Hi, my name is Karen. I had a dissection of the aorta in 2019. I really don't have friends or family to talk to about living with an ostomy and recovery, how to get products and help, or advice on how to have a life again. I feel very alone.
karen.dean.home
Oct 22, 2024 4:13 pm
Riva
Oct 22, 2024 4:43 pm
Hi Karen, and welcome. Education is key on this new journey of yours. I suggest you check out UOAA, United Ostomy Association of America. It's our national organization. Also, Ostomy101.com. You will learn about foods, blockages, skin care, clothing, ostomy products, travel, activities, and a whole host of other tricks of the trade. You might also want to check out a local support group near you. Just remember, you are not alone on this new journey of yours. Wearing a pouch does not define who you are. There are solutions. We're all here for you. Best of luck.
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Every morning when I enjoy my big cup of coffee I scroll through this site and this warm feeling just overwhelms me.
I never post anything (too shy and it feels like I don’t have anything of interest to share tbh) but I sure read a lot of posts from you guys and they are so informative, supportive encouraging and so so full of love and a big dose of humor.
I feel like part of the best family in the world (even though I am just sitting quietly in the corner lol).
I just wanted to share that feeling and say thanks to all of you for being so wonderful.
And also, please keep some fingers crossed for me this week. I have my blood test on Thursday, checking my CA 125 levels. Ovarian cancer reoccurrence fear unlocked again. I hate it!
Lots of love from Sweden
Hugo
Oct 22, 2024 6:09 pm
Welcome Karen. Glad you are here. You will find a lot of support here. You are not alone. Ask any questions you need to. I find that no one except another ostomate truly understands what life is like with an ostomy. There are many wonderful people here to help guide you on this journey. We are your tribe.
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warrior
Oct 22, 2024 7:44 pm
"Dissection of the sort?"
I'm hoping that's a typo because I've never heard of this before.
Please explain.
What kind of ostomy do you have?
Where have you been since 2019?
How did you find us?
Okay, enough of me being nosy Rosie.
We will help you. It's the right place. Glad to have you. How can we help? Just list your questions. Others will chime in.
TerryLT
Oct 22, 2024 8:52 pm
Hi Karen, and welcome. Many of us don't know anyone else with an ostomy, or anyone who even knows about ostomies, so you are not alone. You have found a great group of people who have all 'been there' and understand what you are going through like no one else. We are all here to support each other with physical and well as emotional challenges. Anything you want to ask, just ask away, and anything you need to just vent about...same thing. You don't need to be alone. This site saved me in my early days of being as ostomate. I'm sure you will find it helpful too.
Terry
My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister
