Once a year, I get invited to a local ostomy exhibition, arranged by my two local hospital stoma departments, stoma nurses, appliance manufacturers, and suppliers.
Knowing there is not a lot for me there as I have all my appliances and supplies sorted, I go to see what new innovations are about and have a look at the support wear, underwear, and swimwear stands, to get some ideas.
Then I scoot around all the stalls giving away freebies and goody bags. It's amazing what they put in them: deodorants, wipes, sprays, wafer reinforcing tape, etc.
On this occasion, I bumped into my old stoma nurse, who attended to me after my urostomy operation. We had a chat, and she said how well I was looking and how nice it was to see me. Also, if I needed a stoma or appliance review, to pop into the hospital and see her (and the other two nurses I got to know).
In passing, I mentioned to her ostomy websites. Her comment was, "For goodness' sake, unless you want to be terminally depressed, stay away from ostomy sites; they are for the lonely and misinformed. Some of the people on those sites are their own worst enemies."
I said nothing and wished her a good day.
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MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,455 members.
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“Doctors took notes; they want others to find this website.”
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For those of you still looking for love after your ostomy... don't give up! One day, when you least expect it, there will be a message in your inbox... always remember that when you're not looking, life has a brilliant way of surprising you with someone in your life you have so much in common with, and either you make a great new friend or you will find the person you were always looking for! I, for one, thank God I found this website... I was in a low place when I first started, and now I've never been happier! ~Traci~
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Wow, what a comment,
I am glad I found this website. If I hadn't, I think I would have thought I was the only one with stomas.
I like reading the forums, people's stories, ups and downs, and problems and jokes.
Anyway, the people on here have been a great help to me.
Hang in there, girl! The one thing I am grateful for is that I have no more pain and I can eat whatever I want; also, I don't have to be near a bathroom all the time. Life is good!
My Ostomy Journey: Bruce | Hollister
Yep, I periodically have to remind myself that pre-op, when going out to meet friends, I would always have to think about what the toilets were like at that pub and sometimes wouldn't go. I was really lucky that my friends would start factoring in the toilets of wherever and change the venue so I would come along. Eeh, it makes me feel good just thinking they did that for me.
If everyone were depressed on the site, I can understand what the nurse meant... but luckily we aren't all depressed at the same time. That way we can help each other out and vice versa. I get down sometimes, but reading about the problems of others and how gallantly they are coping really helps me. Don't want to be a whiner. It is a long, hard road sometimes, but it is the road we were given to walk... and we aren't alone in our walk; that helps a lot! Thanks, everyone... Jeanie in Georgia
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I couldn't have done it without this site and the awesome people and friends I have made.
When I read some of the problems on here, it makes me realize how lucky I am. Most of the stoma nurses don't have any personal experience of having an ostomy. I'm sure a lot of doctors and stoma nurses look at ostomy sites, whether they admit to it is another thing.
Hi, everyone there!
I am back on this site after a fairly long gap. I was upset last time when Janice had said she was giving up. I have this particular inquiry: 'How are you, Janice, now? I hope you have resolved to come back bravely. Do get back for I am longing to hear from you'.
I remain a well-wisher of all ostomates. As an ostomate, I am doing really fine. Everything is streamlined and routine with ostomy management is absolutely set in order. I feel satisfied with what I have achieved. I hope most people do that sooner rather than later.
Cheers to all
Anis
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I can believe medical staff would say such a thing, but I think it goes to show how much this site has helped all of us at one time or another. Being depressed, I think, is part of this stage of getting better. I don't think anyone comes out of surgery overjoyed that we have a bag or "pouch" as some call it, but come to realize that it—the pouch or bag—helps, or it doesn't, and for those for whom it hasn't helped yet—"hasn't myself yet"—but it gives us strength and hope to keep looking and to keep pushing forward. The doctors and nurses usually don't have one, so they can only understand what they know, if that. I actually had an infection a week after my first surgery and was in the ER when one of my nurses lifted her shirt up and showed me her scar, what she'd been through, etc., but it seems like you don't know what it's like unless you've been through it. Okay, I've blabbed enough,
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but this site has been a true blessing, so shame on them... This is a great site.
As an ostomy nurse, I think this site is awesome! I must admit, for a long time I thought this was a dating site. As I started spending more time here and reading the posts, I gained so much respect for you guys. The support you offer one another is fantastic. Whenever I am working with patients, caregivers, or nursing students, I always emphasize the UOAA and Meetanostomate.com (MAO). The UOAA offers educational resources and MAO offers support.
My stoma is just like everything else -- all about attitude. It doesn't define who I am or what I can do; it only shapes how it gets done. One of the best tips that I shared with a favorite ostomy nurse was to add about 5cc of vegetable oil to my pouches to keep the pancaking to a minimum. I have the high-dollar ostomy lube, but this works well in a pinch.
It's tips like that from this site that make it worthwhile for me. I am married and have no use for dating sites. What I've learned is that with the can-do attitude here, it's helped to keep my head on straight at times. It's nice to just be able to identify with others who have similar experiences and useful tips and strategies.
Hopefully, I'll be able to share some of that optimism from time to time.
Hi there, friend!
I have been well! I frequent the UOAA forum now. Don't come here too much anymore. I am up to 120 lbs, showering, doing hair & makeup... almost feeling like a real person again! Thanks for asking!
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