This topic is about someone who has recently undergone ostomy surgery and is feeling scared, uncomfortable, and uncertain. They are seeking advice on how long it might take to feel more positive and how to cope with these feelings. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others who have been through similar experiences:

1. The timeline for feeling better is different for everyone. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year, depending on your personality, health progress, and the support you have.

2. It's important to allow yourself to grieve. Many people go through stages similar to mourning a loss, including denial, anger, sadness, and eventually acceptance.

3. Humor can be a great tool. A good laugh can help you get through tough times and prevent occasional bad days from becoming overwhelming.

4. Try to focus on the positives. Consider what has improved since the surgery and whether you tend to see the glass as half-full or half-empty. Choosing to see improvements can help shift your mindset.

5. Don't be afraid to cry when you need to. Letting out your emotions is a normal and healthy part of the process.

6. Engage in physical activities and hobbies you enjoy, like going for a walk, doing yoga, or traveling. Staying active and maintaining a routine can help speed up emotional recovery.

7. Keep your mind occupied with books, movies, music, prayer, or meditation to help redirect negative thoughts.

8. Build a support network with family, friends, local ostomy support groups, and online communities. Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation.

9. Here are some practical tips for managing your ostomy pouch:
- To prevent leaks, some people use an Elkins wafer around the stoma under the flange and change the flange weekly.
- Rotate between two drainable bags by washing, drying, and reusing them to extend their lifespan and save money.
- If you have a urostomy, be prepared for some trial and error as these pouches can be trickier to manage.

10. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Many people in the community have been through similar experiences and are eager to help.

11. Over time, many people find that they think less and less about their pouch between changes and often feel a sense of accomplishment, realizing, "Wow, I made it through.