Topic Explanation

The forum discussion revolves around a person who has had a stoma for seven years and is struggling with severe self-esteem issues and body image problems. The individual feels ashamed and embarrassed by their body, particularly their stoma, and has experienced a significant decline in intimacy with their partner, who has expressed discomfort with the stoma. The person is questioning whether others have had similar experiences and if they feel their stoma has negatively impacted their lives.

Advice and Insights

- Life Perspective and Gratitude:
- Some users emphasize the life-saving aspect of having a stoma, suggesting that it is better to be alive with a stoma than to have faced potentially fatal health issues.
- Focusing on positive aspects of life, such as family and personal achievements, can help shift the mindset from negativity to gratitude.

- Self-Esteem and Mindset:
- Self-esteem should come from within, not from the approval of others. Changing one's mindset can significantly impact how one feels about themselves.
- Engaging in activities that make you feel good, such as skincare routines or other self-care practices, can help improve self-esteem.

- Partner Support and Relationship Dynamics:
- A supportive partner is crucial. If a partner is unsupportive or repulsed by the stoma, it may be worth reconsidering the relationship.
- Some suggest that if a partner truly cares, they should be willing to understand and even experience what it's like to have a stoma, even if just for a day.

- Counseling and Professional Help:
- Seeking counseling can be beneficial for dealing with self-esteem issues and relationship problems.
- Professional help can provide strategies to cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of living with a stoma.

- Community and Support Groups:
- Engaging with support groups and communities, like the forum itself, can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand the experience.
- Sharing experiences and hearing from others who have gone through similar situations can be comforting and empowering.

- Practical Tips for Intimacy:
- Using specialized products like wraps or smaller, more discreet stoma bags can help manage the stoma during intimate moments.
- Emptying the bag before intimate moments and using products that make the stoma less noticeable can help both partners feel more comfortable.

- Self-Acceptance and Body Image:
- Accepting