I had Crohn's and got an ileostomy in 2009. I am a 65-year-old man who has been married since 1972. I have read similar stories as mine on this site. My wife is my ostomy nurse (she helps me shave and change my bag). I don't know what I would do without her. But, that is where the love stops. Since the surgery, we have become nothing more than roommates. The sex and romance are gone. It wasn't great for the ten years of battling Crohn's prior to my surgery either. She simply has no interest and will not talk about it. She hasn't looked me in the eyes and told me she loves me in a long time. She doesn't kiss me goodnight anymore. She hasn't asked for sex in twenty years. I have contemplated divorce for many years. Since the surgery, I have a mild case of ED, requiring a 1/4 Viagra, I believe due to nerve damage. The one or two feeble attempts at sex each year end in no orgasm for me. Her attention span for sex is 4-5 minutes. I have read a lot of posts about this subject but no solutions. I am lonely and there are no options left it appears. I guess that if I was single, there would be a glimmer of hope because I could maybe find a lady with an ileostomy and who still wants to get intimate.
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Hollister
It's natural to feel stressed about possible relationship issues related to your ostomy.
Explore common concerns about new and existing relationships, and how to put your mind at ease.
Explore common concerns about new and existing relationships, and how to put your mind at ease.
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Hollister
Going into labor and giving birth with a stoma should not be causes for worry. However, there are a few things you should know.
Read our 6 tips to prepare for childbirth with an ostomy.
Read our 6 tips to prepare for childbirth with an ostomy.