I have double ostomies. I started pole a year ago, and I've just started aerial. For 16 years, I did nothing. I'm due for my 35th operation in October, but I'm not allowing it to stop me anymore. Thank you to those who believe in me every day, even though I don't. I'm so lucky to have a supportive partner who also has an ileostomy. Be bold, believe, and fly

NORMALITY IS A MYTH. We’re all of us outsiders, struggling to get through life as best we are able, given our unique circumstances. Having an ostomy only accentuates the individuality each of us brings to the struggle. The all-encompassing concept of being ‘normal’ is much too general a term to be applicable to people because it means ‘average’ which is a statistical model that co ...

During my medical adventure in 2022, I was bedridden for nearly 3 months. Hardly ate anything, lost 66 pounds.
Surgery was successful. Got the colostomy. Went home very weak. Three weeks post-op, I regained my ability to walk and returned to work. Gained back 30 pounds and have maintained a healthy weight. A year and a half later, I retired.
I have now discovered I'm in poor physical shape. My ...

I have found that if you put the skin protectant all around your skin where your wafer goes and not just around your stoma, your wafer will stick better to your skin. So if you have trouble getting your wafer to stick, try that out. Let the protectant dry a little and then apply the wafer. It will stick down better and give you a better seal.

Tomorrow marks one year since I had emergency surgery due to a perforation in my colon and got my colostomy. For several months, I was angry, resentful, overwhelmed, bitter, and depressed. I didn't think I would ever be able to cope with my new normal. I blamed myself. I don't remember how I found this group, but I am so grateful I did. You all helped to ease my loneliness and gave me support ...

I have been using a bandeau (tube top), but the company changed their design and I could not find a replacement until now. It is called a tummy sleeve found in maternity shops. It is longer than the bandeau I was using and covers my bag completely. It is just what I want.

Ahoy Stomey mates!
Yer land lubber Beachboy dude reporting in.
Been a glorious and grand cruise so far.
I've been somewhat careful about not eating too much. After Cayman Island yesterday, today is a sea day, on our way to Aruba.
While Mrs B attended a skin rejuvenation seminar at the health spa, I meandered up to the buffet for lunch and sat at a large table. An older lady noticed I had munch ...

Saw the website showing August in Florida.
Might be a good idea for meet and greets... and grits?
Anyone interested in attending?
These conventions are eye-openers. It would be my first.
Thoughts?

I am searching for the best way to secure my urostomy pouch when cycling. I have looked at various websites, but I am not sure what the best method is, e.g., wraps?
Any thoughts on what the best way to do this is?

Hi everyone, it's been a while! Hope everyone is doing well! I'm just checking in. So it's been a full year since my colostomy reversal, so I thought I'd share what's been going on for those who are interested. I still have pain when I apply pressure to the stoma site, but only when I press on it and where the hernia repair was done. I still have rectal pain that feels like a stabbing or shoot ...

Well, I don't know about you lot, but it seems my newish stoma has given me a fabulous new social status!
I have received a personal invitation to attend the opening of the new endoscopy unit at our local hospital! Get me!! But "opening" has so many variations in this context.
I am not sure about the social norms at such an esteemed high-level award, so any advice is welcome!! To be honest, I ...