Tomorrow marks one year since I had emergency surgery due to a perforation in my colon and got my colostomy. For several months, I was angry, resentful, overwhelmed, bitter, and depressed. I didn't think I would ever be able to cope with my new normal. I blamed myself. I don't remember how I found this group, but I am so grateful I did. You all helped to ease my loneliness and gave me support and invaluable advice on how to deal with whatever came up, as you still do today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Hugo
May 14, 2025 12:23 am
IGGIE
May 14, 2025 1:11 am
Great news, Hugo,
Happy anniversary. It's good to have people around who have all gone through the same problems and know what you're going through.
Regards, IGGIE
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.”
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ConnMan
I began my Urostomy life February 27th, 2023...a month and a half ago. I stumbled upon this site from another on Youtube and website called VeganOstomy and between that site and this one, most of my fear and worry of not having any answers other than calling the Dr's office recording menu and hoping to hear back in the next day or two for an answer to leaks, skin irritations etc, or just feeling alone and the "no one understands" thoughts I had to look forward to in my mind were all put to rest by these two websites and the community here at MaO!! I have been here for a few weeks now, and the help and support offered by the members here is just amazing!! The information and support is absolutely priceless for anyone recently out of their surgery and have tons of questions or had it for years...sit down...have a good read and you will see for yourself!!
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SusanT
May 14, 2025 11:47 am
Happy 1st stomaversary!🥂🥳🎊
Mine is quickly approaching... Aug 7. So much has changed from last year at this time!
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infinitycastle52777
May 14, 2025 2:18 pm
Happy Anniversary. In March, I passed my 2 years of having my new stoma. I got my first one on Jan. 1, 2021. But I had a relocation on March 31; I think it was 2 years ago. I have learned so much since my relocation surgery. I finally got proper care and an ostomy nurse to help me out. I was so grateful for this group too. The support here and advice are amazing. I enjoy reading all the posts and learning so much. It is also interesting to learn what others are dealing with. It's a great group.
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Hugo
May 14, 2025 2:26 pm
Thanks, Beth. I get a lot of information and advice about living with an ostomy from your posts about your experience.
Hugo
May 14, 2025 2:30 pm
Thanks. I totally agree with you about this group and get a lot from your posts. You keep pushing through whatever comes your way. I admire that.
Hugo
May 14, 2025 2:32 pm
Thank you! I am in a much better space since I have this group to lean on.
infinitycastle52777
May 14, 2025 3:40 pm
Thanks. I try to keep pushing through. One day at a time. That's all any of us can do.
Gaia
May 14, 2025 4:18 pm
Congratulations on your Stomaversary! Today is my one-year anniversary for the same reason.
I named my stoma Stella, and Stella is doing a great job!
Wishing you continued health, love, and small joys daily. Gaia
Morning glory
May 14, 2025 5:57 pm
Happy stomaversary, Hugo. Glad you found us. I celebrated my 38-year one in April. Life is good.
TerryLT
May 14, 2025 8:46 pm
Happy stomaversary, Hugo! I feel the same as you, gratitude to all the great people on this site who have made my life so much better. I was just thinking along those lines when I signed on today. It's sort of my comfort zone and a place where I feel I belong, and we all need that, especially when we have something like an ostomy that can make you feel like you don't belong at all.
Terry
SusanT
May 15, 2025 12:13 am
This group has been a huge part of me moving forward with my new normal. You all inspire me.
Hugo
May 15, 2025 1:42 pm
Thank you. Glad I found you too. 38 years! You must have experienced just about everything that comes with having an ostomy. Yes, life is good!
Nightrose
May 15, 2025 6:08 pm
Happy stomaversary, Hugo.
I know what you mean; I'm 8 months in and still get bad days, but this group is brilliant. 👏
Diverticulitissucks!
May 18, 2025 10:55 pm
Congratulations on your one-year stomaversary! My one year was April 11th... I have come a long way in that year, and I am so proud of myself. I was discharged from the hospital not knowing anything. I cried. I felt sorry for myself. I can't do this! But I did. My stoma saved my life, and I am forever grateful to the surgeons. I had a great Coloplast advisor who basically held my hand through this new journey. I am forever grateful to him too. And then I found this lovely group of people who went through the same as me. I wasn't alone, and it is a blessing. Life is good!
trishaosh69
May 18, 2025 11:09 pm
Awesome for you. Coming up on my one year on June 25. Great group. Thank you so much.
May 19, 2025 1:36 am
Happy anniversary! Cheering you on, thanks for sharing; one year sounds like a big deal to me!
Hugo
May 19, 2025 1:57 pm
Congratulations on your stomaversary too. So glad you are in such a good place.