What a journey the last 6 months have been! I had a proctocolectomy in December 2009 due to complications from Crohn's. My physical recovery went better than my perception of the recovery. I didn't like my new state of affairs and became quite depressed. About 3 weeks ago, I had to have surgery again for a kidney stone. Then it seems that almost overnight things "clicked" and I have been able to move on.
A week after the kidney stone surgery, my wife and I went on a cruise. Since my surgery, I had showered, but never bathed—never allowed my stoma underwater. On our cruise, I swam in the ocean, rode a zip line through the jungle canopy in Jamaica, swam with stingrays in the Caymans, ate exotic dinners, laid out in the sun, and walked miles! My activity level was almost up to anyone else's. Except for a few problems with adhesives breaking down with body perspiration, things went with few "issues."
My wife did a great job of helping me find clothes ahead of time that looked good and still covered the stoma. I controlled the output with simethicone, relaxed, and had a great time.
So, after the intermission, Act II has started out great!

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Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
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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.