Hi,
I've been reading a lot of stories and comments on this site and thought I would join as I'm keen to meet/chat with other people going through similar problems that I am and have an understanding of what we have to deal with. I have had an ileostomy since I was 17; I am now 36, so you could say I am used to my bag/ileostomy, or as I call it, Ozzy. I had to have surgery after just 9 weeks in the hospital with ulcerative colitis; my colon and all of the large bowel had to be removed. I have actually dealt with the bag, etc., very well, considering, and thankfully have not had any real problems apart from issues with a pilonidal sinus that required surgery 12 years ago and again recently. I have had 3 operations since last August and have been off work and pretty much housebound since then, which has been hard being closed off from the real world. I am hoping to get back to work soon as things have improved well lately, looking forward to getting back, although a bit worried about starting back after 10 months, but I'm sure I'll get there, one step at a time.
The only other thing I struggle with is confidence when trying to meet the ladies with Ozzy, plus I am also disabled. I am only 4 feet tall and can't walk too far, although to be honest, I try to forget about it and get on as if I am able-bodied, not as easy the older I get. With this and my ileostomy, I just feel my chances of meeting the one are less than good. I am very independent, went to standard schools, and have worked full-time since I left school and have a good bunch of long-term friends who treat me as normal... just still have the awkwardness trying to meet new women who don't know me.
Cheers
Steve
I've been reading a lot of stories and comments on this site and thought I would join as I'm keen to meet/chat with other people going through similar problems that I am and have an understanding of what we have to deal with. I have had an ileostomy since I was 17; I am now 36, so you could say I am used to my bag/ileostomy, or as I call it, Ozzy. I had to have surgery after just 9 weeks in the hospital with ulcerative colitis; my colon and all of the large bowel had to be removed. I have actually dealt with the bag, etc., very well, considering, and thankfully have not had any real problems apart from issues with a pilonidal sinus that required surgery 12 years ago and again recently. I have had 3 operations since last August and have been off work and pretty much housebound since then, which has been hard being closed off from the real world. I am hoping to get back to work soon as things have improved well lately, looking forward to getting back, although a bit worried about starting back after 10 months, but I'm sure I'll get there, one step at a time.
The only other thing I struggle with is confidence when trying to meet the ladies with Ozzy, plus I am also disabled. I am only 4 feet tall and can't walk too far, although to be honest, I try to forget about it and get on as if I am able-bodied, not as easy the older I get. With this and my ileostomy, I just feel my chances of meeting the one are less than good. I am very independent, went to standard schools, and have worked full-time since I left school and have a good bunch of long-term friends who treat me as normal... just still have the awkwardness trying to meet new women who don't know me.
Cheers
Steve
