One Year Stomaversary: A Journey of Healing and Support

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.

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

You're welcome, happy stomaversary, Hugo.

Happy Stomaversary 🎈🎉

Happy 1st stomaversary!🥂🥳🎊

Mine is quickly approaching... Aug 7. So much has changed from last year at this time!

How to Adjust to Life with an Ostomy with Bruce | Hollister

Happy Stomaversary and many more.

Happy stomaversary!!!

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.

Thanks. No one gets it like you all do.

Thanks. How you deal with your new normal is an inspiration to me.

Thanks, Beth. I get a lot of information and advice about living with an ostomy from your posts about your experience.

Thanks, Ron.

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.

Thank you! I am in a much better space since I have this group to lean on.

Thanks. I try to keep pushing through. One day at a time. That's all any of us can do.

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

Happy stomaversary, Hugo. Glad you found us. I celebrated my 38-year one in April. Life is good.

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

This group has been a huge part of me moving forward with my new normal. You all inspire me.

Thanks, Terry. Ditto with everything you said.

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!

Happy stomaversary, Hugo.

I know what you mean; I'm 8 months in and still get bad days, but this group is brilliant. 👏

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!

Awesome for you. Coming up on my one year on June 25. Great group. Thank you so much.

Happy anniversary! Cheering you on, thanks for sharing; one year sounds like a big deal to me!

Thank you!

Congratulations on your stomaversary too. So glad you are in such a good place.

Congrats on your one-year anniversary! You have also contributed your time and effort to this online community, so we thank you, too!

M

XO

Thank you! It's like having another family to interact with.