Warm Welcome to Our New Ostomates!

Every once in a while, I'll notice some new people, and I checked out the latest members and wow, there are a lot of new folks out there. So I want to say welcome! And I'm glad you're here.

You have found (I feel) the best ostomy website for support, answers, and truly genuine people who are all on the same journey. People just like you with real-life experiences.

If you have questions about anything, post them in the forum under one of the many subject headings. Or send a PM to someone. We are all here with one kind of ostomy or ileostomy or combination thereof.

So don't be shy; read, post questions, or share what you're feeling or not sure about. One of us has experience, or usually can help answer just about anything. You will find supportive, wonderful people, friendships, and more here.

So welcome, and I hope to hear from you. Best wishes to all. ..mtnman.

Well done MTN, yes I too have noticed there have been a lot of new members lately.

I'd like to welcome all the newcomers as well. This is the best site for all fun, information, support, guidance, and new friends with no boundaries.
Welcome, Fellow Ileostomy Gal, Ritz

Good post Mtnman I would like to say welcome also. It is good to see newcomers. Feel free to join in any of the discussions.

Welcome Newbies,

If you have read any topics on the forum, you know nothing is too personal to ask advice on! It is those things that mean the most to all of us and usually we don't have anyone else to talk to about them. We all understand. Glad to have you here and ready to help where I can!
Puppyluv

How to Manage Ostomy Leaks with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

I'm not sure if I am classed as a newbie but either way well said. Xx

Thank you all for the warm welcome. At first, even looking at the thing poking out of me and sitting in raw sewage was difficult without urping... But that took some time, but I had a wound care nurse give me a mirror, and somehow that made it okay to see it. I don't know why it helped, but it gave me enough detachment from it to address it with morbid curiosity. Almost a month later, I'm now fully caring for it and have even named the ends Fred and Wilma. I don't know... Fred kept spitting while we were changing the ring, and it just came out, "C'mon Fred! Quit spitting at us and cooperate!" This was five minutes after I'd given the nurse a look that told her she was ridiculous for asking me what I'd named them... I don't know if it's helped or not, but I've been able to accept ownership of this and, although unpleasant, it saved my life and is necessary for now. So I've accepted it with gratitude. Thank you again for your willingness to be so candid. It really does help. Looking forward to learning more and making new friends.