This topic is about a personal journey of living with an ostomy for ten years, moving from initial struggles to eventual acceptance. The author shares her experiences and insights to help others who might be on a similar path. Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights from her story:

- Acceptance is a journey that takes time and can have its ups and downs. Many people still experience difficult days even after many years with an ostomy.
- It's normal to grieve the loss of what was once considered "normal." Some find that formal counseling, either before or after surgery, can help them come to terms with their new reality more quickly.
- If you need to relocate your stoma, it can feel like starting over emotionally, similar to when you first received it.
- When an ostomy is the result of a surgical error or emergency, feelings of anger and regret can make acceptance more challenging. It's important to acknowledge and work through these emotions.
- A J-pouch isn't always a perfect solution. For some, staying with an ileostomy offers a better quality of life, as it can avoid issues like frequent output.
- Colostomy irrigation can offer significant freedom from output, though it's not often discussed by healthcare providers. Online resources and advice from peers can be very helpful in learning this technique.
- Humor can make daily life easier. Some perks include not worrying about travelers' diarrhea and avoiding questionable public restrooms.
- Being your own advocate in the hospital is crucial. Some prefer to manage their own appliance changes and educate staff to prevent issues.
- There's often a lack of understanding about ostomies among the public and even some medical professionals. Patients may need to educate friends, coworkers, and healthcare providers about basic care and realities.
- For long-term management, it's important to stay vigilant about hydration, skin care, and potential systemic autoimmune complications like PSC, bone density issues, and kidney stones.
- Peer support forums can provide essential emotional support. Reading about others' experiences can help new ostomates transition from merely surviving to truly living.