This topic is about a person who made a significant life decision to end a 41-year marriage due to ongoing verbal abuse related to her ileostomy. After enduring six years of hurtful comments from her husband, who did not understand the medical necessity of her surgery, she decided to leave and start living independently. She compares her experience to those who suffer physical abuse, noting that personalities often do not change. She now seeks to connect with others who have faced similar challenges in their relationships due to their ostomies.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. Many people expressed strong support and admiration for her decision, emphasizing that:
- No one should have to endure verbal or emotional abuse because of an ostomy or any medical condition.
- Choosing to have life-saving surgery is a brave decision, and partners who criticize that choice are in the wrong.
- Leaving an abusive relationship can be a powerful and freeing step. Those in similar situations are encouraged to seek help and not wait for the abuser to change.

2. Another member shared her own experience with an emergency ileostomy, detailing the challenges she faced, such as bag overfilling and leaks, as well as a growing parastomal hernia. She is preparing for a reversal and hernia repair surgery, scheduled for April 7. Her story highlights:
- It is completely normal to feel fear and anxiety before undergoing additional surgery, even when a stoma reversal is planned.
- Hospital stays for reversal surgeries typically last 5–7 days, according to her surgeon.

These shared experiences and insights aim to provide support and encouragement to those facing similar challenges.