So in Oct 2015, I had pancreatitis, a burst bowel, and had a colostomy placed. I also had my sigmoid colon removed at the same time and was diagnosed with chronic leukemia. In Feb 2016, I had a resect. In 2018, a massive hernia was fixed. In March 2024, my husband and I had no clue why (even though the report says we were spoken to extensively and given info - all bull SH-t), and I suddenly had emergency surgery for a blocked bowel and had an ileostomy placed with no chance of reversal in March 2024. I had also been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in Jan 2024, and TPLL, another acute but rare leukemia, to which I had such a violent reaction to the chemo that I literally almost died!! I had sepsis, septic shock, bacteremia, etc. This surgery was performed after the violent reaction to the chemo. I complained of pain for weeks, and they finally took a scan and found two major infections. I have had trouble with my ostomy since it was placed. What do you think of the colostomy and sigmoid colon removal as a reason why I am having so many issues now?
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“I found real people, real humor, and answers I couldn’t get anywhere else.”
“The support here impressed my husband’s medical team - they plan to recommend it.”
“This community saved me when I thought I was a freak. Now I’m thriving.”
“Thank god for this site - I finally knew what to ask my surgeon.”
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 🫶🏼
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