When told that I have a urostomy, some people's immediate reaction is, "Oh yuck! Fancy peeing into a bag!" My reply is, "Oh yuck! Fancy carrying pee inside your body. How unhygienic is that!"
How do you respond when people act in this way? Apart from telling them to "Foxtrot Oscar."
When you have an ostomy, you have to keep your sense of humor (SOH).
vpl
Jun 27, 2014 6:47 am
moonshine
Jun 30, 2014 4:59 am
Well, I have an ileostomy.......so your internal large bowel carries around 5 feet of 'crap', while my pouch carries only 5 inches of 'crap'........so who is really the one that is full of it (sh*t)
This is a remarkable community of 40,918 members.
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Mysterious Mose
I take part in these forums almost every day. They and the people that contribute to them have made all the difference in my having the courage to live a normal life with an ileostomy. The people here are marvelous and come from all walks of life and from all over the world. Hearing what others have lived through has really helped me put my own experience in perspective. I highly recommend all ostomates and caretakers of ostomates to come join us.
SheliaBaby
Jul 04, 2014 9:56 pm
Just tell them that you don't fancy peeing on yourself or dying either.
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My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister
beatrice
Jul 17, 2014 3:53 pm
Same category of people as those who have said, "A bag... I'd rather die than have that." Morons... insensitive morons at that. Not worth an answer as far as I'm concerned. A raised eyebrow is all they get from me.
Past Member
Jun 07, 2025 11:51 am
Im so sorry. Thats awful. This is why I keep my medical stuff to myself
Nightrose
Jun 07, 2025 7:58 pm
I had someone tell me that her husband wouldn't cope with her having a bag. She also remarked that she hoped I double-bagged my used stoma bags.
Some people just like to feel superior.
WINDSOCK
Jun 16, 2025 6:55 pm
Are you stating that as a question? Foxtrot Oscar are the letters F and O from the “Pilot's Phonetic Alphabet.” We use a code when communicating with the Tower, Air Control, and fellow pilots. The noise in a small plane cockpit, primarily engine noise, prevents being understood by just saying the letter. Too many letters sound alike, even in normal conversation. I'm sure that you have heard, Alpha Bravo Charlie. Those are the letters A, B, C. So, inserting F O into the statement, you can guess his meaning.
bukowski
Jul 05, 2025 2:30 am
I was unaware I did this until a few people (coworkers) brought it to my attention. When I'm interacting with someone who says something that I don't have the time or patience for, apparently, I will just walk away as they are speaking. Maybe it's rude, but I'm 47 now. It's self-preservation at this point. The best response is no response and remove yourself.
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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.
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Learn about some strategies that can make it easier to talk about your stoma.
WINDSOCK
Jul 05, 2025 5:28 am
The people that say, “A bag…I'd rather die than have that.” I'd answer, “Well, I chose to live, and you?” “Well, I guess you're ☠️ dead!”
As Comanche Chief Ten Bears said to Josie Wales, “It shall be life.”
Richard
Maried
Jul 05, 2025 6:00 am
When I first got my colostomy, I told random people, coworkers, and friends... and my mom told all my relatives.
Now, for the past 30 years, I only tell people on a need-to-know basis; for example, if they are going to see me nude... Example: doctor or a serious romantic relationship. It is no one's business how I poop.
And I do not want to be known at work as the lady with the bag. There are a lot of uninformed people who think having an ostomy is a death sentence... it gave me a better life.