AS A YOUNG MAN, I RESENTED my body’s need for sleep. There was just so much to do, so much going on, so many things to accomplish. I enjoyed my work, I looked forward to it every day, and I pitied those people who wandered vacantly about the office at the end of the work week moaning “thank God it’s Friday.” I wasn’t what’s called a ‘workaholic;’ I just felt an abiding sense of accomplishment at work. Nor did my work enjoyment detract from having warm feelings about my home life, my wife and my two daughters. I enjoyed that too. Having to spend six to eight hours asleep, away from my work and home life, irritated me. Now that I’m retired, however, and have somehow lived to become an octogenarian, my perspective on sleep has eased off a bit. Some evenings, I actually look forward to plopping down into bed. My need for the regeneration has never been greater. The ostomy may dictate that I have a couple of get-ups per night, but I’ve adapted and usually fall back to sleep within about fifteen minutes. I’d like to stop having motorcycle dreams, though, since I’d likely kill myself if I was foolish enough to get on one again.

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Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.