I feel so fortunate to have found this site! I am amazed by the support and information. I am new here, and in the process of recovering from surgery. I was hospitalized and diagnosed with C-Diff last July 2010, and was given prednisone in large doses. I had major prednisone withdrawal issues but was getting better and dealing with liver disease stuff when I started having lots of pain. Although I had UC and took meds, it rarely bothered me. On May 11, 2011, debilitating pain caused me to go to the ER where I learned I needed life-saving emergency surgery to remove my colon because of free air due to perforation in colon. I was hospitalized for six weeks after the surgery, due to staff infection and then found out I had diabetes due to the steroids so I had to learn about insulin/diabetes management. I had been so positive, grateful, and hopeful initially. Did my own wound care, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin shots, and ostomy stuff. I even named my stoma Lola because Lola certainly gets what she wants...
In the last month, I have been super exhausted (can't just rest on the couch, need to sleep during the day - most of the day), and fearful that my body seems so fragile, and about whether I will ever be strong enough to get on my surfboard and get in the water or hit the slopes, or camp! Angry and tired of dealing with the accessory!
I would really like to hear how you have made it through post-surgery issues of fatigue/exhaustion/frustration/fear. Has anyone else hit this wall at 3 months post-surgery? All doctors, blood tests, X-rays, MRI say my healing is on course and things look normal. I stopped prednisone about 3 weeks ago and am almost weaned off the insulin so these may be reasons I am exhausted. Having pain too in abdomen, like I did 100 sit-ups and my core/back muscles are sore. Also need tips and tricks for the best accessory for swimming, hot tub (is it possible?). Any wetsuit issues? I am thinking I may have to take up stand-up paddleboarding instead of surfing.
Thanks for any feedback.

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We sat down with two influential people in the ostomy community, to find out how they cope during challenging times.
Read what they had to say.
Read what they had to say.
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Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.