Hi everyone! It's been a while since I have been on here. I could not log back on here with my original username and password for some reason. So I am now Dee H, not DH. Had to start a new account. Well anyway, I have had this colostomy for about 4 and a half years now. And I have gotten pretty much adapted to this condition. However, I still find myself in embarrassing situations once in a while. I do not usually have problems with gas. But the other day while I was sitting at my desk at work, I passed a little gas. And of course, we ostomates cannot hold ours in. Well anyway, one of my coworkers made the remark that it smelled like someone farted and that it was like rotten eggs. Well, that sure made me feel awkward. I never told my coworkers about my ostomy. This is a fairly new job and I don't feel comfortable about telling them, at least not yet. And I do not feel it's any of their business anyway. So I just sat there and didn't say anything. But I was so embarrassed and humiliated by this and thought that maybe I should mention my condition in case it happens again. So now I am so worried about gas that I barely eat anything at work anymore. And all because of an ignorant and immature coworker.

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Justbreathe
MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.
Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.
For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.
Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.
I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.
Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.