This topic is about embracing life after ostomy surgery, focusing on the journey of a wound-ostomy nurse who has lived with a permanent ileostomy since 2009. She shares her experiences to inspire others and show that life can be fulfilling and normal after surgery. Here are some helpful insights and advice from her story:

1. Keep a positive and proactive outlook on life. Remember, you have one life, so live it fully and don't let a stoma define you.

2. An ostomy can be life-saving. Many people wouldn't be here without it, so it's important to appreciate the new lease on life it provides.

3. Connecting with an ostomy nurse who also has an ostomy can be incredibly reassuring for new patients, helping to alleviate fears and feelings of isolation.

4. Life with an ostomy is often better than life with the illness that necessitated it. Try to see it as a new challenge rather than a limitation.

5. It's important to verify and share accurate information, especially when discussing well-known figures who are rumored to have ostomies. Distinguishing fact from rumor is crucial.

6. Community support is vital. Engaging with forums and support groups can offer camaraderie, problem-solving, and encouragement, along with social interaction.