Totally blind ostomate.

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740
Past Member
Mar 02, 2024 5:33 pm

Hi there, guys. I read Bill's post about working blind. Well, I am a totally blind lady with a stoma. I want people to know that you can be 100 percent independent with the stoma. I want to support people who have sight issues or anyone who wants to know more about this. I have got some unique ways of managing my stoma, so if anyone wants to know more, please message me. Thanks.

AlexT
Mar 02, 2024 11:10 pm

How did you know Bill’s post was there? 

Past Member
Mar 02, 2024 11:14 pm

I use a screen reader called VoiceOver on iPad and iPhone so I can read with my ears.

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 🫶🏼

infinitycastle52777
Mar 03, 2024 4:11 am

I have no doubt that a blind person can learn to do just about anything. I used to have a blind friend, and she would take pictures with her phone, make videos on YouTube, and do just all sorts of things. I think once you learn how to approach a situation, you can learn to adapt it to your needs. I didn't see Bill's post, but I don't doubt that you can manage your stoma on your own. It's your body; why wouldn't you know how to manage it?

Lee

AlexT
Mar 03, 2024 6:09 pm

You probably have to listen to a lot of babbling on here from some. 😁🤭 😬

 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

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Bill
Mar 14, 2024 8:44 am

Hello whitinge73.
Thanks for your post and for reading mine.
I am fascinated to hear and read about people's experiences, methods and procedures in overcoming obstacles in their lives and dealing with stomas is no exception in this regard.
I had not heard of 'voiceover' before, so looked it up. When I get a bit more time I will try it out on some of my rhyme to see what the synthetic voice sounds like.

When I was much younger, I did have a blind client who was only too willing to share his wealth of experience with that condition and it was a real 'eyeopener' for me at the time.
As I usually try to document these experiences in rhyme, this was no exception. So, I'll share the rhyme with you in the hope that it expresses my sincere thanks both to him, to you,  and to all the people who have deemed to share their experiences with others. 
Best wishes

Bill

IT’S ALL IN  THE MIND.

Once I knew a blind man
who made it seem so real,
that he was locked in darkness 
and round the world would feel.

Graphically he showed to me
his failures and his hopes,
as I watched the way that he 
did fumble and did grope.

Then with a grin, did hold his chin
away up in the air.
Off he marched, no stopping him,
as if he had no cares.

Inviting me to come along,
he showed me how it’s done.
Each bold step was never wrong,
he made it look like fun. 

Young man, he said, with knowing smile
and face so wrinkled kind.
I need no eyes to walk a mile –
PERCEPTION’S IN THE MIND!

Perhaps the question should be asked,
who saw most along the way?
For sight can other senses mask
and blind to certain things YOU STAY.

Think about it! 

 

                                                                B. Withers 1988
                                           (in: Catharsis 1992)