I had a colostomy placed 3 months ago. I lost a third of my body weight and now look like a walking skeleton. The doctors can't figure out why they had to cut out 9 cm of what they call "concrete," and they say I'm lucky to be alive. Funny, I rarely feel lucky. Three hospitalizations later and running out of medical days, I wonder what my future holds. Will I die early? Will I leave a young child behind? Will I wind up homeless? They say it's reversible but keep pushing the date back. I cry a lot now and hate dealing with the bags, the insurance, the money lost. I get sick of everyone saying I'm lucky to be alive. I know I should focus on the positives, but that's hard for me. I've always been kind of a pessimist and this certainly hasn't helped my outlook. Please tell me I'm not alone. I feel alone.
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Most contraceptives are equally effective for people with and without stomas.
Learn more about contraception or family planning methods with an ostomy.
Learn more about contraception or family planning methods with an ostomy.
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Going into labor and giving birth with a stoma should not be causes for worry. However, there are a few things you should know.
Read our 6 tips to prepare for childbirth with an ostomy.
Read our 6 tips to prepare for childbirth with an ostomy.