Hi everyone, I'm still learning how to navigate around this site. I've actually never been very active with online support, or any support for that matter. I've always dealt with chronic illness by putting on a brave face and a smile, but after 40 years, I'm spent, so here I am. I'm pretty reserved and quiet around people I don't know. I've had an ileostomy for six years (and still hate the little f***er). Diagnosed with UC in 1976. J-pouch in 1999 after years of being steroid dependent and horrible flare-ups. Chronic pouchitis until emergency surgery in 2007 for pelvic abscesses. The UC is "cured," but then there is a whole different set of issues to deal with. In spite of all that, I have met a lot of my goals over the past 40 years. I have 2 children and a small grandson who is the greatest love of my life. I was a healthcare worker for 20 years but have been unable to work for the past year. Frequent obstructions and high output are keeping me close to home. I guess I'm looking for a new purpose, a way to reinvent myself, but I'm not sure what I want to be when I grow up, or what I can be. Time to reach out. Anyway, just want to connect with others who have traveled the same road. Share some laughs, maybe a few tears.
Is swearing allowed on this site? I swear. A lot. Only around grown-ups though.
g
This is a remarkable community of 40,900 members.
You will get real advice from fellow ostomates who truly understand you - things you won't find in the books.
And it's not all about ostomy - there is friendship and relationships too.
Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
ConnMan
I began my Urostomy life February 27th, 2023...a month and a half ago. I stumbled upon this site from another on Youtube and website called VeganOstomy and between that site and this one, most of my fear and worry of not having any answers other than calling the Dr's office recording menu and hoping to hear back in the next day or two for an answer to leaks, skin irritations etc, or just feeling alone and the "no one understands" thoughts I had to look forward to in my mind were all put to rest by these two websites and the community here at MaO!! I have been here for a few weeks now, and the help and support offered by the members here is just amazing!! The information and support is absolutely priceless for anyone recently out of their surgery and have tons of questions or had it for years...sit down...have a good read and you will see for yourself!!
🔒 Login to see image
Lots of good people to talk to in here and share tips, experiences and woes with
🔒 Login to see image
~Doe
Hi kurly... Welcome. I'm new here as well. I've only had my ileostomy for 3 months, so I am trying to get used to this stupid bag.... I've been through the emotions of it all and wanted to throw in the towel many times, but with the support of groups like this, it lets you know you're not alone and others are there to help. Barbara
My Ostomy Journey: Ryan | Hollister
Reaching out is a great start. If you could turn the clock back in your mind and think about what choices you wish you had made, what would you want to do with yourself now? Perhaps it may not be too late to find and realize a piece of that dream. Actually, I think there's much merit in reinventing ourselves a lot more often. You'll find people here who can help and people here you can help, sharing the same road but with a few laughs and tears along the way. Welcome! PB
Welcome to the site! I am new to this site as well, but certainly not new to the life of an ostomate. I was blessed with my "Lil Buddy" 28 years ago, next month. Still have days where I'd rather not have it, but thankful for the life it has given me!
I too am trying to reinvent myself. Lol. Do I want to go up? Heck no! Hopefully, we all will be well enough to enjoy each and every day as we try to figure this life out.
Happy 4th Celebrations!
Mare
🔒 Login to see image
Welcome to the site, Kurly.
It took me 18 years to find a site like this, and I am grateful for it (I've been here a year). There's some great information and wonderful people here. Like others, I'm not thrilled with this pouch, but it's much better than the alternative, and I can do more than before I got it.
Have a great day!
Gail
Yes indeed, welcome in. However, you will be warned about me!
🔒 Login to see image
🔒 Login to see image
. But it is all in good fun and I will try to be kind. Heh, heh.
Jack