A person with an ostomy lives a bifurcated life: pre- and post-. You are still the same person, but you have been rudely thrust into a different existence. Everything around you appears the same: people still smile at you, the receptionist at the doctor’s office remembers you when you walk in, and your family members remain, well, your family. But you sense that they are treating you differently. They KNOW something about you, something intensely personal. There is that element of difference with which they treat you. Then there is the rest of the world to which you must relate, and you realize that now it is YOU who is treating things differently, that your approach to life has dramatically altered due to that beast on your belly. Certainly, you are changed physically, and you alter your behavior accordingly. But you are transformed mentally as well. You now have a new demon with which to do battle, and the sooner you can exterminate that SOB, the better, since it’s only then that you’ll be able to get on with your life. It can be done, and the people on this website are living proof of that. As the old Indian Lone Wadi said in the film “The Outlaw Josey Wales,” ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVERE.

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 40,188 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
40,188 members
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Hollister
Ostomy surgery is stressful both for the patient and the caregiver, and creates a major life change for both people in a relationship.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
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Hollister
We conducted a survey to better understand the impact that living with an ostomy has on sleep.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.