I’m I the only one that hates this? I find it difficult it goes 24/7 up and down all night. I use do CrossFit before Eddie now I’m terrified I would have an accident . Gaining weight having troubles getting my self up to go to work each day. Ppl see you say oh your looking good while entire time I’m screaming in my head. Not looking for sympathy just need vent and what better place than ppl have stoma’s
SSG
Apr 18, 2022 3:40 pm
AlexT
Apr 18, 2022 5:06 pm
You control your life, not your stoma. Get up and get moving, the only limits you have are what you put on yourself. Take every breath God gives you for what it’s worth, cause tomorrow may never come. Smile, enjoy the day, and do what you enjoy.
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Immarsh
Hi All, If you have an " old" or recent ostomy, this is the place for you. I think I've been a member for more than 15 years, but I have had my surgery, since I was a kid of 15 ( do the math-that's more than 60 years ago). As a teen, with a new ostomy ( for Ulcerative colitis) my parents dragged me off to my first ostomy association meeting. I wasn't happy, but in the long run, it's the best thing that happened to me. I met others, older, and teens like me, adjusting to the changes. A group of us started a Young adult group, and helped each other, and even visited kids who were new to the world of ostomies. But soon I married, and moved out of state, and although made some connections with other NJ ostomates, I became pretty much isolated. Until I discovered MaO. By then, I was having a myriad of other medical issues, and my aging stoma " wasn't doing well". I received a lot of help and support from members! I was pleased that I was also back to supporting others. I met a gal on line (from Papua New Guinea) who was trying to help ostomates in her country. There is a scarcity of supplies in some other countries, and unlike the US, insurance to pay for supplies isn't available. When my son followed his "love" twenty years ago, and moved to Australia I took advantage of an opportunity to help other ostomates. On one of my first visits to Oz, I brought a suitcase full of Ostomy supplies, handed them off to an Ostomy assoc. On the Gold Coast, who then had a friend take them to PNG. They were grateful for the help, and Janet and I still write.. This is the place to be, if you need help, and it also gives you the opportunity to provide help and support to others. Feel free to write, if you'd like to chat, about things ostomy, or life in general. Best REgards to all.. Marsha
Past Member
Apr 18, 2022 7:45 pm
I can only take a guess but you could have depression have you spoken to Dr or had any counselling....even just talking about how your feeling on here and with family and friends can help....there's nothing you can't do with a stoma just take it easy and 1 step at a time until you gain your confidence back...could you you do shorter session of cross fit to start with?...other than work are you getting out seeing family/friends and days out weekends away to build your confidence
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TerryLT
Apr 18, 2022 9:45 pm
Hi SSG, There is so much you don't say here. I don't know how long post-surgery you are, but there is physical healing and then there is emotional and psychological healing that can take much longer. As Alex said, there is nothing you cannot do as an ostomate. It is helpful to have a support group of people who understand what you are going through, and can help you with practical suggestions and advice, and this site is wonderful for that. Ultimately though, you need to take the steps to get yourself back out there, living the life you had prior to surgery. Once the physical healing is complete, 6-8 weeks at least, there is no set timeline. You need to move at your own pace. I am just over two years from my initial surgery, and it was slow going for me, but I am back to my pre-surgery life for the most part. I do pretty strenuous workouts at the gym and swim regularly. Covid has interfered of course, by I am resuming my social life, getting together with friends, engaging in normal activities. Many people in my life don't even know I have an ostomy, but my close friends do, which adds a comfort level that is helpful in social situations. I've never had an 'accident' in public. I know that it is a possibility, at some point, law of averages and all that, but I try to be prepared, carry an 'emergency kit' in my car, in my purse, or inside jacket pocket, whenever possible.
As Damian said, it is also possible that this is something you cannot conquer on your own, and perhaps you should talk to a doctor or counsellor, there is certainly no shame in that, and it may be just what you need to get your life back. You definitely don't need to stay where you are, and there is life after ostomy surgery! I wish you well.
Terry