Eighth Anniversary of Tommy the Ostomy

I almost missed the day.
Before the day is over, I want to celebrate Tommy the Ostomy.
Today marks eight years since I had my colostomy surgery.
I want to thank Dr. Bobby Rad for doing such a fantastic job.
Here is his link: https://bit.ly/4cC2wGf
Also, I appreciate the support of the United Ostomy Associations of America.
This photo was taken the day after surgery.

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I think it is such a positive gesture to thank your particular surgeon and also to celebrate a forward timeline of ongoing success.

May you enjoy many more positive years with your ostomy.

BW

J

Hello,

Dr. Rad belongs to the same medical group as my original colostomy surgeon, Dr. Hurwitz. I had very complicated surgery due to decades-old hernia repair mesh that migrated into my intestines and bladder. All of it had to be tissue separated and removed. Fortunately, Dr. Hurwitz was an expert in hernia repair and advanced surgery. I recovered with no complications.

Last year, Dr. Rad patiently consulted with me and my wife about reversal surgery. After a lot of thought and soul searching, I decided to keep the colostomy.

I'm scheduled to see Dr. Rad in 2 weeks for a routine follow-up.

They, along with infection specialist Dr. Myint, and the Hoag hospital medical staff, are my personal heroes.

Happy Stomaversary

Wow. 8 Years. That is really encouraging to hear someone doing so well after 8 years. I just passed my 1 year with my current ostomy. I can't wait till I can say 8 years no problems!!

My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister

Hi BeachBoy, 

You get to see Dr. Rad???!!!

Please say hello for me. 

And you are in SoCal? We should grab coffee and chat!

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I'm in Huntington Beach.  About 10 minutes from Hoag Hospital and Dr Rads office on Superior Ave.  

I'm still working until April 29... then I'll retire.

Would be great to get together and chat.  I'll send you an email.

Lilmesican,

I can't figure out how to send mail on this web site.  I'm a premium member, so I should be able to.  I've received mail from other members.  Do you know how to do this?

I really appreciate your story.

I'm happy you're doing well and have what seems like an amazing doctor!!! I'm almost at my 4-year mark with more than likely no chance of a reversal, which would've been a nightmare to me 3 years ago. I've learned it's not as big of an issue as it was in the beginning. After my first 6 months, we did talk about the possibility of a reversal at that time and even now, unfortunately, I'm not healthy enough for her to recommend surgery (I now live 3 hours away and only have to go in person if she can't resolve anything with a video visit, but she's just that amazing I'd drive that far to see her and my GI doctor) because of all my scar tissue and other issues that led up to my ostomy. But I'd have to say, anyone in WI, that is in the area where Dr. Molly Meyer works (Aurora Health Care), she is amazing. My case was bad, and I finally had to ask her why my stoma doesn't look like what I've seen online or even posted on here, and she said it's because my intestine was so inflamed that's all she could bring to the surface and it was an emergency surgery. I didn't go in for an ostomy; my pancreas died, and they needed to go in and clean my abdomen out, and that's when they noticed a tear in my colon and she was brought in. I know this got a little off subject, but it's a blessing when you have amazing doctors that truly save you from death and hopefully, this also gives hope to anyone new struggling with coping with your new way of life. It gets easier as you go along and just becomes your new normal.

It is amazing how surgeons make it all work.  I've watched some surgical video... everything looks like mush.  And yet they sort it out.  

Wishing you good health and happy days.

Happy Stomaversary! A great doc makes a world of difference. Cheers to you and Tommy my friend! 

Dr. Rad did my procedure 3 weeks ago. He's amazing. A skilled surgeon. 

Congrats

Right???!!! It's amazing what they do.

He's one of my favorite doctors... EVER!

I have the same thing going on; only so far, it is just causing a non-healing wound. I chose not to have the surgery, so I have to wear a bandage from the seeping. My doctor has ordered another CT scan to see why it is showing more blood than before. I am 82 years old and am healthy for the most part. I had emergency surgery on April 19, 2023. I chose not to have the reversal; any more surgery is scary for me at my age. After reading your post, it now has me concerned about what may happen in the future. Can you tell me what your symptoms were prior to having surgery? I had all my colon removed but the anal stump. Hope you are feeling better soon. I enjoy reading your post, especially the one about the popcorn!! 😂

Happy Stomaversary this month!  I am so glad that you had a wonderful doc - they are truly heroes.  All the best to you!