Today marks one full year since my permanent loop ileostomy surgery. Today is my first stomaversary! And I just want to say a huge, heartfelt thank you to all of you.
From the months leading up to surgery, when I was a nervous wreck over everything and asked way too many questions, you all showed up and calmed my fears with kindness, honesty, and the type of reassurance only fellow ostomates can give.
I'll never forget the night I was discharged from the hospital. I was terrified, overwhelmed, in pain, and desperately needing advice. Within minutes, so many of you came to my rescue. I was a total stranger, but you treated me like one of your own. I still get emotional thinking about it.
Over this year, you've made me laugh at the quirky, weird, slightly absurd things we all deal with (truly, only ostomates get it), and you've made me think deeply with your intelligent, insightful, and meaningful posts. You've made me proud to belong to this community.
Thank you for guiding me, supporting me, and helping me learn to accept and embrace my new self. I am forever grateful for each and every one of you. ❤️
Here's to another year of healing, growth, humor, and maybe fewer surprise noises in quiet rooms. 😉
Clara
