I also went through a traumatic experience when my bowel ruptured.
It almost cost me my life; it was touch and go for 6 days.
I came round 6 days after my op, and was horrified to find this bag stuck on my stomach.
I yelled and screamed in shock, not knowing what I had woken up to.
I just wanted to rip it off.
It took 3 months for me to have the strength to walk without the aid of my carer, and another 12 months before I felt strong enough to consider a reversal.
When the time came for me to make the decision to have the reversal, I had long consultations with my surgeon, who advised me that the reversal is not always successful and that it would take quite a while for me to get back on my feet after surgery.
I decided not to go ahead with surgery and accept living with the bag for the rest of my life, which was not an easy decision.
I have never felt better since my recovery, no more passing out when going to the loo with pain.
It hasn't affected my life; I go swimming and have no hang-ups about wearing a bather.
I count my blessings that I am still alive and not pushing up the daisies.
I do get problems now and then with explosions and leakage, but that is nothing compared to the pain I suffered before my surgery.
I think the best advice I can offer is to have a positive mental attitude towards the bag as it doesn't matter where the waste expels itself from our body as long as it does.
I do not have a problem with having the surgery now; I have accepted it and got on with my life.
I hope this gives encouragement to you, and enjoy your life.
Jean

This is a remarkable community of 40,918 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.
Bill
MEETANOSTOMATE REVIEW.
I’d like to write a nice review
that might express something quite new.
Then I read previous points of view,
which said the things I wanted to.
I would endorse the things I’ve read
about what other folks have said,
for these are the benefits and things
that joining a site like this can bring.
When I was an initiate, (novice)
it seemed to be appropriate
to express myself in rhyme
as this is how I spend my time.
When contemplating what to write
with contributing to this site,
it seemed to me, my ostomy
could be expressed in poetry.
Thus, when I had something to say,
a rhyme, for me seemed the best way,
for rhymes can often capture stuff
that prose don’t capture quite enough.
I do appreciate the way,
this site lets people have their say
in whatever mode they will
about the things that make them ill.
There are not many forums for
discussing stuff most folks abhor.
So, this site fulfils a small niche,
where angst and problems can unleash.
Where raw emotions can decant,
so, folks feel free to have a rant,
and we can all associate
is something I appreciate.
B. Withers 2021
Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.