This topic is about a woman in her early 70s who has been living with a permanent ileostomy since 1989. After eight years of celibacy, she has met a potential partner and is considering moving towards physical intimacy. However, she feels scared and anxious about revealing her stoma and being seen nude. She seeks advice from others on how to overcome these feelings and build confidence.

Here are some helpful insights and advice:

1. Start the conversation early. Ask your partner if they are familiar with ostomies and explain your appliance and its permanence. It's important to know if they are accepting early on.

2. Choose a method of disclosure that feels safest for you. This could be talking face-to-face, showing photos, or briefly exposing part of the pouch.

3. Present yourself with confidence. Self-acceptance can make it easier for your partner to accept your body, including any scars and your appliance.

4. Use honest and calm communication to discuss your worries, how you manage the stoma, and any practical issues that may arise during intimacy. Open dialogue can help build a stronger, long-term bond.

5. Remember that compassion is key. A kind partner will accept the ostomy. If they don't, it might be best to move on, as there are other potential partners out there, even later in life.

6. Trust your instincts. If someone becomes defensive when you seek basic clarity, such as about living arrangements, take things even slower and protect yourself emotionally.

7. Take reassurance from the community. Successful new relationships, including those starting at age 70, are possible after ostomy surgery.