This topic is about the journey of embracing life after choosing a permanent colostomy. It shares the experience of someone who, at 40, faced a sudden loss of bladder and bowel control due to nerve damage. After a challenging year of using adult diapers and dealing with isolation and depression, they decided to undergo bladder-repair surgery and get a permanent colostomy. Initially, they had concerns about the visibility of the bag, potential odors, clothing issues, bathing, swimming, and dietary restrictions. However, thirteen years later, they describe the ostomy as "the best decision ever," allowing them to return to normal activities, regain confidence, enjoy a full wardrobe, and maintain a social life, with minimal changes to their diet. They hope their story reassures others that life with an ostomy can be positive and liberating.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from others who have shared similar experiences:

1. Many people found that having an ostomy significantly reduced or even eliminated the need for urgent bathroom trips. Instead of making 20-30 hurried trips a day, they now empty their pouch about three times a day at convenient times.

2. Others have shared similar stories:
- Some had emergency or unavoidable surgeries, like bowel ruptures or long-term ileostomies, which led to a much better quality of life than before the operation.
- Many wish they had opted for ostomy surgery sooner, as fear of the unknown often delays taking a step that can greatly improve life.

3. The overall encouragement is to accept the new normal, focus on the independence regained, and recognize that an ostomy can restore health, mobility, and the enjoyment of everyday activities.