Coping with severe anxiety after ileostomy surgery can be a challenging experience. If you’ve recently had an ileostomy, you might be feeling overwhelmed by this sudden change in your life. Here are some practical and emotional tips to help you navigate this new journey:

1. Normalize your feelings and take it slowly:
- It's completely normal to feel shocked and anxious in the first few weeks. Over time, managing your pouch and stoma will become part of your routine.
- Allow yourself to feel sad, but try not to dwell on it. Practice daily gratitude by acknowledging three small things you’re thankful for each day.

2. Use professional resources:
- Schedule follow-up visits or video calls with a certified ostomy nurse for hands-on guidance and troubleshooting.
- The United Ostomy Association of America (UOAA.org) provides free guides on various topics like food, blockages, skin care, clothing, travel, and product reviews. They also have a locator for local support groups.

3. Connect with peer support:
- Online forums and local in-person groups can be invaluable. They allow you to ask specific questions and remind you that you’re not alone, which is especially helpful for younger patients.

4. Practical self-care tips for the early days:
- Let a home-care nurse handle the first few appliance changes, then gradually take over until you feel confident.
- Ensure the skin around your stoma is completely dry before applying a new wafer to improve its wear time.
- Typical wear time is about 4-5 days, but activities like swimming, using hot tubs, taking long hot showers, or heavy exertion can shorten that time.

5. Product suggestions and set-ups:
- Consider using Hollister one-piece or two-piece systems with a Hollister ostomy belt for extra security, especially during exercise.
- Use a double-clip method: fasten the usual Hollister clip, then add a smaller Convatec clip underneath as a backup to prevent messes.
- Keep two plastic urinals or screw-top bottles in your car for emergencies if you need to empty quickly.
- If your seatbelt crosses your stoma and blocks output, adjust it lower across your thighs or pelvis, or get a medical exemption letter.

6. “Upsides” that can lighten the mood:
- You can control when and where you release gas by burping the pouch later in privacy.
- Enjoy the freedom of “pooping” standing up, whether in the woods, on a kayak, or at a roadside stop by draining the pouch into a zip-lock bag.
- On road trips, you can avoid public restrooms by draining beside the car while others sleep.

7. Food and output management:
- To thicken watery output, try pectin-rich gummy candies like Brach’s Cinnamon Bears or marshmallow-filled Rice Krispies treats.
- To loosen thick output, inexpensive chocolate like Oreo cookies or Hershey bars can help.
- Having an ostomy gives you a doctor-approved excuse to avoid foods you dislike or that cause problems.

8. Mind-set and disclosure:
- Remember, a pouch doesn’t define you. Be upfront about it if it helps, or keep it private if you prefer. Don’t let others’ opinions control you.
- Keep in mind that the appliance saved your life, and smile and wave at any ignorant comments.