Hi All,
I have found that there are not many support groups in PA that meet at least once a month. I would like to start a support group and would like to know if there is anyone out there interested in joining. I want to make sure there is a need and if there would be people who would like to attend.
The meetings would be a minimum of once a month. We could have outings, fishing, shopping, etc. This would not be just a gathering once a month and then going home. We would get connected with others as well as with our families. This is not a dating service, but if you were to meet someone at the grouping, that would be great. Families would be welcome at the outings if you wish.
This would be a great way to meet others without the scary part of meeting one-on-one. If you live in area states, you would definitely be welcome to attend. It is open to anyone.
Let me know what you think!
Peg
Lisa
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,408 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
About seven years ago, just about every aspect of my life was ostomy related. From the moment I was told an ostomy might be needed until some months down the road I existed as a person afflicted with a colostomy. I feared someone other than my immediate family might find out I had a bag. Ugh! What could be worse? Suppose it filled real fast when I was out with no place to hide and take care of myself. God forbid should it leak in church! Suppose I roll over on it in bed. I was a lesser creature, destined to a life of emotional anguish and physical routines different from most of the rest of the world. I felt like a freak. Then I found folks like you guys here, read your stuff, really “listened” to what you had to say and I began looking at things differently. We know perception is everything and I began to understand how good things were relative to what they could’ve been. So many folks had it so much worse than I did. That didn’t make my discomfort go away but it exposed how fortunate I was to be dealing with my stuff and not their’s. I felt a little guilt, maybe selfishness but quickly forgave myself by understanding I just wasn’t smart enough to fix my feelings. Then, I wonder what smarts have to do with feelings. My perception was warped so my perspective toward my existence was warped.
I learned over the last few years with the help of lots of folks right here at MAO that I could be better at living just by accepting some facts. It is what it is and so what? It’s not the worst thing to happen to a person.
I think everything is, in some way, related to everything else. I just put the ostomy thing in the back seat and drive forward.
Respectfully,
Mike
That would be cool. Let me know when you want to meet. Have you gone on your vacation?
Blessings
Peg
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
Hey Peg, I go next Wednesday and will be gone for a week. My dad is having bladder surgery on August 5th, but any other Friday I am available. Check your schedule and let me know when you are free. :) Until then, take care of yourself.
Lisa
Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister
Peg, although it is a well-meant, seemingly no-brainer thing to do, pulling a support group together takes maximum effort. First and foremost are the geographical challenges; it would be wonderful if everyone lived close. If you're serious, give it your all and I will try to help. Otherwise, to everyone, I cannot recommend enough that you attend the UOAA National Conferences.