This topic is about one man's challenging journey through a series of serious health issues, including sepsis, complications from hernia mesh, and the creation of a new colostomy. After undergoing extensive radiation treatment for prostate cancer, he faced a cascade of health problems that led to emergency surgery and a significant lifestyle change. Here are some insights and advice from his experience:

1. After his radiation treatment, he became very ill with symptoms like fatigue, fever, and rapid weight loss. He was diagnosed with sepsis, C. difficile, and peritonitis, and antibiotics were not effective due to the damage from radiation. Eventually, he had to undergo emergency surgery.

2. During surgery, doctors found that two of his hernia meshes had moved into his bladder and intestine, with one causing a bowel perforation. This led to a 7-hour operation to remove the mesh, resect part of the colon, and create a colostomy.

3. His recovery was tough, involving a large abdominal wound, malnutrition, and post-sepsis syndrome, but he managed to return to full-time work.

4. Seven months later, he uses a two-piece colostomy system, changes the pouch a few times a week, and deals with a peristomal hernia and occasional prolapse. He has not experienced any leaks and maintains healthy skin.

5. He decided against reversal surgery after considering the risks, having already undergone numerous major surgeries.

6. Emotionally, he finds himself crying when recalling his experiences, attributing his survival to faith and the skilled medical staff. His wife is thankful for his survival but finds it difficult to discuss the stoma.

7. He plans to volunteer at the hospital to support others facing similar surgeries, once he feels more emotionally stable.

Advice and insights from his journey include:

- Crying is a normal and healthy response to medical trauma, and many people experience similar emotional reactions.
- Radiation can significantly affect healing, so patience is essential during recovery.
- Spiritual practices, such as faith and prayer, can provide comfort and aid in coping.
- Loved ones might avoid discussing the stoma due to their own fears, not disgust. Open communication can help process emotions.
- Volunteering to support others can be therapeutic and beneficial for both the survivor and those they help.
- Acceptance of the ostomy grows as quality of life improves. It's important to treat it like any other scar and live life without shame.
- Emotional swings are common after major illness, so give yourself time to adjust.
- Focus on what has been regained rather than what was lost, as many ostomates lead full, active lives for decades.