This topic is about living with an ostomy for over 30 years, sharing the ups and downs, and finding humor in the journey. The person sharing their story had surgery for ulcerative colitis and is eager to reconnect with others who have similar experiences. They plan to talk about both the good and challenging times of living with a pouch.

One story they shared involved a mishap while swimming in the ocean in Mexico. A strong wave knocked their flange and pouch loose, leading to a quick and somewhat embarrassing retreat to their hotel room. Despite the awkwardness, this incident has become a funny memory over time.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from others:

1. Mishaps can feel overwhelming at first, but they often turn into lighter memories that can even make you laugh later on.
2. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be comforting and encouraging.
3. It's important to find humor in the journey, as it can make living with an ostomy a bit easier.