I'm new to this site; I didn't know it existed until recently. When I had my surgery 20 years ago, not a whole lot of people knew what it was. There wasn't a huge support system like there is now. I was 24 years old and knew no one who I could relate to. Life sucked back then.
Here it is 20 years later, and after teaching myself about my ostomy, I'm doing great. I chuckle when someone I've known for a while learns of my ostomy... The look of disbelief is priceless!
The surgery did not solve or take away my medical condition, but it did save my life. Having to look down at my body reminds me not to waste the days we have here; God calls for us eventually.
shiningstar
Sep 17, 2014 5:55 am
Mrs.A
Sep 18, 2014 2:46 am
Welcome to the site, I'm sure with your time with an ostomy you have much to share that may help many. God is good always!
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,451 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
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 🫶🏼