Looking for friends that can relate

Replies
18
Views
782
pennim49
Oct 31, 2024 3:48 pm

I’ve had my ileostomy bag about two months now. I have many medical problems and I’m looking for people to talk to that understand what I’m going through. Would love to hear from you!!!

warrior
Oct 31, 2024 4:04 pm

Hi...👋 Welcome. You're in the right place. How can we help? Just ask. We get it!! 👍

Morning glory
Oct 31, 2024 6:42 pm

Hi, you are in the right to make friends and have questions answered. We are a friendly group. Just reach out any time.

Posted by: drfields24

Hello everyone!!!

It has been almost a year since joining this site. I just wanted to share. I know a lot of people get concerned about meeting someone on here. I'm not a lifer membership and I had someone initiate to take me out. I've been divorced since 2009. He lives in Chicago. I ignored the first time thinking he was joking. I live in Milwaukee. So a month later he sent me a message through this site saying he wanted to meet me. That was in April this year. I must say it was the best thing that could happen to me. We talk almost every day. We have so much in common. He comes up all the time to spend the day or weekend together. It really does make a difference when someone has an ostomy like you. Such understanding and we always have something to talk about. I want to share because sometimes people think it's hard to meet someone or they say this site doesn't work. I'm a testimony that this site does work. We are talking marriage this time next year. I will keep you posted.

Past Member
Oct 31, 2024 7:50 pm

Hi and welcome. I am alongside you, having a lot of medical issues. If you ever need to chat, feel free.

Kas
Oct 31, 2024 8:09 pm

Welcome to the group!  You’ll meet lots of great folks here & we can all relate

 

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TerryLT
Oct 31, 2024 9:00 pm

Well, you have come to the right place!  Welcome.  Feel free to ask any question you might have.  There are no stupid questions, and nothing is off the table.

Terry

Riva
Oct 31, 2024 9:35 pm

Hi and welcome. - Everyone is here for you. You're not alone on your journey.

SusanT
Oct 31, 2024 10:07 pm

Hi,

I've had my ostomies about the same time as you. Like you I'm dealing with medical issues, some related to the surgery and some not. It can be very isolating! Forums like this keep me going. Happy to talk any time.  

Beachboy
Nov 01, 2024 6:30 pm

Hello and welcome. It takes time for your body to get used to your new normal. Time to figure out what equipment works for you. Time for you to mentally adapt to living with an ostomy. So, take it slow. Don't rush to recover. It's easy to develop a parastomal hernia. Consider wearing a support belt in the first months post-op. It might help mitigate getting a hernia. Any questions, concerns, or if you just want to rant a bit... this is the place.

trishaosh69
Nov 02, 2024 5:52 pm

Welcome. It's been 4 months for me, and I'm waiting to see if a reversal is in my near future. It's a lonely journey once your home care ostomy nurses leave you. Glad I found this website. God bless everyone.

ellin.heilman
Nov 03, 2024 5:31 am

I am eight months into this and happy to connect. Either via the forum or privately if that is preferable and possible? Good luck.

Bilbo baggins
Nov 03, 2024 7:40 am

Hi there from South Wales, UK, fellow ostomate.

You need never be alone on this site; there are lots of great people with experience and advice for ostomates.

kristen.bishop
Nov 03, 2024 1:19 pm

Hi! I’m a month into my colostomy, too. I have had to really adjust to this at 49. The surgery was much harder than I expected. Would love to chat with anyone! 

moonshine
Nov 03, 2024 3:17 pm

Had mine since 2010 - permanent ileostomy - Ostomy Secrets is a great website to purchase intimacy wraps, swim wear or pouch covers. Welcome!

Steph9810
Nov 04, 2024 1:43 am

Hello, I get it. We all want to find others who can relate and allow us to feel more normal and accepted. Hit me up whenever you just need to chat. I have had my ileostomy since 2010.

Steph9810
Nov 04, 2024 1:45 am

Hi I know your struggle, just know you are not alone. I have never had the opportunity to meet someone else with an illeostomy bag but chatting online helps me feel more comfortable and not so shy

rlevineia
Nov 04, 2024 3:27 pm

Welcome to MaO. The best & largest resource I can find. United Ostomy has info & no recommendations. You will get a lot of experienced ostomates here. A cornucopia of knowledge.

richardsonpatrick2022
Nov 04, 2024 11:17 pm

My bugbear is rectal discharge. I know some people have difficulty removing this, but I am continually going to the toilet to relieve myself before I have an accident. Anyone with helpful advice, please, I would be most grateful.

Isla is my sunshine
Nov 05, 2024 2:45 am

I was a very active person, non-smoker or drinker, but 4 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. Since then, I have had stomach surgery and many surgeries for a herniated small intestine plus removal of the colon. None of these were for cancer. I had a total of 13 surgeries!
I tire easily, but I am on this planet with my family.

I forgot to mention that I have a permanent ileostomy that gives me no end of trouble. Almost every day I have very high output or a partial blockage. I have had it now for 14 months. I also had to give away all my dresses and pants that fit at the waist.
I am grateful to be still here though!