This topic is about a 36-year-old man who has been living with an ileostomy since he was 17. This was due to emergency surgery for ulcerative colitis, which required the removal of his colon and large bowel. He affectionately calls his stoma "Ozzy" and generally manages well, despite some occasional complications. Recently, he has been through a challenging period with three operations since last August, which kept him mostly at home and away from work for about 10 months. Now, he is preparing to return to full-time employment.

His main concern is about dating and meeting new people. Standing at 4 feet tall and having limited mobility, he worries that his disability and ileostomy make it difficult to meet women who don’t already know him. Despite being independent, socially active, and having the support of long-term friends, he feels that his chances of finding "the one" are slim.

Here are some insights and advice shared by others:

1. A forum member warmly welcomed him to a friendly and diverse community, encouraging him to share his experiences and seek advice. While no specific practical tips were provided yet, the support and understanding from the community can be a comforting resource.