I was rushed into emergency surgery on Feb 23 this year. At first, I didn't think I could cope with the mess. I have found products that make it easier. At first, I cried constantly. Now I can shower without a tape covering.
I still hate the ostomy, but I'm not crying all the time. My family has been wonderful, helping with everything. The backup support is vital.
tbird56b
May 22, 2025 2:50 am
IGGIE
May 22, 2025 3:56 am
G-Day tbird56b,
Well done, and it does get better as you get more used to your new norm.
Regards, IGGIE
This is a remarkable community of 40,832 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.
iMacG5
When I found this web site, I didn't think its name had anything to do with actually meeting an ostomate but I later learned there were some folks who did meet and develop relationships. How good is that? That wasn't my intention. I definitely didn't want anyone to meet me. I felt broken and wasn't prepared to express those feelings. I thought it was a place where ostomates wrote about themselves, posed questions, shared thoughts, told jokes and, sometimes, just vented. I thought of it as a community of folks with similar interests and various degrees of experience. Mostly I found some of the most caring, selfless, wise and understanding people I ever imagined. I was so impressed with some of the writings; not because of their literary value but the way in which they addressed such a very complex environment. I read hundreds of exchanges and admired the way folks cared for each other. I became hopeful with my own situation and looked forward to the next day's offerings. Certainly some contributors stood out with their experience or particular skills in addressing some things but it seemed like a total effort with synergistic results. I felt blessed to have found this site. I still do.
Mike
Axl
May 22, 2025 4:57 am
Hi tbird
I'm happy you are finding your way.
Everyone does in the end.
Good for you.
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SusanT
May 22, 2025 12:05 pm
Keep moving forward. You can do anything with an ostomy that you could do without it. So get out there and start doing what you like. The ostomy will fade into the background once you are enjoying your life again.
Morning glory
May 22, 2025 1:17 pm
So happy for you that you are adjusting and moving forward. It does get better and the family support makes it even better.
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Justbreathe
May 22, 2025 2:23 pm
Family and friends are great support. Finding this website will be a huge help as well - the folks here truly understand your feelings (fears) and will answer so many of your questions as well as your “unasked” questions.
WELCOME 🫶🏼👊 jb
TerryLT
May 22, 2025 9:11 pm
I totally relate. I ended up with an ostomy after a trip to the ER myself, so no time to prepare for the huge change in my life. It is a big adjustment, but it sounds like you are getting there. Good for you. Once you've found a system that works for you, it's a big step. And having a good support system is vital. This group has helped me in so many ways.
Terry