Reply to Beth22
This doesn't count as public since it's in my home gym in my basement but thought I'd share, a bit late on this post I know but I don't get to read this site every day. I've had the hernia surgery to insert the mesh piece which has allowed me to lift weights again similar to before my ileostomy. Would not recommend lifting heavy weights otherwise and also the use of a hernia belt while doing it. I'm strange possibly from most in that I like to use a clear bag to see that things are moving correctly and if the output is thick or liquid, I probably like clear because twice I've had a blockage and just gives me peace of mind to see the output moving correctly for me.
My first post on the advice of my therapist. Marriage therapist that is. Advised me to seek out a group like this. I put all my eggs in one basket, my wife, so to speak and now that is not working out so I need to seek other connections she said, sadly my 2 best friends have both passed quite young. Great advice. I'd never had therapy before marriage therapy that turned into my own one on one therapy with another therapist which is the best thing ever. Highly recommended to all, even strong macho guys (that's not me at all). Sorry to ramble in my first post, this is an amazing site and I've read tons and learned things on here I never knew even after almost 8 years with an ostomy.
Shout out to Beth, hope to at some point have the confidence of you to do this in public perhaps. On a beach not just walking around without a shirt in general that is.