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Freebyrd

I'm a newbie here. I think it is great that there is a place for us with simular condtions 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 Dr. 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 Dr., 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 Dr. did something simply amazing. He actually did some tests. Gee, what a concept! He did an ultra sound, 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 ahowed I had Ademo Carcinoma 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 no where the same as it was before.

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Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?

First off, this is a pretty cool site with 33,095 members. Get inside and you will see.

We're not all about ostomy. Everything is being discussed in the forums.

It's a very special community, embracing all ages and backgrounds. People are honest and truly care.

Privacy is very important - the website has many features that are only visible to members.

Create an account and you will be amazed.

Past Member

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.

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Bill

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

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 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

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 that there are so many people with a common issue, willing to help each other.

 
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