I READ ON WIKIPEDIA that the first proctocolectomy was performed in 1978. I guess that I must have been an early, unreported, experimental patient, since mine was in 1964. As they say, you can’t believe everything you read. Yet, as long ago as that was, my heart still goes out to those newbies who come onto this site and express their dismay at what has happened to them. I well remember the pain and anguish that I experienced. The term PTSD wasn’t so common back then; it came out of the Vietnam War a few years later. It was my surgery, in fact, that kept me out of that war. Today it is plain to me, as I meet all the incredible people on this site, that overcoming this trauma is obviously possible. “There are no hopeless situations,” wrote Clare Boothe Luce, “only people who have grown hopeless about them.” So to you newbies I say, you can do it too. As any kid knows, holes are made to climb out of.
Agree, but also realize sometimes those holes can be quite slippery, maybe more so for some than others. Trying to “get a grip” may take time and support... jb
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,407 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
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 🫶🏼