mile marker, the halfway point. I made a beeline for it, like a dog chasing a stick. Once relieved, I was back into the crowd and finished handily. Then I went looking for my hooded sweatshirt and a cup of coffee.
Love the Kanab area and Zion! You should have stopped at The Thunderbird Restaurant: Home of the Ho-Made Pie...
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,407 members.
“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.
Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.
I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.
Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼
Learn all about skin barrier extenders.