This topic is about someone who has been living with an ileostomy for 25 years. The surgery was done as a preventive measure for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), a condition that could lead to colorectal cancer by the age of 35. Here are some insights and experiences shared by the person:

- They have been an active advocate in the ostomy community, editing a local newsletter for 23 years and continuing to send meeting notices and maintain the chapter's website.
- Currently, they are dealing with family responsibilities, as their 81-year-old mother is hospitalized and moving to rehab. There is uncertainty about whether she will be able to live alone afterward.
- They are planning their first leisure trip to New York City, staying on the Upper West Side, taking a city tour, and traveling by Greyhound.
- They recently celebrated a birthday with a trip from Maine to Florida. Airport security was smooth, with no need to display or explain the ostomy pouch, as long as the scanner did not go off.
- They own a mobile home in a 55-plus community in Florida and plan to drive back there in late September, bringing bicycles and other belongings. They find road travel more economical when considering car rental and airfare.
- They encountered a minor technical issue when trying to upload a profile picture, resulting in only a black box appearing.

Other members with FAP have welcomed this person, noting that FAP patients are rare on the forum and offering support and camaraderie.