Stoma Surgery Bringing Confidence and a Fresh Start

I came across this article about a woman who says having stoma surgery gave her more confidence than she's ever had before. She had been struggling with years of pain, exhaustion, and embarrassment, and now feels like a “new woman.”

I thought it was really refreshing to read such a positive take on life after surgery. So often we hear about the challenges (and there are plenty), but it's nice to see someone talk about how it can actually bring freedom and confidence too.

Here's the link if you'd like to read it:
https://www.msn.com/en-au/health/other/i-feel-like-a-new-woman-after-stoma-surgery-the-most-confident-i-ve-ever-been/ar-AA1L5sl5

Love this!

I so relate to this. It's hard to live your life with any authenticity when you're preoccupied with pain and running to the toilet. It becomes all you can think about; it literally becomes your life with no room for anything else. I felt like my brain just became clearer after my permanent ostomy. I did more in that first year post-op than I had done in the seven years with UC or my j-pouch.

I love these kinds of feel-good stories! There are many of us ostomates who feel that surgery actually improved our lives. Living as an ostomate might have its challenges, but I wouldn't go back. It's nice to hear people focusing on the positive instead of mourning what they have lost.

Terry

I have a recto/vaginal fistula, and before my stoma surgery, I was a wreck when I went out, worrying about diarrhea, which would just fall out. It's a relief knowing I don't have to worry about such a mess.

My Ostomy Journey: LeeAnne | Hollister

Thanks, Mark, for all the positive stories posted recently; much appreciated.

The surgery made me healthy again and able to have a life worth living, too; no regrets! 😊

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I find the lady's story so very refreshing, but it also reminds me of all the negative times I had with ulcerative colitis. But now it reminds me of all the positive times I have with my ileostomy.

I am so well adjusted to it now that on the days I am supposed to change the bag, I forget, so I have a sticker on the toilet that just says CHANGE, or I would forget.

Life is so good.

IGGIE

I use a Sharpie marker and write the date on my wafer/flange so I remember when I last changed it.

I think this is a quite common theme; everyone has a success story sooner or later if you let it.

I set a recurring alarm on my phone after I forgot one time.

Hi all, yes, the relief of all the doctor appointments and getting off the drugs, especially prednisone, was certainly worth the pain of surgery and then the learning of managing an ostomy. Freedom to live a normal life, raising kids, going to work, and traveling. To Iggie, I've been doing the date on my pouch the same as you; I guess it's acceptance of the ostomy.

Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely!

One has to let in the positive - same with love and positive moving forward - Celebrate the successes!!!!

Wishing all a great day - no matter what!

Life is what we all make it - for others and ourselves too!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ U U U U U U ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I remember my U/C Crohn's days. I'd go hiking and feel it coming out, 20+ times a day. I wore Depends, and they smeared (yuck), smelled like Schitzinpants. Then I tried carrying TP and using a log (my camping days). I was dehydrated, both kidneys filled with stones. Then the bleeding started. I went from 185 to 107 in over a year. Mayo saved my life. My "little buddy" and I go everywhere together. He got me through the Continental Divide, Japan, and the Appalachian Trail in 9 days. Denali, AK

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I can totally relate to this. Having my ileostomy literally saved my life. I have learned to embrace my stoma. When I think about the constant pain I lived with for years, I am literally a different woman living my best life. Sure, I had my ups and downs accepting my new body image at first, but it didn't take me long to get used to a different way of going to the toilet. I am so much more active as I have this energy I haven't felt in years.

Well done rlevineia,

You are the poster boy for how we can become new people once we get our stomas.

I, as sanhrnby above, am having the best part of my life after a total of 22 years and am now able to do anything I want and feel 100% a new man.

Good luck to all my ostomates, keep on keeping on.

Regards, IGGIE