This topic is about understanding the average age at which people typically receive an ostomy and how long they can expect to live with it. A person considering stoma surgery at 35 was concerned about some statistics they found online, suggesting that the average age for first-time ostomy surgery is 68 and that people live up to 30 years with a stoma. They wanted to hear from others about their experiences to get a clearer picture.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Wide Age Range and Longevity
- People have received ostomies at ages ranging from just a week old to 81 years old.
- Many have lived with their ostomies for 30 to 60+ years, with one person living 64 years with an ileostomy.
- There are numerous examples of individuals who got their ostomies in their teens, 20s, and 30s and are still thriving into their 50s to 80s.

2. Lifespan is Not Limited by the Stoma Itself
- An ostomy is often life-saving, allowing people to survive conditions that might otherwise be fatal.
- Quality of life can improve significantly, providing relief from conditions like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, cancer complications, bowel perforations, and gastric paresis.

3. Question the Statistics You Find Online
- Statistics like "average age 68" or "30-year life limit" are often outdated or taken out of context.
- Survival is more influenced by factors such as the underlying condition, overall health, surgeon skill, comorbidities, hospital resources, ostomy type, insurance access, patient weight, and lifestyle.

4. Normal, Active Lives are Common
- Many people with ostomies lead full lives, including careers, marriages, pregnancies, weight-lifting, competitive swimming, and travel.
- Social and romantic relationships are usually not affected by the ostomy itself; confidence and timing of disclosure are more important.

5. Mental Attitude and Support
- Focusing on "how well" rather than "how long" you live is emphasized by many.
- Local or online ostomy support groups offer practical tips and reassurance.

6. K-Pouch / Continent Diversion Considerations
- Discuss timing with your surgeon, as some may require experience with a conventional stoma first.
- A stoma can be re-sited in the same location, but all surface scar tissue must be removed, which creates a wider opening.

7. Stoma Placement Tips
- Choose a site that works well with your everyday clothing and activities, as placement can affect appliance adherence.
- Saving a preferred site for a future procedure is possible but not usually necessary.

8. Final Reassurance
- Having a stoma is not a death sentence; many long-time ostomy users see it as a gateway to decades of healthy living.