Hello Osteomates! Haven't posted in a while and wanted to say hey. I hope everyone is doing well and finding comfort with themselves. Have the stomach bug going through my house now. I haven't gotten it yet, and am keeping my fingers crossed that I dodge this one! Well, summer is over and the cold weather is near. I ran outside in the rain this evening; it was a little chilly. Almost time to use the treadmill again. I bought the Hip Hop Abs workout DVDs today and should receive them next week. I need to strengthen my abdominals more. If this works, I will let you all know. I am trying to find a workout that doesn't mess with "Stella the Stoma" so much. Have any of the ladies here found flattering/stylish jeans? I have been wearing the ones that go up to my belly button and are huge to accommodate the bag. I was just wondering if there was a brand that anyone likes. Well, I hope everyone is well. Take care.
G'day Firegirl, how ya goin',
Since staying in the States, I have discovered "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" and find these are really comfy and look pretty good too! (If not a bit pricey). Mid-rise so not too harry-high-pants, but I've never liked the low-rise hipster look anyhoo, even on the skinniest girls they tend to look strange methinks (not to mention make 'em walk like they have a pole up their bum!).
Otherwise, for a cheaper version, I like the Lee Riders, even the "shaper" ones don't smoosh in your stoma (I wear a convex base so that's never been a problem) but give you a really nice shape and they have plenty of room in the thighs which I need (being of the "thunder" variety!).
Let us know how the Abs DVD works out, definitely a good move to keep the core muscles in shape with an ostomy, hey.
Happy shopping/working out!
Cheers me dear,
Jo x
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Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
I have not a clue about ladies' jeans, but I got a new ostomy belt, Stealth Belt. I don't see why it wouldn't work for women. Since I got it, I started running again and tucking in my shirts; it holds my bag (2-piece system) horizontally above my belt line. I love it.
James
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