Hi all! Though I've never met anyone else with an ostomy in person, I am grateful to have chatted with some folks online that have helped answer my questions and provide me with a sense of community throughout my journey. I was directed here by some people on Reddit and I'm looking forward to seeing what this site is all about.
xx
colonferal
Mar 18, 2022 3:37 am
Bill
Mar 18, 2022 7:22 am
Hello colonferal.
Welcome to the site. I have found that this site is constantly changing, depending upon who is posting at any one time. A brief guide to what people om her think about it can be found in 'Members reviews' which is in 'COLLECTIONS' at the top of the page.
I do hope that you will join in the discussions and make a part of this site your own.
Best wishes
Bill
Welcome to the site. I have found that this site is constantly changing, depending upon who is posting at any one time. A brief guide to what people om her think about it can be found in 'Members reviews' which is in 'COLLECTIONS' at the top of the page.
I do hope that you will join in the discussions and make a part of this site your own.
Best wishes
Bill
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,403 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.”
Hugo
This site has been a blessing for me in learning how to cope with and navigate this journey as an ostomate. I have a colostomy as a result of a perforation in my colon since May of this year. I don't know yet if it will be permanent or reversible. The people on here have provided me with so much advice and information about living with an ostomy that I don't think I could get anywhere else. You all have given me hope and a place to come to for support. I still struggle with acceptance, but know that it will come if I am patient. Patience has never been my strong suit! Also, I love all the humor, although it really pissed me off when I first came on here. Thanks to all of you.
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Miss Worrier
Mar 18, 2022 2:27 pm
Hi Colonferal, welcome!! I am fairly new to this site, and I love it! I've only had my ileostomy for ten weeks and this site has been so helpful!!! Hope it will be for you also!!! Miss Worrier!!
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Morning glory
Mar 18, 2022 4:41 pm
Welcome, you have come to the right place for answers and friendship with amazing people.
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Earth Angel
Mar 20, 2022 12:28 am
Welcome Colonferal! I think you've got the best profile name!!!
????
colonferal
Mar 20, 2022 5:38 pm
Haha thanks for all the username love and welcoming words / support! When I was trying to figure out my stoma's name, my sister and I thought of Colon Feral and I cackled loudly. That's when I knew it was a keeper lol.
Appreciate you all! I don't know how to respond to people individually but I'll figure this site out sooner or later.
Immarsh
Mar 22, 2022 7:27 am
Hi, welcome to the site. My name is Marsha, and I've had my ileostomy for more than 50+ years, since I was a kid of 15. Unlike many, I never named my stoma, and honestly, I don't know why. I tend to think of "her" as a she, but no clue why. I was very active in the NYC ostomy assoc...at 15, and when I found a bunch of young adults and teens, we founded our own "group" that lasted for about 4 years. There was so much that we younger people wanted to talk about (sex) without the parents and old folks hanging around. At the time, we also worked with ostomy supply co's and helped test supplies. At the time, we were really in the dark ages. Today, there are so many more options than there were back then. Most of my family's friends and neighbors knew my story, so by the time I married (a
man who also had an ostomy) and moved to NJ, I wanted some anonymity. But I still worked (with little success) to start an ostomy group near home. After a while, I gave up on that and was busy living life, returning to school, and raising my kids (who are now married adults raising kids of their own). When I found this group (mostly Australians at the time), I thought I had little need for it since I had been living successfully with the ostomy for over 40 years. But I joined anyway, and it felt like coming home. I decided to pay the permanent membership since my ostomy is permanent, and I've enjoyed the friendship, help, and support I've gotten and received over the years. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to ask questions, post ideas, or share ideas and thoughts. We're all here to listen and to help when needed. Marsha
Riva
Mar 22, 2022 10:35 am
Welcome. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, United Ostomy Association of America. It's our national organization. There you will learn about foods, blockages, skin care, clothing, products, travel, activities, and a whole host of other tricks of the trade. You might also want to check out a local support group near you. Just remember you are not alone on this new journey of yours. Best of luck.