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
This is a remarkable community of 40,868 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
Mysterious Mose
I take part in these forums almost every day. They and the people that contribute to them have made all the difference in my having the courage to live a normal life with an ileostomy. The people here are marvelous and come from all walks of life and from all over the world. Hearing what others have lived through has really helped me put my own experience in perspective. I highly recommend all ostomates and caretakers of ostomates to come join us.
Like my old grandpappy Joe Slappy used to tell me, "Son, you screwed the pooch trying it your way. Stop digging."
Read our 6 tips to prepare for childbirth with an ostomy.