Ok, I'm wanting to talk about not wanting strangers, other people to see your ostomy bag. I went through a time of constantly hiding my bag under baggy clothes whenever I went out, and it became a routine that I did all the time. I found that years had passed and I had a secret that was becoming a problem. This made me develop body image issues about what I looked like to other people, all because I had ostomy surgery. This got to the point where I had doctors recommend making the ostomy permanent for my health. This was a blessing, a wake-up call all rolled into one. It made me actually address these issues about what I looked like because I'm thinking it would have gone on until, I don't know, I became OCD or something similar. It's weird too because I still sometimes vomit like someone with anorexia or bulimia, and I think that's just because it's a similar mentality. Since I recovered from surgery, I've been exercising to try and get fit and some strength back. It makes you feel better about yourself. I also am sure that I'm getting out there and people see me skateboarding with an obvious ostomy pouch and it's helping me get over what I look like. It's helping me move forward from something that occurred 13 years ago. To make me look at my life in the now and do something rather than sitting staring at the walls. I literally would sit and stare at the walls and didn't even realize I was doing it! I was such a space cadet! So this is about something I think is a common situation.

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Hollister
Talking about having an ostomy can be uncomfortable for most people. Still, it's something you can't always avoid.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
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Hollister
Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.