Stoma Anniversary

Nine years today. Happy Stomaversary to me 🎈🎉

Way to go, Riva!!! Every anniversary is a good one when it comes to shitbags! I'm going to put up a post asking those who've been ostomates for a long time to share their lessons learned and tell the rest of us what to expect. I'm especially interested in how peristomal skin stands up to the abuse we put it through. So how are you doing at year 9? Has your skin changed much, or is it just like it was 9 years ago?

;O)

Congrats

Happy stomaversary!! 🥳💪

Happy #9, Riva! Judging by your photo, you look great, and life is good!

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

For me - celebrating stomaversary - Not so much… it was truly my day from hell followed by months of hell! I know some feel differently about the ole' stoma birth due to many various reasons, and I am in awe of your attitudes and acceptance. One might say even three years later I am still in denial. Although I have been advised that I can have a reversal (I was fortunate in that a large non-malignant growth was removed along with an ovary and my appendix) with no former “priors” (IBS, Crohn's, cancer, etc.) I do not want to experience a second day (or more) of hell if I can avoid it. My reasons behind this include my tender age (almost 80), I am healthy, I am pain-free, and above all, my life experiences with medical professionals …enough said. Onward and upward, Ostimates!!! jb

-Hi Riva, happy stomaversary! I've had my stoma for 38 years. Well, actually, I'm on my second one after resection surgery 5 years ago, and the stoma moved from the right to the left side.

Congratulations, love your attitude. I have had mine for 36 years.