This topic is about adjusting to life during the first year after having ileostomy surgery. The person sharing their experience is dealing with some challenges but is also looking for advice and support from others who have been through similar situations. Here are some of the key points and helpful insights shared:

- The person is experiencing significant pain on both sides of their abdomen after eating, which makes them hesitant to eat. They are currently on a low-fiber, soft-food diet.

- They are dealing with ongoing anxiety, which worsens with each hospital readmission.

- They have resumed work but are still adapting to life with a stoma.

- Their medical history includes stage-3 bowel cancer, septicemia, prolonged ICU stays, and life-support, which may contribute to post-traumatic stress from past hospital experiences.

- They are working on mental distraction techniques and have started exercising, but still find weight loss, the new diet, and body changes difficult.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights that might be helpful:

1. Emotional self-management:
- Focus on daily gratitude and small positives, and try to avoid "pity-party" thinking.
- Recognize that repeated complications can trigger PTSD-like responses; professional counseling or trauma-focused therapy may be beneficial.
- Use logic and common-sense reasoning to counter anxious thoughts and consciously redirect attention to neutral or enjoyable activities.

2. Practical coping strategies:
- Identify and avoid foods that cause rapid gas or output when eating out.
- Keep the mind occupied with hobbies, social interaction, exercise, or other distractions to shift attention away from pain and negative thoughts.

3. Resources:
- Consider reading a forum blog post titled "Gratitude" for additional techniques on emotional control and maintaining a positive focus.

These insights aim to provide support and practical advice for managing the physical and emotional challenges during the first year with an ileostomy.