It's been a year since I started what would be the worst 2 months I have ever experienced. My diverticulitis flared up and IBS was on overdrive. Add to that a very stressful job, weekly doctor visits, a myriad of medications, and hospital stays. Unfathomable pain, mental exhaustion, panic attacks, and anxiety, I was the quintessential hot mess! Nothing worked, I was not living, merely existing. Take me to October 26, 2023, and I wake up with a colostomy and not a happy camper at all! What a journey this has been. I fought through one of the darkest times mentally and physically. It took 3 months before I got to the point where I could go out and experience life. 6 months later, I was donning a bathing suit and heading to the pool with my grandkids. Not an easy journey, not one I would wish on anyone, and yes, I woke up and gained what I feared most, a colostomy. BUT I lost so much more I lost my self-doubt—I can make it through anything. I lost my loathing of my body—it's keeping me alive. I lost my inhibitions—you have to when you talk about poop and stuff. I lost my fear of the unknown—life happens whether you worry or not. I lost a stressful job—I have an awesome one now. I lost pain—once healed, I am no longer doubled over crying every day. I can honestly say life is indeed good, I just had to have mine shaken and stirred quite a bit to finally get it. I don't let a day go by that I'm not grateful for the opportunity of living.

A Year Later. What I Lost But Gained

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 2:03 pm

Reply to Morning glory

Thank you!

1 likes

Reply to this comment

Marjatta

Sep 14, 2024 3:03 pm

Detailing the ups and downs of your personal journey has been very inspiring to me, Nini4. Yours are the posts that I cling to in my darkest hours, when I feel that no one else could possibly understand what I'm going through. You help to light up the way from my temporary dark cloud.

Congrats on having such a kick-ass life! You deserve it!

4 likes

Reply to this comment

Do you have an ostomy?

Creating an account at MeetAnOstoMate is something you need to do. It's a place you can always count on.

1. Very active Forum - you'll get answers to your questions quickly.

2. 24/7 advanced AI assistant - built to provide instant answers to ostomy-related questions.

3. Easy to understand Guides - based on real-life experience, with practical advice and DIY solutions.

Create Account

39,713 members

7dragonflies.hm

Sep 14, 2024 3:17 pm

Absolutely beautiful. Lovely perspective!

3 likes

Reply to this comment

How To Stay Hydrated With An Ostomy With Collin

Hollister

Collin shares his top 3 tips on how to stay hydrated while living with an ostomy.

For more tips and resources, check out our Ostomy Learning Center.

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 5:50 pm

Reply to Marjatta

Marjatta,

Oh my. I'm touched beyond belief. I am happy to know I can be of comfort to someone. This journey is nothing to face alone.

Much love your way.

4 likes

Reply to this comment

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 5:51 pm

Reply to 7dragonflies.hm

Thank you!

1 likes

Reply to this comment

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

brokelawnman

Sep 14, 2024 5:54 pm

I don't post on here much; I'm very shy, not much of a keyboard warrior. It'll be two years this Christmas Day since my modification. 😁 Your post sure hit home with me to a "T". I really needed it right now. 👍 Thanks and God bless you. 🙏

6 likes

Reply to this comment

Nini4

Sep 14, 2024 6:01 pm

Reply to brokelawnman

Bless you! Sending good thoughts your way.

2 likes

Reply to this comment

ahynes111

Sep 14, 2024 10:56 pm

No one falls up a hill!

Reply to this comment

SharkFan

Sep 15, 2024 5:49 am

It's all about perspective. Seems like you understand that. Your post will help many.

Keep it up and best of Health,

SharkFan

3 likes

Reply to this comment

Nini4

Sep 15, 2024 11:31 am

Reply to SharkFan

Thank you!

Reply to this comment

Eating Dos And Don'ts After Ostomy Surgery

Hollister

Are you wondering what you should and shouldn't eat after ostomy surgery?

Learn what you need to know to help you recover fast, and avoid some common food issues.

Lulume

Sep 15, 2024 4:17 pm

Way to go, Nini... Waking up with a colostomy is unnerving, to say the least, and acceptance comes slowly... but it's a small price to pay for a second lease on life. I love how you won the battle and your change of attitude. 👍

2 likes

Reply to this comment

A year later. What I lost but gained

Living with Your Ostomy | Hollister

Interesting Topics