This topic is about a person who, at the age of 30, underwent a total colectomy after living with colitis since childhood. The surgery was a significant life event, and it happened without the support of friends or family. As a result, many personal relationships, including a romantic one, ended, leaving the person feeling isolated and anxious about meeting new people. They are seeking advice on how others with ostomies manage their daily lives and are looking for hope and reassurance.

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

1. Connect with the ostomy community. Engaging in conversations with others who understand your experience can help lift your spirits, replace lost social circles, and provide practical advice.

2. Remember the positive aspects of having an ostomy. It can be life-saving and liberating, freeing you from pain, urgent bathroom trips, and disease flare-ups. Many people find that they often forget about their pouch during the day.

3. Focus on positive thinking and gratitude. Compare your current situation with worse possibilities, keep looking forward, and trust that everything happens for a reason.

4. Develop a sense of humor. Some people find it helpful to name their pouch and share funny moments. Humor can help normalize the experience for both yourself and others.

5. Seek professional or spiritual support if needed. Hospital chaplains, prayer, and faith can be powerful sources of hope when family or friends are not around.

6. Engage in uplifting activities and passions. Whether it's cooking, planning events, volunteering, or any hobby that brings you joy, these activities can restore a sense of purpose.

7. Practice self-love. Seeing yourself as "okay" builds confidence for meeting new people and forming healthy relationships.

8. Keep reaching out. Many people with ostomies have experienced similar feelings of loneliness after surgery, but they emphasize that life improves significantly with time, connection, and perseverance.