This topic delves into the fascinating world of dreams, particularly those experienced by individuals living with an ostomy. The originator shares their experiences with recurring dreams, often involving urgent situations related to their ileostomy, and ponders the connection between the body and brain during sleep. Here are some insights and advice shared by others on this topic:

1. Many people with an ostomy experience dreams where they urgently need to empty their pouch, but the bathrooms are unusable—dirty, door-less, or occupied. These dreams often end with waking up to a real need to empty the pouch.

2. Other common dream themes include searching for something missing, like a car or a classroom, which might symbolize feelings of something being "missing" or "failed."

3. Mood can influence the tone of dreams. Depression might lead to nightmares, while happiness can bring about pleasant dreams, such as riding a motorcycle or reuniting with loved ones.

4. Some people can re-enter the same dream after waking by consciously thinking about it while dozing off. This ability is envied by those who can't do it.

5. Lucid dreaming techniques can help you take control of your dreams, allowing you to treat them as a creative space where you can "write" events as you wish.

6. Dreams about being naked in public, like walking down a bus aisle, often accompany bathroom-search dreams. These might reflect feelings of vulnerability and a desire to appear "normal" without others noticing ostomy-related differences.

7. Such dreams may recur as the subconscious continues to process the life changes brought on by surgery, even after conscious adjustment.

8. Grief dreams, such as those involving a deceased parent, can help process ongoing responsibilities and the struggle to let go. It's important to be gentle with yourself and allow time for healing.

9. If a nightmare resumes after waking, try breaking the cycle by getting up briefly and engaging in a light activity before returning to sleep.

10. Keeping a light, humorous perspective on dreams can be helpful. It's okay to take everything, including Freud's interpretations, with a grain of salt.

11. Sleep quality affects dream recall. Frequent waking during the night might prevent reaching the REM stages where vivid dreams occur.

12. Some ostomy-specific nightmares include fears of the stoma detaching or spurting blood. It's reassuring to remember these are just dreams.

13. Persistent dreams about vulnerability, like teacher-naked-toilet dreams, can linger for years. There's no set timetable for resolution, but awareness and interpretation may gradually reduce their frequency.