Well, I have 2 weeks, 2 days, and around 8 hours (not counting) until I go into the hospital to have an ileostomy reversal. I've been a bit naive and ignorant of the possible poor outcome from this procedure. I have had a colostomy and then an ileostomy since May last year when a perforated bowel caused a fraction of grief. I am glad to be coming to some sort of closure (pardon the pun) but concerned as well. One thing that is pissing me off is that the day after I go in is my birthday. Due to stacks of complications after both surgeries, I know most of the staff in the entire hospital, so they better get me a cake and sing "Happy Birthday," or else there will be trouble. I will have to take names and kick butts! One bonus is that I will see my football team, the mighty St. George Dragons, win the comp before I go in. For all of you who don't know who the Dragons are, don't worry, just get on the bandwagon with me. Only the good follow St. George.

This is a remarkable community of 40,877 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Marjatta
This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.
Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo