I joined this community about a year ago with high hopes of making friends who would walk with me through this, but that didn't happen because I closed myself off from the world in hopes of dealing with it on my own...I am finding I can't...
Today, February 15th, 2015, is the 15-month anniversary of my having an emergency colostomy (no insurance then or now. Can't afford even the cheapest plan, so no follow-up care nor a reversal, which the doctor said I'd have in a year. Haha, that joke was on me).
Messy Mae (my stoma) has become my one constant companion, and I know she understands what's happening to me without my uttering a word. My poor sweet adorable husband, God bless him, tries so hard. He nods at all the right times and asks if there is anything he can do to help, as always, but alas, I still feel like I am alone in this, except of course, I have Messy Mae...
Maybe I'll feel like telling the rest of my story later on...
There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help sometimes. There are many members here who will gladly share advice or just listen. Having an ostomy can be difficult at times, but I assure you that you can lead a nearly normal, happy, productive life with one. Have faith, be positive and patient. Keep us posted. God bless.
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I just finished reading the Ostomy Tips Book under COLLECTIONS at the top of the page. I did not realize how much information was there. It covers a lot
of things that people have questions about. Hope this may answer some things for people. Best wishes and stay safe
Well Memeb, I'm nearly a year in and in a right pickle. I see a medical shrink tomorrow. Keep with it, I'm sure your man is in just as much of a pickle as you. I'm going to do my story so far on my anniversary, March 10th. Bend my ear any time.
Hugs
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If indeed you have a colostomy and not an ileostomy, you should investigate irrigation. Talk to your stoma nurse or just Google. Once you get it mastered, your life still won't be grand, but it will be considerably better. You will also have to change the nickname of your stoma. It will no longer be 'messy'. VJ.
Yes, life is just peachy-keen, meme. I don't know what Alabama did, but if they weren't as ignorant as Florida, you should be able to get on the state Medicaid program. As for the irrigating, as VJ said above, I understand people that can do it love it; but do investigate well because some cannot do it for medical reasons, etc. Always plenty here to listen and many who want to help. Sometimes it's just nice to have a place to go and this is a nice place. Big hug to you and give your guy one too. I know what you mean by lonely. But it's nice he's there too.
My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister
Having my colon removed and getting an ileostomy was the best thing that happened to me. I had ulcerative colitis for 15 years. The last year was like a nightmare, with no bowel control and many accidents. In 1986, I went unconscious in my gastroenterologist's office. I stayed in the hospital for 28 days before having surgery. The doctor said I was dying and probably would not survive the surgery. Survive I did! I got my health back and life began again. In 1994, I had it changed to a continent ileostomy. I wear only a small patch to absorb mucus. The stoma is level with the skin and does not protrude. I can wear anything I want without a bulge.