I had an ileostomy since July 4th due to diverticulitis and a blockage. I had a reversal on 9/11. I'm about to be discharged from the hospital in a few hours. The last 3 months have been the toughest of my life: leaks, pain, lack of social interaction, anxiety, and sleepless nights. This site made all of that bearable—reading other people's stories and knowing I wasn't alone. I just want to thank the community here for being so open and giving such great advice. I feel like I'm heading back to my old life, but I know I have a lot of healing ahead of me.
Phantom23
Sep 14, 2025 2:39 pm
Heidi B.
Sep 14, 2025 3:40 pm
With or without a pouch, we must reclaim our lives! All the best to you!
SusanT
Sep 14, 2025 4:20 pm
Best of luck! Keep coming around. Your experience would be invaluable to others.
MeetAnOstoMate is a remarkable community of 41,451 members.
“Every morning with my coffee, I read here and feel wrapped in warmth - I hardly post, but it still feels like family.”
“Our oncologist literally wrote down the link; they said more patients need this website.”
“This place pulled me out of the dark. I went from lurking to living again.”
“At 3am, someone’s awake somewhere in the world. I’m never alone here.”
Posted by: Audrey Warren
This site is a godsend. As a newbie (colostomy on Nov 8, '21), I look at it every day for a number of reasons. Reading what people are going through makes me grateful that my elective surgery because of a severe case of IBS-C is nothing compared to what they have been through and are still living with.
I don't have to go to the hospital for anything related to my ostomy. I feel sorry for those who do and am in awe of those who can use humor to describe their ordeal. I identify with those who express their fears. I especially identify with those who are depressed because I am clinically depressed and have general anxiety disorder. How ironic that having a colostomy eliminated some of the depression and anxiety that the IBS created. I've been widowed twice and I'm on match.com.
I immediately included my operation in my profile and am pleased to say it doesn't seem to make a difference.
And there is much humor on this site and it's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.
I could name numerous things I've learned from reading people's comments/questions/answers.
After months following on a daily basis, my only negative comment is I don't like listing the most popular members.
It's not that I don't like these people; I do. It's that I think it elicits some "Facebook"-like banter or comments that are gratuitous.
I don't do any social media and think that its merits are overshadowed by too much negativity.
Meetanostomate is in no way negative. I just think the gallery of "popularity" detracts from what is an excellent website that deals with a serious issue that causes a myriad of emotions.
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In addition to your pouching system, you may require the use of an ostomy accessory to enhance the performance of your system.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Learn more about ostomy accessories, and when to use them.
Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
