Giving A Name To Your Stoma

Living with an ostomy can be a transformative journey, filled with challenges and adjustments. In the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, ostomates from various walks of life have shared their unique approaches to coping with this significant life change, particularly focusing on the practice of naming their stomas. This act, seemingly simple, holds profound implications for many. For some, it's a source of comfort and humor, a way to bring lightness to a weighty situation. By assigning a name, they create a sense of familiarity and control over their new reality, turning a medical necessity into a more personal and approachable aspect of their lives. Names range from playful and whimsical, drawing from personal associations or famous figures, to more serious and reflective choices. For others, the stoma is an intrinsic part of their identity, not needing a separate name or persona. These discussions underscore the diverse emotional landscapes that individuals navigate post-surgery. Whether through humor, acceptance, or gratitude, the act of naming a stoma reveals the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit in the face of life-altering experiences. This introspective forum offers a glimpse into the varied ways individuals embrace and make peace with their ostomy, highlighting the deeply personal nature of this journey.

Based on the discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, individuals have shared various perspectives and experiences regarding naming their stomas:

- Many ostomates find comfort and humor in naming their stomas, helping them cope with the life-changing experience.
- Naming the stoma can be a way to embrace and accept the new reality, providing a sense of control and familiarity.
- Some individuals name their stomas after personal associations, physical characteristics, or famous figures, adding a lighthearted touch to the situation.
- Naming the stoma can create a bond and a sense of protection, with some individuals treating it like a person or a pet.
- The act of naming the stoma can be a way to find humor and positivity in the situation, helping individuals to cope with the challenges and changes.
- Naming the stoma can be a way to acknowledge its role in saving lives and to express gratitude for the newfound freedom and opportunities it brings.
- Some individuals prefer not to name their stomas, viewing it as a part of themselves and choosing not to create a separate identity for it.
- The decision to name the stoma is a personal one, with some finding it helpful for their emotional well-being and others opting not to do so.

The forum discussions also highlighted the diverse and personal nature of naming stomas, with individuals finding different ways to cope with and embrace their ostomy experience.

Check out these links for more information:

• Stoma Naming: Share Your Stories and Reasons! (November 16, 2021)
• Naming My Ostomy: Meet 'Old Timer' (March 26, 2011)
• Naming and Bonding with my Stoma - Am I Crazy? (November 15, 2010)
• Naming My Stoma: Meet Ferb, My New Sidekick! (March 17, 2011)
• Introducing Pooey Vuitton: Naming and Embracing My Stoma (December 20, 2022)
• What's your stoma's name? Share your creative names! (June 15, 2016)
• Stoma Naming: Break On Through to The Doors! (March 20, 2011)
• STOMA STIGMA verse (December 02, 2011)
• DIGNITY AND STOMAS (November 02, 2020)
• BY ANY OTHER NAME? (August 16, 2018)