First social outing success! Share your stories!

I went on my first 'real' social outing today, and I would say it was successful! I went to see a Bluegrass band, lots of people, talking, and dancing. Since getting my ostomy (March 2020), I had only socialized with family and a few close friends... family game night, coffee dates, and the occasional lunch out. I know for some of y'all, this would not be a big deal... but for me, it was a BIG deal! LOL I left a backpack in the car that had everything needed for a pouch change and a change of clothes just in case. During the break, I went to a nearby gas station to use their restroom (the one at the event didn't have an industrial-size fan LOL). I just might be getting my groove back. Next, I am going to a full-blown dance (singles friends) with a band and lots of people on Saturday.

What was your first outing? I would love to hear your stories.

That is awesome. You will get back in the in it before long. Once you take that first step, it won't be long. I have had my ileostomy for 25 years.

Oh, thank you so much, Looking66, for the encouragement!

Good for you. All that anxiety and nervousness was for nothing. It's funny how these bags stay on, they don't explode, nobody smells you or anything else while in public, just like when you're home alone. Well, the dog may look at ya weird when ya fart but that's the dog's issue on trying to figure out what the hell that odd noise is.

Oh, and the video says it's private so it doesn't work for me. ‍

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Thanks! I fixed the video... I think. LOL Would you test it for me?

Nothing, still can't click on it

I just reloaded it. If it doesn't work this time, I will give up. LOL It is not that exciting anyways.

You live in Sweden?

Good on you Sally! Get out there and have some fun.

The video came through on my iPad.... Happy music makes me smile - thanks

If you are nervous about a leakage problem, perhaps you might consider taking a longish sweater or jacket along with you on your outings. That way you would have an available "cover-up" as you plan your escape route in time of need. Just a thought. JB

I was born and raised in Sweden but have lived in the States for a long time and I am now moving back.

Thanks JB! It was so much fun! And that is a great tip!

Journey well.

Ok, I'm not going nuts. I thought you had a different location before under your forum name. Back to Sally's First Outing......

Congratulations, Sally! I wish I could have been there to cheer you on. I'm sure you were radiant.

I bet she was twerking like a 20-year-old. Probably threw a couple hoots out too.

Thanks. It was a lot of fun.

That song looked like a lot of fun, I'm so happy you enjoyed yourself Sally. Maybe next time I'll be able to just teleport myself across the pond to NB.

I would love that!

I'm concentrating, focusing, teleporting ... uhh ... ((looks around at my surroundings)) Attempt at teleporting apparently failed. I'm still here in my home in the UK.

Keep trying, Meadow! I am lining up some fun for us this summer... Bluegrass Festivals ... walking with llamas on the beach ... our annual hot air balloon festival is a go this year again! And who knows what else I will find! LOL

Be careful. You know what they say... Once you go New Brunswick, you never go back.

Well, off I go then! 😉

(Side note, I really want to be able to turn the walking emoji around so that it looks like I'm walking to the plane and not away from it!)

Put the plane emoji first. Oh, you youngins' nowadays. Or, just put a side note saying you're moonwalking to the plane.

Yes, I'm definitely moonwalking (not mooning, mind out of the gutter Meadow)

I had a day pass from the hospital to my wife's family reunion. I was still very sore, but got by.

Congrats Sally! You will find pretty soon that you won't even think about the fact that you are carrying a pouch around with you. My first real outing was a New Year's Eve party at a friend's house, a huge house with about 80 people, a band playing, and lots of dancing. I partied and danced along with everyone else, and no one knew my secret, except for my husband and our host, who just happened to be a registered nurse. That was only about two months post-surgery, and about two months before Covid hit, so I didn't really go out again for another two years!!

Terry

Thanks, Terry. COVID certainly didn't make it easier on us trying to get out with our new 'friend'.

Good for you, Sally.

Sorry, I must have missed the post about you being in the hospital. Hope you are okay.