Hey all,
Has anyone gotten a service dog because of your ostomy, Crohn's, or any condition in between? I've had my ileostomy for a year, and even though my doctor says I'm in perfect health now, I can't do a lot of things I used to, like surf, rollerblade all day... well, I guess anything real physical. I tend to get these cramps near my stoma (like a foot cramp but worse) when I bend or do some sport like surfing, which kind of sucks. Has anyone been in my shoes? Anyway, back to the dog. I have a 7-month-old puppy, so smart and sweet, and I think she would be great to train as a service dog for me, just wondering if anyone has had a service dog for this kind of condition.
I was told that dogs can sense if you are about to have a flare-up or a blockage! Sounds cool, but wouldn't know if it's true until it happens...

This is a remarkable community of 40,910 members.
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Justbreathe
MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.
Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.
I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.
Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.