This topic revolves around someone navigating their health journey and financial challenges. Here's a look at their situation and some advice shared by others:

- They recently had a check-up, and their ileostomy is healing well. The next step is a cystoscopy scheduled for April 3.

- They are currently living on $622 per month from Social Security Disability, which only covers food for about half of the month.

- To manage financially, they sold a snowmobile that hadn't been used since a heart attack four years ago. The money from this sale will help cover expenses for about three months.

- They hope not to sell their four-wheeler, as it's crucial for getting around their property during muddy seasons, moose hunting in the fall, and accessing the lake for fishing.

In a later update, they shared:

- They experienced constipation on a Wednesday and ate two small bran muffins. The next day, during a morning cross-country ski, they had an urgent bowel movement and had to clean up in the woods.

- By the time they got home, they had developed a severe perianal rash, despite usually washing thoroughly after each bowel movement.

- They are curious if other long-term ostomates have similar issues with rashes after constipation and urgent bowel movements.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Emotional and practical support: Many people emphasize being grateful for recovery progress and suggest viewing the sale of unused items as a form of decluttering. They also encourage getting back to enjoyable outdoor activities, like fishing, as health permits.

- Increasing income or lowering living costs: One person is planning to rent out bedrooms and share household expenses to make ends meet on limited benefits.

- Help with Social Security Disability benefits: Several people recommend hiring a specialized disability advocacy firm. Binder & Binder is mentioned as a resource that can help secure disability benefits.