Before my ostomy issues showed up, I expected to live near to my parents' ages when they died. They were in their upper nineties. If I do not have any new ostomy issues, should my expectations remain the same? Insurance companies are saying that people are going to live longer. From what I see on the news, I am not sure. Entertainers, politicians, sports stars, and other VIP-type people that make the news are dying off before their time. This is just something that has been on my mind the last little while.

This is a remarkable community of 40,907 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.
Marjatta
This group has been my go-to during my loneliest hours whenever I've had a "bag blowout" at 3am and there was no one else in the world to talk to.
Because it's a global community, there's always someone here to lend an ear, provide advice, and just hold my hand if that's all I need.
Sure, there's also a lot of camaraderie, fun topics, and laughs, but the main reason I come here is for the total acceptance I get from the members. No one else on the planet could possibly "get" what I'm going through, not even my loving husband or supportive family.
The "Meet an Ostomate" forum is definitely a one-of-a-kind family, which I am very proud to belong to.
M
xo