I wish I had some of your self-confidence. It took you a very short time to deal normally with your new health situation; you inspire a lot of ostomates. Keep fighting...
Abdulqadir
Jul 21, 2024 8:58 am
rlevineia
Jul 21, 2024 1:29 pm
Like Mose said: Nice to be a strong youngin again. I have a prolapsed ileostomy from improper handling post-op. Obviously, you were doing the pole thing before your illness. Not for the majority of us. At 75 and 5 months in a nursing home, this would be very bad for me. I now go to a special therapist that works with abdominal issues. We work on core strengthening very slowly, but safely. Prolapses are serious and cannot be fixed properly, per my surgeon.
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 🫶🏼
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Isla is my sunshine
Jul 21, 2024 5:55 pm
Dear Miss Fudgeakins, this is the first time I have posted but decided to give it a stab.
I had stage 3 esophageal cancer four years ago and after chemo, radiation, and surgery, am hopeful for more years with family and friends. After that major surgery, I had twelve more major operations, one on my stomach, one to remove my colon, and the others due to herniations of my small bowel. I have had my ileostomy since September 2023. It is now controlling my life as I have constant diarrhea and am taking two medications around the clock to try and control it so I can have a life outside of the bathroom. I even have to set my alarm four times at night to empty.
Does anyone else have this problem? Oh, and I do drink at least two liters of rehydration fluids a day and eat a restrictive diet.
Please tell me I am not alone!
My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister
charlie
Jul 21, 2024 6:35 pm
I too used to do pole fitness before moving; now it's not offered close to home where I now reside. The best part of this class was when I really could not do a certain routine/move, the instructor found an alternative that was just as effective for the specific muscle group being worked on. Your story is so uplifting, thank you for sharing.
almelia
Jul 21, 2024 8:44 pm
I've always wished this was an option for me - a friend and I once wondered if we should try starting a wheelchair pole group... plenty of arm strength but otherwise a bit limited, we reckoned! I know my family wouldn't be surprised if I did!
Keep looking after yourself and doing what makes you happy and fit ✨ï¸
Miss fudgeakins
Jul 22, 2024 1:07 pm
Thank you to you all, I feel quite blessed 🙌 to have you all supporting me, thank you.
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Miss fudgeakins
Jul 22, 2024 1:09 pm
Lol, unfortunately, if I wore tights, I'd slip straight back down 🤣🤣
Miss fudgeakins
Jul 22, 2024 1:11 pm
Aww hun, you're allowed to feel sorry for yourself. It's not easy being an ostomy warrior, but know you're not alone. Thank you for your kind words 💖
Miss fudgeakins
Jul 22, 2024 1:13 pm
Thank you, it's hard, I won't lie, but slowly my strength is building. If I can help just one person to believe in themselves, bags and all, I'm happy.
Miss fudgeakins
Jul 22, 2024 1:16 pm
Hi, no, I have never done pole or any kind of fitness at all, but with pole, you build yourself up. It doesn't matter if you're small, cuddly, etc. My chap's mom, who's 70, does it with me.