Definition: One who has experience in a particular field. In the United States armed forces, there are 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 wartime or 180 days on active peacetime.
Of course, there are those who served 20 years or more and were in combat zones, and those who served a few years during peacetime.
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. Okay, 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 definitely consider that person a veteran. Of course, the numbers vary for other ostomate veterans: 50, 40, 30 years or less per person. I cannot yet consider myself in the veteran category because I have had my ostomy since 2015. So, I'm a babe compared to some.
Members in this group had the surgery for many different reasons. But nevertheless, 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 leave one with an ostomy. They are as follows: Colostomy, Ileostomy, and Urostomy. Some are not permanent, so they heal and revert back to normal. Then of course, there are some that surgery fails 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 who walks 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 there are some issues I didn't list.
But what makes this group so unique and work so well collectively is that we all have something to share that can be beneficial to others in the group. Regardless of the reason for the surgery, their own personal experiences have proven time and again to be the best advice or medicine. I often use the words, "that's 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 breath and know there are 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
