This topic is about dealing with touch aversion and body anxiety after getting a new loop ileostomy. A 37-year-old person is experiencing discomfort with physical touch, such as hugs and medical exams, and is worried about losing intimacy and body confidence. They have a history of digestive disease that already affected their self-esteem, and the ostomy has made these feelings more intense. They are seeking advice from others who might have gone through similar experiences.

Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by others:

1. Seek professional help early
- Many suggest counseling or therapy to tackle deeper self-image and anxiety issues. The ostomy might be a trigger, but not the root cause.

2. Give yourself time
- It's common to feel touch aversion and body shock initially. Many find that comfort, confidence, and intimacy improve naturally over time, similar to the stages of grief.

3. Use peer support
- Joining local ostomy support groups or participating in online forums can help. Being around others who understand can make the experience feel more normal.

4. Harness humor and perspective
- Making jokes about the stoma can help shift negative feelings and ease social situations. Remember, the ostomy is life-saving, so focus on what your body can now do.

5. Build confidence gradually
- Take small steps and avoid pressuring yourself with timelines. Confidence often comes from how you carry yourself rather than the appliance itself.

6. Intimacy tips and discretion aids
- Consider wearing supportive or covering gear for hugs or intimate moments, such as a Coloplast ostomy belt, Level-1 hernia belt, Stealth Belt, or Stoma Dome. These can help keep the pouch flat and reduce self-consciousness.

7. Practical reassurance
- Long-term ostomates report living full, active lives and having successful relationships. Caregivers note that partners can adapt, and being honest with loved ones is beneficial.

8. Sensory considerations
- If new tactile sensitivity arises, keep an eye out for other sensory changes and discuss them with healthcare providers.

9. Encouragement
- Embrace the parts of yourself that you like and try to make peace with the parts you don't. Confidence and self-acceptance are attractive qualities, regardless of physical changes.