bad to worse

Thank you to everyone for your kind messages of support.

I really thought I had a supportive partner, unfortunately not. Just when I am feeling at my lowest, I have had to move out of my home and move 100 miles to live with my parents. I literally took a small suitcase with virtually nothing but my bag supplies.

I have totally lost all faith in people now and after having my heart broken twice in about 4 years I have vowed to never even look at another man again.

It is so hard not sinking into the depths of depression.

Gothfairy, I'll give it to you straight because sometimes I need to be told the same thing - lighten up! I know life can be hard, and we've all been there. It can be heartbreaking to have your support system and your loved ones leave your side. But you can't go living your life like some Greek tragedy, claiming to be in the depths of despair. Tomorrow is only a day away, and it's a new day. You gotta stay positive and hold onto hope. Depression isn't a solution. My advice? After you finish your 4th or 5th tub of ice cream, go out and do something just for you! Go buy a new sexy outfit! Go do something you wished you'd done when you were 16 - like dye your hair blue! Whatever you want - do something impulsive and crazy that will make you feel awesome! Go skydiving, or speed dating! Go to the beach or out camping - make a mini vacation! Just make sure you don't get down on yourself. No one has the right to make you feel like you should cry - so don't let them! Go out and see what life's all about and have fun! Now I'm not saying go out and become a party addict - but I am saying, just enjoy life. And smile. The hard times don't last forever. Also, don't swear off men for the rest of your life - they aren't all bad. Many men have been hurt the same way by women. When in doubt - get a cat. Ahha.

Hi GF. I agree with Cinderella. First, get a sweet cat! Just adopted Olive, a 1-year-old female. She does not meow, just makes squeaky sounds... unconditional love. A little dry food, water, and a place to poop. My daughter also has Crohn's and is still holding off on surgery as Cimzia seems to be helping. I saw Dr. Crohn himself over 50 years ago in NY. What an ugly-looking man, but at least he researched it with his associate, Dr. Ginsberg, the surgeon. Do not swear off the male species as you WILL meet the right guy. We are out there. It will occur when you least expect it. Try to change your routine. Go or do something different. Treat yourself and your folks. Only positive thoughts. Barry

I also understand entirely and love the posts here. Sometimes I think I am the last faithful person on the face of this earth... but then again... that just cannot be a logical statistic, can it? I was always encouraged to start over and never give up, and I did try... if one person doesn't show enough interest, there are always many more waiting to be at the door it seems... but what a disaster my last attempt turned out to be... good thing for my friends and my fur babies getting me through, they are the glue that holds me together. Rest for a while if you need to, but remember there are good people and good situations out there, harder to find sometimes,... and other times they might be right under your nose ;) In the meantime, you gotta do what you gotta do... another example, I am currently attempting to line up a new housemate because I cannot financially live alone anymore either and I hope to have an arrangement before the next snow falls, it's a matter of survival and I don't have much time to waste in getting a plan down... it does make it more difficult to 'move on' however, when one is trying to attempt a new relationship with someone and there is someone renting space in your home, or, if you are in someone else's home sharing expenses, but most people understand we are all in different situations and we simply must get by, somehow... and often times it is more difficult for women to do so... just be careful and don't trust too quick, and as a cherished friend of mine told me not long ago, do a background check on people before getting too close... I LOVE the comments above :):) Cheer up dear, there will be more options to explore, we go through many transitions in life and everything will be ok ;) Lots of love!! xoxoxo!! ~Doe

Thanks to you all for such a great topic and all the great responses... I'm in a similar situation, but my lack of support is from my immediate family. I've been dealing with several medical issues for the past 12 years, and the lack of support appears to have decreased then increased. In the beginning, it took a serious effect on me, and I couldn't understand why they just didn't get what I've been going through. I even gave them information on every health issue I had, even invited them to support groups. They just chose not to be a part of my life, regardless of how many times the doctors said I had weeks or months to live... but I'm grateful for my spirituality and my faith. I had to stop depending on them and depend on my higher power, whom I call God... and reach out to those who understood the health issues that I was going through. I woke up every day not taking life for granted and just being grateful for opening my eyes.

My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister

Blessed, I feel you. Just got out of a ten-year relationship. I don't know if the colostomy had anything to do with it. We've been having problems for a while, but I believe it does, no matter what he says. But I'm good. I don't chase them; I replace them, but I'm going to be single. I can't imagine a man wanting someone with a colostomy. I won't find out because I don't take rejection well, but I really don't want a man now. I'm focused on me and feeling free and happy most of the time. Lonely sometimes, but I'm good!

Believe it or not, there are real men out there, but we have to love ourselves and every part of us first before we expect someone else to... Once that self-confidence is back, girl, it feels awesome. Girl, I'm a diva...lol. Girl, my self-esteem is through the roof... Toni (stoma name) and I be looking good. Girl, he be acting up sometimes and wants to blow bubbles at people (pass gas). I just laugh and say, "Oh, that's my son," and keep it moving. LMBO...LOL.