For all the time we spend thinking about stuff other than our afflictions, that’s time we’re not really afflicted so much. Well, it’s still there. The ostomy, the diagnosis, the discomfort, the new lifestyle, all the crap we dealt with and some we’re still dealing with. But when we’re not dwelling on those things it can be easier to tolerate. It’s like the first time I actually forgot about my stoma. I was raking leaves, really working hard and it was cold. It was months after my surgery but the first time I actually was not conscious of the appliance hanging from my belly. I felt NORMAL for a few minutes and it was good.
So let’s talk because to do so respectfully we’ll need to think and it could be about stuff that takes us away from our grief. Along the way we might develop a sense of normalcy despite the changes we’ve experienced.
Respectfully,
Mike

This is a remarkable community of 40,921 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
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