Holy God, just got word from the surgeon that they have a bed available for me to get the first of my operations for pouch surgery tomorrow!!!!!! :O Sort of semi-excited to just get it over with before Christmas so that I can enjoy the wee ones getting their Santa pressies, but still freaking out. It's like they say when you have a near-death experience that your whole life flashes before your eyes. Well, I'm having a near surgery experience where all that can go wrong with the operation and with the reversal is all I can freaking think of. Super researching things right now on the internet, which I know is a bit mad as I had over 4 years to prepare. Talk about doing things at the last minute!!! Ha ha, think the more you know the worse off you are though, so I have firmly stepped away from the search engine site!!! Ha : ) Thank God for this site right now so that I can properly vent my anxiety onto fellow understanding good bowel-less folk like myself!!! : ) Yeah, so anyone thinking about having the reversal, I'll keep an update on my well-being as soon as I get properly on my feet. I'll still have the bag; they're just making the pouch with this op and then letting it rest for 3 months. Then in January (hopefully!!), hooking it up and letting it flow to see if it works, sort of like a human plumbing system!! Ha, sense the nervousness in my cheesy jokes!!!!! Aaahhhhh : ) Anyhoo, any of you who are even slightly religious, have a wee thought for me in your prayers tonight that all goes well!!!! Steph xxxxxxxx
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,449 members.
“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
Hi All, If you have an " old" or recent ostomy, this is the place for you. I think I've been a member for more than 15 years, but I have had my surgery, since I was a kid of 15 ( do the math-that's more than 60 years ago). As a teen, with a new ostomy ( for Ulcerative colitis) my parents dragged me off to my first ostomy association meeting. I wasn't happy, but in the long run, it's the best thing that happened to me. I met others, older, and teens like me, adjusting to the changes. A group of us started a Young adult group, and helped each other, and even visited kids who were new to the world of ostomies. But soon I married, and moved out of state, and although made some connections with other NJ ostomates, I became pretty much isolated. Until I discovered MaO. By then, I was having a myriad of other medical issues, and my aging stoma " wasn't doing well". I received a lot of help and support from members! I was pleased that I was also back to supporting others. I met a gal on line (from Papua New Guinea) who was trying to help ostomates in her country. There is a scarcity of supplies in some other countries, and unlike the US, insurance to pay for supplies isn't available. When my son followed his "love" twenty years ago, and moved to Australia I took advantage of an opportunity to help other ostomates. On one of my first visits to Oz, I brought a suitcase full of Ostomy supplies, handed them off to an Ostomy assoc. On the Gold Coast, who then had a friend take them to PNG. They were grateful for the help, and Janet and I still write.. This is the place to be, if you need help, and it also gives you the opportunity to provide help and support to others. Feel free to write, if you'd like to chat, about things ostomy, or life in general. Best REgards to all.. Marsha
Learn about the physical and emotional benefits of using ostomy accessories.
Greetings, Donegal. Will light a candle tonight for you... positive thoughts, and it shall be... xxx Kerry
We all wish you a successful reversal. No doubt you'll be high-stepping with Michael Flatley and his crew in a few months. Speaking of cheesy jokes, your situation offers a unusual nuance to the old Irish prayer: May the wind always be at your back...(sorry). The best is yet to come! Keep us posted. PB
Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister
Hi Irishcuddy, just want to wish you luck for tomorrow, and you're certainly in my prayers tonight. My thoughts are with you. Take care, ambies.
Sorry, I hope it all goes well, as I'm sure it will. I know the feeling. I'll say a wee prayer and know you'll be fine. Take care, Margaret.
Hi, not sure if you'll pick this up in time, but I really wish you all the best for your op. I'm sure everything is going to be fine and I look forward to reading your blog after you've had the op. Take care, Mrs O xx
Learn about convexity and 4 myths surrounding it.
Along with my blessings, I wish you a speedy recovery, my friend. Let us know how you are, okay? BEG