26-Year-Old from UK Seeking Friends with Similar Experiences

Replies
6
Views
3670
Jonny
Aug 16, 2016 8:51 pm

Hi everyone. I'm new here as I just discovered this website.

I'm 26, male, and from the UK. I've had a colostomy since I was 5 (as well as other issues) and am looking for people similar to my age range to talk to. I don't have many friends and my social life is pretty non-existent. So I'm looking for anyone who wants to chat!

IHateColons
Aug 16, 2016 10:21 pm

Welcome to the site! I'm the same age but have only had my ileostomy 5 years. But still, know somewhat what you're going through. Pop-in the chat room sometime. People are very friendly and we all love making new friends! 

Gray Logo for MeetAnOstoMate

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 🫶🏼

NJ Bain
Aug 17, 2016 2:34 pm

  Welcome to the site Jonny!  Age is just a number in here as you will soon find out.  Do as IHC says and join the chat room next time you log in.  A lot of us love to chat but there are a lot of members who aren't even aware that they are automatically logged into the chat.  So don't be discouraged if people don't immediately reply to you in general chat.

  If you are on a PC, the general chat function is in the lower right corner of your screen.  Just click on general chat. 

  If you are on a mobile device, the chat feature is also in the lower right corner of the screen.  It's a little box that you have to click and it will open a new window.

  General chat and posting in forums is available to both paying and non paying members.

  Private messages and emails can only be initiated by a paying member.

  If you are a non paying member, you can respond to emails and private messages sent to you by a paying member.

  At the end of the month, if you are one of the top 10 people that post in the forums, you will receive a full membership for the following 30 days.

  Just a few things I've noticed when I became a member.  Again, welcome to the site and let us know if you have any questions.

  Bain

Jonny
Aug 17, 2016 2:37 pm

Thanks for the welcome, guys. I have to admit this website does seem very friendly and helpful.

I will definitely log into chat as soon as I can and see who is around. Looking forward to meeting some like-minded people! :)

firedup
Aug 17, 2016 3:12 pm

Hello Jonny,

I am not in your age group, but I welcome you to the site just the same. I think Bain covered everything a new person needs to know to get around the site.

 

Take care and good luck,

Gail

 

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

Play
Jonny
Aug 18, 2016 5:16 pm

Thanks guys. Look forward to getting to know some of you. :)

Past Member
Feb 07, 2018 5:13 pm
Hello