Life with an Ostomy: Sharing 30 Years of Ups and Downs

Hello:

I hope that everyone is well. I can't believe that it's been nearly two years since I've been on this site. Meeting new people, especially fellow ostomates, is really neat and interesting for me.

It's also over 30 years for me since having surgery for ulcerative colitis. On December 23, 1976, I went under the knife at North York General Hospital here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Sure, things seemed strange and difficult, but it certainly changed my life for the better.

Over the next little while, I'd like to share some of the good and bad times of life with a pouch. A lot of funny stuff has happened, and some scary stuff as well.

For example, when I was down in Mexico on vacation, swimming in the ocean, a wave came along, and the strength of it took the flange and pouch right off! I had to try to place it back and hold it under my swimsuit and got back as quickly as I could to my hotel room. My friend was laughing his head off, but I was so embarrassed.

Well, I'll try to get back later with more "horror" stories.

Everyone, stay safe, and enjoy.

That must have been very hard for you at the time. When you look back on it, doesn't it seem that bad because I am sure everything worked out? Feeling good.

Hi Rudy, just letting you know that I read your blog and for the first time in months, I actually had a bit of a giggle. Thank you very much and take care of yourself, okay? jadegenie40.