Most Embarrassing Moment

The most embarrassing moment for me was before I got my operation. I had Crohn's for 14 years, and as you know, when it is time to use the bathroom, you have about 5 minutes to find one. I had been divorced for 8 years, so it was time to start dating again. I was fixed up with a gal, and on the first and only date, we went out of town to a restaurant about 20 miles away. For some reason, she wanted to drive. We got to the restaurant, and I ate a good-sized meal. Well, on the way back, the urge hit me, and I started to panic, which just makes it that much worse, so I asked her to pull over to the side of the road, and I jumped out {at night} and ran into the woods. Of course, there was no toilet paper, and the leaves did not look as soft as one of my socks. Well, I got back in the car and looked at the gal, who had a puzzled look on her face. I could see her look down and see that I only had one sock on now. We did not discuss it, and I never saw her again. That was one of the reasons I decided to get the operation. I do not miss those days.

Swiffer man, I am so sorry that happened. I promise, even when I worked at the hospitals, I had no idea of how bad Crohn's is for people. I was never much of a complainer, but from what I hear, even I might not have been able to deal with what you all have. The girl wasn't worth another date anyway. I can't believe how many of you all tell these stories that hit me so hard, and you all look back on them like, well, I learned not to do that again. God bless your heart. One of the good guys, and glad I know you, Jenny.

Thanks, Jenny. You are a good person by just reading and caring for others like you do with kind words always. I look forward to all our talks.

I have two most embarrassing moments at this point...

1) I was attending the Annual Navy Ball in Japan. It was a very formal event, and I was dressed in a beautiful black gown. My date was in a tuxedo uniform. When we were out on the dance floor, my pouch fell off, and poop exploded all over the front of my dress, down my legs, and all over the ballroom floor.

2) I was at a friend's house for a barbecue one night. After having a few cocktails, I went to use the restroom and needed to empty my pouch. I guess the alcohol I had was a little too much, making it dangerous to attempt a pouch empty, and I slipped up, and poop went all over their bathroom floor and wall, hitting the nice decorator towels hanging on the towel rack next to the toilet. I couldn't get my pouch back on and had poop all over the place. I had to yell for her to come and loan me a pair of sweats and a t-shirt so I could leave and to bring me supplies to clean, as there was nothing in the bathroom I could find to clean up the mess. It was awful!

TWG, glad you got over those 2 times. Life sure throws some curveballs sometimes. You know there are 10 million of us in the United States in the same situation wearing bags. It amazes me that we cannot find a better way than using a pouch. Of course, I should be grateful we have them, though. Don't know what they did 50 years ago.

How to Get Back to Fitness After Ostomy Surgery with Ryan | Hollister

My most embarrassing moment was on a cross-country Greyhound bus trip last year. We were going through Texas, and a few hours after our last rest stop, my bag filled with air/gas. As we were about an hour from our next stop, I decided to go to the onboard restroom, thinking that it would be ventilated to the outside somehow. I got in there, and the only ventilation was a tiny little flap that opens to the outside of the bus. I had no choice at this point; the bag was about to burst. I popped it open (at the flange). Within 5 seconds, I was hearing people's reactions to the stink (i.e., choking, gasping, rude comments, etc.). Seems that the bathroom is positive pressure, which forces the odor into the rest of the bus. After lingering for a few minutes, I exited the bathroom and headed back to my seat. I must have turned 8 shades of red.

59 years ago, you had a mason jar taped to your stoma. And you didn't lay down at night; you slept in a chair. 40 years ago, you had a hot water bag clanging around your stomach. I'm thankful for what we have now.
bikerboy

bikerboy, Thank you as always for helping me know it could really be a lot worse. I was already crying this morning and didn't even know why. I got on and read what you wrote and cried some more. But that is OK as I needed to know that. Thank you so much for always giving me something to think about. No, this one isn't funny, bikerboy, but it is a good, hard, honest look at the past and future in medicine. Makes one think no matter how tough you think it is, it could really always be a heck of a lot worse. God keep you safe on the roads, bikerboy, and just keep enjoying life. God bless, Love Jenny

Thanks, Jenny, for always saying it like it is. No sugar coating here. You're the best there is.
Greg

Greg, I need some advice? I have people wanting my Skype address now, and I only talk to friends and family on Skype. I am a long-time married lady who loves that part of my life. I also have my 12-year-old home for the summer, and no way does he need to see strangers on my computer that crashed last night, and I am using my son's. But it got a virus, and we have to get it fixed, but I can't give out my address because I wouldn't even want to date if I was single. I was giving an idea to people who feel like sex and love are lost; it isn't lost, at least I don't think so. Over a movie we watched, it hit home. I didn't want to see so many people think love was lost forever when it isn't. The one way I am secure about me is with my personality, and that part of me is cool. But no way do I want a bunch of people with my email address or Skype address. Plus, when my computer is fixed, my son's sits next to mine, and he can see anything I do when he is next to me. I would never let anyone in my home that isn't like Jo Jo or family, as she is a really good friend. I already miss her so much; I had to talk to her oldest to see what is going on. I do feel better about that. But I only know to tell people to look up single women or single men. This is probably something I should never have talked about; people took it wrong. Plus, a single woman can say no if she doesn't want to give out her Skype address. Some very nice people on here; I should have never read the sex and dating forum. Greg, I guess I made a mistake, and I was only trying to help people know they don't have to be alone. BIG MISTAKE. Besides, the only people who are talking to other sexes are the ones I talk to in the chat rooms. I do it for fun and it gets my mind off of all of this for a while while waiting on surgery. It's kind of like the high you get when you find the ultimate roller coaster. Or to a golfer when he really hits a hole in one. We all have things that thrill us and excite us. Greg or bikerboy, your bike is your thrill, and what I learned in life about seeing people lonely and knowing I can help thrills me. But not if it is going to cut into my personal life, because that part of me is really the way I want it to stay. Greg, I will see how much more I can take on here without crossing any lines. But man, I think I learned my lesson not to answer questions on personal issues. Just wanted your thoughts, Greg, your friend. PS I also got called a Tea Bagger who carries a gun; that is so far from the truth. I don't carry a gun. Just very conservative in my views, but that is what freedom should be about—leaving people alone to make that decision for themselves. Greg, I should just look at it like this: it doesn't matter if I am out or home; I can get in more trouble without really doing anything wrong. God bless you, and if you have any advice for a woman who does belong to the Tea Party but doesn't pack a gun and doesn't hurt people, give me a shout, Jenny

Mine began before I knew what was wrong with me. I was at a deli in Florida. After I went to the restroom, I noticed poo all over my brand new pants, so I wiped off what I could and ran out of there.

Lucky for me, a Stein Mart was in the same shopping center, so I ran in and tried another pair on.

Never was I so embarrassed in my life! I was so frightened too because I had no idea what was going on.

I have had a colostomy for 22 years and never had any problems that you describe. I empty my pouch from the bottom outlet and clean with toilet paper. I have a belt that I wear to keep it from coming loose and falling. I made an elastic belt that I put over the stoma pouch when I go out, and it holds everything in place. I make pockets of cotton material to put the pouch in because I can't stand the plastic against my skin. Get in touch with me through this site, and I will tell you some things to make that thing easier to live with. You are too beautiful a woman to let that interfere with your life.
Lots of love, JJ

Don't let that bother you; everybody has gas, we just let it loose from another end. I have had mine for 22 years.
JJ