This topic is about a person who has lived with an ileostomy for 32 years, sharing valuable lessons learned over the decades. Here are some practical tips and insights from their experience:

1. The amount you eat directly affects your output. If you eat a lot, expect a lot of output.
2. Always have a spare tail-clip with you. If you forget, a paper-binder clip can work in a pinch.
3. In New York City, for clean public restrooms, try hotel lobbies or large bookstores instead of restaurants that may restrict access.
4. Never delay changing your appliance as scheduled; it usually leads to problems.
5. Keep a good stock of supplies and double-check shipments to ensure you have matching parts.
6. For odor control when out, lighting a match and blowing it out can help. At home, scented candles are useful.
7. If you wake up at night thinking you need to empty your pouch, do it immediately. Use a night-light to avoid bright lights.
8. Avoid changing your appliance right after having coffee and cheesecake to prevent a mess.
9. If you suspect a blockage, a few gulps of mineral oil might help clear it.
10. During a stomach virus, expect a lot of liquid output. Replenish fluids and electrolytes with drinks like Gatorade and start eating again with the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast).
11. Bright-colored drinks can make your output look like internal bleeding, so don't be alarmed if you see unchanged colors in your pouch.
12. Even if you don't usually wear a belt, keep one handy to secure a loosening appliance until you get home.
13. When it comes to intimacy with a new partner, it's often a bigger deal to you than to them. Confidence, humor, and a positive attitude can help.
14. Remember that your ostomy saved your life. Replace "Why me?" with gratitude and keep moving forward.

Additional insights include:

- Appreciate life's small joys, like good weather, children's laughter, and a nice meal.
- Acceptance and a positive outlook are crucial. Many find that focusing on gratitude helps overcome difficult moments.
- Keep the stoma area dry, which is essential advice for newcomers.
- Modern pouch closures with Velcro-style drainable bags are recommended for reliability.
- Support garments like those from ostomysecrets.com can securely hold the pouch and keep the skin dry.
- For odor control, inexpensive options like diluted baking soda or a small amount of mouthwash in the pouch can be effective.
- In NYC, some restroom tips include the Times Square Tourist Information Booth, Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Macy's on 34th Street for clean and spacious stalls.
- Be aware that foods like beetroot can tint your output red, similar to drinks like Hawaiian Punch, so don't panic if you see this.