So it is Ostomy Awareness Day. Was wondering what you all are doing to celebrate? I made several public blog posts about ostomies and posted some ostomy resources.
infinitycastle52777
Oct 07, 2023 3:35 pm
Rene
Oct 07, 2023 5:29 pm
Wow. Did not know that. Thanks for the intel. I just know that this month is my 2-year anniversary with an Ileostomy.
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Posted by: Immarsh
Hi Hatlady and all,
I've had my ostomy for over 50 years, since I was a kid, and didn't think I really needed to be part of the ostomy site. But once active, I came to realize, that although I may not need help at the time, I was able to reach out and help others in need. Back in the day, before stoma therapists, I use to visit new patients in the hospital or homes ... While professionals are great, it is also good to be able to speak with people with personal experience. I was a free member for awhile, but after writing often, I was given free months. I then started paying, and decided to just take lifetime membership. After all, I was going to have my ostomy for the rest of my life. I'm one of those people who can disappear for a few months at a time, but I'm always glad that the site is here, I can return and reconnect with old friends, and make new ones. This is an excellent site ... Best regards to all ... and Best wishes for a Healthy and Happy New Year.
Bill
Oct 07, 2023 6:03 pm
Our local stoma nurses organised a coffee morning to celebrate stoma awareness day and it was very well attended with people having to stand. There were speakers from three relevant firm amd one of the nurses gave us updates on the state of the NHS and their efforts to cut back on spending. (Apparently, people with stomas cost them a lot of money!)
Nonetheless, it was a very interesting meeting.
Best wishes to you all.
Bill
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Ben38
Oct 07, 2023 6:43 pm
It's the first time in about 20 years I haven't been to an ostomy awareness event. My health's not good this year, so just celebrating at home knowing I would have been dead over 30 years ago without my ileostomy.
In the UK this year, the Colostomy Association and most of the bag manufacturers are calling all of October Ostomy Awareness Month.
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Ostomy4life_22
Oct 08, 2023 2:51 am
I had no idea that this was a thing. I'm glad that more and more people are being aware of people like us who have ostomies.
infinitycastle52777
Oct 09, 2023 1:24 am
Rene,
Congrats for making it 2 years. The 30th of last month was "Marvin's" 6-month birthday, but I have had my ileostomy since Jan 1, 2022. (Had it relocated 6 months ago) and it was like being born again. I could finally wear a bag after a year and a half of not being able to wear a bag.
Lee
infinitycastle52777
Oct 09, 2023 1:29 am
Bill,
That sounds so interesting. Wish I could have come. I don't even have a local support group to go to. The nearest one is an hour away and it isn't practical to travel there in the evening. Yes, I am sure that with all the supplies needed to maintain an ostomy, it gets expensive. On my insurance, I can only get a certain number of items each month that they will cover. Sometimes I have to buy something extra like M9 drops.
Lee
infinitycastle52777
Oct 09, 2023 1:30 am
Ben38,
Sorry to hear you have not been well. It is good that you can celebrate just at home and hey posting on here counts!!
Lee
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infinitycastle52777
Oct 09, 2023 1:32 am
Gentlejohn,
Oh wow. How did that turn out? Did you do the whole 5k? I would not be in good enough shape, I don't think, plus I am still recovering from an ankle sprain from back in early June, that still has not healed. (In PT now trying to fix it without surgery).
Lee
infinitycastle52777
Oct 09, 2023 1:34 am
AlexT,
It was certainly an eventful awareness day for me, as I had a bag leak in the middle of the afternoon. Haven't had one of those in a few months. But I don't blame my ostomy this time because it leaked from a hole in the bag that I didn't even know was there. That is the second bag I have found a hole in.
Lee