Life with an Ileostomy and Looking Forward to Reversal

I'm new on here. I've an ileostomy which should be reversed next year as I needed it as a result of a tear from a motorbike accident. It's been tough, but I'm hopefully over the worst and I'm trying to be positive. It would be interesting to talk to people with a bag as it's hard to deal with even at the best of times. Everything else is great, and I can't wait for the reversal, but I've been feeling a little down recently and found this site. It would be interesting to hear how others deal with it as I find it tough. It's also really hard to meet new people.

Welcome to this site, Ace. Spend a little time here and you'll find out how many of us manage, some very nicely.  If you let yourself see an ostomy, whether temporary or permanent, as a medical solution instead of a disease or disability, you'll come out ahead. Perception is paramount.

   PB

Well put PB.

Primeboy put it best! I was in agony when I first became an ostomate. I was disgusted by what happened to me after a long battle with UC and saw my new responsibility. Shame and self-pity took over. One day after my morning prayer, I asked, "What shall I do?" and it seemed the Almighty answered me with, "Look at you now and look at the before, which would you prefer?" So, I look at my situation better now as a better solution, and I'm so glad I made the choice I made through so much suffering before the ostomy. It is a blessing to me now and not a catastrophe. I learned through trial and error and with the knowledge that this is my life as it is and accepted my circumstance. There are worse things to overcome, really. It takes time to accept, but believe it to be a solution and things will turn around for you. God bless!

Primeboy put it best! I was in agony when I first became an ostomate. I was disgusted by what happened to me after a long battle with UC and saw my new responsibility. Shame and self-pity took over. One day after my morning prayer, I asked, "What shall I do?" and it seemed the Almighty answered me with, "Look at you now and look at the before, which would you prefer?" So, I look at my situation better now as a better solution, and I'm so glad I made the choice I made through so much suffering before the ostomy. It is a blessing to me now and not a catastrophe. I learned through trial and error and with the knowledge that this is my life as it is and accepted my circumstance. There are worse things to overcome, really. It takes time to accept, but believe it to be a solution, and things will turn around for you. God bless!

Words of Encouragement from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Hello Ace. I am a new ostomate, having been forced to have a radical ileostomy and a long stay in ICU in a coma. But it has saved my life because it was a metastasis from the cancer. I went to my doctor and was in the theatre 24 hrs later. Yes, I get down, I'm learning from the notice boards that it's common. I didn't want my husband to see it. Now, if I'm panicking because I might not have attached the bag correctly and get a leak, he takes over.
I still worry about going out, but I'm getting there, so my friend, be thankful that you could have this life-saving surgery. Find out who are real "mates" and who are acquaintances, and go and take part in your life. You won't get the time back, so do it.

With sincere thoughts, Lorraine.
Oh, and take a bag that carries spare clothes, wash bag, etc., because you will know before anyone else and can discreetly go to the loo. I buy the bed bath cloths that are pre-soaked and a good size, and you can do it all in the loo, preferably disabled because they have a pull-down stand.
🔒 Login to see image

I must remember to mention the solution line to the other colostomate @werk. We actually just came out to each other.

Hey ace hope u are doing ok

G'morn ace, some accept it immediately, and some it's not that easy. It's all mental, nor will I tell you it's easy, but you will learn to manage. After all, it is your life now. Nothing about you has changed but your plumbing; without it, you wouldn't be here. No doubt there are difficult days, but the sun does shine. You will adapt! Good luck to you! You do have something to look forward to: a reversal. Hang in there, angelicamarie.