Veteran

Definition: One who has experience in a particular field. In the United States armed forces there five branches of service; Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Who is considered a Military veteran? One who served 90 days on active duty during war time or 180 days on on active peace time.

Of course ther are those who served 20 years or more and were in combat zones and those who served a few years during peace time.

I'm using the above statement as an analogy.....

Hello Ostomates, if you are new welcome to MAO, (MeetAnOstomate).

According to the administration of this site, there are thousands of us, based on the numbers. Ok let us talk about my subject, the veterans. There are members in this group who have had an ostomy for 60 years or more. Well, I for one, would definetely consider that person a veteran, Of course the numbers varies for other ostomate veterans 50, 40, 30 years or less per person. I cannot yet yet consider myself in the veteran catergory because I have hade my ostomy since 2015. So, I'm a babe compared to some.

Members in this group had the surgery for many different reasons. But never the less, we all arrived here. The good thing about this site is that you can learn a lot about ostomy issues. Actually I've learned things that the surgeon didn't tell me.

There are three types' of surgeries that leaves one with an ostomy. They are as follows: Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy. Some are not permenent, so they heal and revert back to normal. Then of course, there are some that surgery fail to restore them back to normalcy.

I can tell you about my walk as one that had a colostomy, which is sometimes different from another that had the same surgery. But when it comes to one that had an Ileostomy and Urostomy, only the one walk in those shoes daily can truly share their life experiences with us. Of course, being ostomates, we share issues with each other such as leaks, swelling and occasionally blow-outs. I'm sure some issues i didn't list.

But what makes this group so unigue and work so good collectively is that we all have something to share that can be beneficial to others in the group .Regardless of the reason for te surgery, their own personal experiences have proven time again to be the best advice or medicine. I often use the words, "thats not my lane," No doubt for the reasons listed above.

However you found this group, Initially I'm sure you felt like you were in unfamiliar territory. When you feel like that, take a deep breathe and know there others like yourself. Keep in mind first and foremost, that doctors have the answers for the medical questions. Lastly, if you do post with a question and it takes a while, eventually someone who truly can answer your question and inquiry will respond.. Hang in there!

Best wishes,

Angelicamarie

Angel, enjoyed your post as usual. We are all in this together and I am happy to see this welcoming post to all. I may be a veteran ,but times have changed over the years and I am always ready to relearn.

Best wishes,

Rebecca

Understood, but the abundance of knowlegde is most helpful and for some life saving.  Thanks!

Hi.

A very good post. Lots that you've said in that piece that is true and needed to be said.

Very well written.

John

We all need to spread the word. You are very good at it.

Great post. I’m a newbie but have learned so much from this site and I have made many friends 

scorsby, xnine and Dancingthrough. When I stumbled on his site I realized I wasn’t alone. I was broken in many pieces. I was going through the motions, but yet still broken. There many that touched me sharing there journeys. As my healing began, I had to give what was given to me. (Support) I’m still on the journey! 

Thank you All...

I've had my ileostomy since I was 1 year old, I'm 29 now. Would that make me a veteran? But then again, I practically never knew a live before it. To me that's my biggest issue with connecting with other ostomates. They often talk of change and being impaired since. Having to readjust to a new life. I cannot relate with that even though we have to go through the same hoops in the end.

withed... there are many ostomates that never knew any other way. You are still an ostomate with a lot to share. Don't feel left out by no means.... you loved yourself from the beginning. Your still a part of the group! I would say so... you have experience. Yes my fellow ostomate!