New Member Sharing a Personal Health Journey

Replies
4
Views
3528
Freebyrd
May 16, 2016 4:35 pm

I'm a newbie here. I think it is great that there is a place for us with similar conditions to share, care, laugh, and be there for each other.

My Story: I was not able to eat hardly anything for nearly a month. Three almonds and part of a baby carrot were a feast for me. I was getting weak, lost color, was in constant intense pain, and lost 30 LBS (not that I couldn't afford to shed a few!). My stomach, though, was growing larger and larger. I went to the ER due to the pain. I was told I probably had a virus. A few weeks later, I hadn't gotten any better and went to my doctor who told me that I was getting better, but it would take a couple of months, and that it was just a virus. A week or two passed and nothing improved. People pleaded with me to see the doctor, but I told them I already went twice and they told me it was a virus. My daughter-in-law begged me to go to the ER. I went. The ER doctor did something simply amazing. He actually did some tests. Gee, what a concept! He did an ultrasound, which found a blockage in my colon. He sent me for a CAT scan. An emergency surgery was done as my colon was about to rupture. I had a colostomy. The pathology report showed I had adenocarcinoma and I am doing chemo now. The first several days with a bag were hard, and this grown man cried more than once when I had spillage, due to the pouch filling with liquid very quickly. I learned Imodium works great! After about a month I had grown accustomed to my pouch, reality, and a new way of life. My wife of 34 years seems supportive, and says it does not matter, but it seems the intimacy is nowhere the same as it was before.

Past Member
May 16, 2016 5:27 pm

Same thing happened to me. No one would do any tests. Finally one did CT scan and found a 3 month blockage. Was a failed reconstruction of my colon. Now I have a bag for life. Very lucky to be here.

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 37,504 members who truly understand you.

It's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.

Many come here for advice or to give advice, others have found good friends, and some have even found love. Most importantly, people here are honest and genuinely care.

🛑 Privacy is very important - we have many features that are only visible to members.

Create an account and you will be amazed by the warmth of this community.

  37,504 members
Bill
May 17, 2016 5:18 am

One of the things I really like about my own doctor is that he has never failed to do necessary tests or send me to a specialist. If nothing else it raises your confidence when you can be sure that you have the right diagnosis first time.

Best wishes

Bill

LadyHope
May 18, 2016 1:07 am

Hello and welcome to MAO. This is a great place for newbies and seasoned professionals of the ostomy. This connection truly helped me make it through the early days of having my permanent ostomy. Another informative site is the www.ostomy.org website. There is helpful information posted including support groups and conferences throughout the country. Next year, the national conference is going to be held in Irvine, CA. I have attended two conferences and they are terrific. My husband and I enjoy hanging out with our friends, visiting new cities, and educating ourselves about new ostomy stuff. Please check out the website if you get a chance. Take care, Freebyrd, and keep playing that guitar. LH

Freebyrd
May 18, 2016 2:00 am

Thanks, LadyHope! That is a very cool website at www.ostomy.org It appears very comprehensive with a lot of helpful content on the boards. It looks like quite a community at UOAA. It amazes me that on both sites there are so many people with a common issue, willing to help each other.

 

Stories of Living Life to the Fullest from Ostomy Advocates I Hollister

Play