D-Day June 16th! I feel many mixed emotions about having a stoma - my father has had one for 10 years now, although he doesn't cope with it well. My 'outlook' is positive, but I know that can change when I actually have the surgery. I think I am going to be the 'I have a stoma and I am PROUD' person, and I hope this continues when I actually have one. I first got poorly when I was 14; over the years, I have been diagnosed with many things, but they finally have come to a decision that I have solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, which resulted in my colon collapsing! I needed to have ventral mesh rectoplasty surgery last year, but sadly it didn't work!!! I have two beautiful young children, and I hate how they have to see how poorly I am on a daily basis. My son (who is four) knows that mummy has so many problems, and I worry how it will affect him. Sorry if this looks like one block of writing - it won't let me space for some reason! I have named my stoma Elizabeth Anne after two fabulous Tudor queens, and I can't wait to have her!

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 40,198 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
40,198 members
Advertisement
Hollister
We conducted a survey to better understand the impact that living with an ostomy has on sleep.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
Learn the results of our ostomy sleep survey.
Advertisement
Hollister
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.