This topic is about adjusting to life with an ileostomy over the long term. The person sharing their experience has lived with an ileostomy since 1990 due to Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Over the years, having a stoma has become a normal part of their life. They have been inspired by others' stories and want to offer support and advice to those who are currently adjusting to life with an ileostomy.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared in the discussion:

1. If you're interested in returning to swimming but are worried about your appliance detaching in the water, know that many people with an ostomy swim successfully. Confidence will grow with practice.
- Consider using smaller or more discreet pouches.
- Ensure you have a good seal before entering the water to prevent any issues.

2. If you've recently upgraded your membership on a site and are experiencing issues, such as not seeing who is online:
- Try logging out and back in to refresh your account status.
- Be aware that it might take up to 24 hours for the system to update fully.

3. The forum community is a great resource for tips, product recommendations, and support. Members are encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences at any time.