Looking for friends that can relate

I’ve had my ileostomy bag about two months now. I have many medical problems and I’m looking for people to talk to that understand what I’m going through. Would love to hear from you!!!

Hi...👋 Welcome. You're in the right place. How can we help? Just ask. We get it!! 👍

Hi, you are in the right to make friends and have questions answered. We are a friendly group. Just reach out any time.

Hi and welcome. I am alongside you, having a lot of medical issues. If you ever need to chat, feel free.

Welcome to the group!  You’ll meet lots of great folks here & we can all relate

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Well, you have come to the right place!  Welcome.  Feel free to ask any question you might have.  There are no stupid questions, and nothing is off the table.

Terry

Hi and welcome. - Everyone is here for you. You're not alone on your journey.

Hi,

I've had my ostomies about the same time as you. Like you I'm dealing with medical issues, some related to the surgery and some not. It can be very isolating! Forums like this keep me going. Happy to talk any time.  

Hello and welcome. It takes time for your body to get used to your new normal. Time to figure out what equipment works for you. Time for you to mentally adapt to living with an ostomy. So, take it slow. Don't rush to recover. It's easy to develop a parastomal hernia. Consider wearing a support belt in the first months post-op. It might help mitigate getting a hernia. Any questions, concerns, or if you just want to rant a bit... this is the place.

Welcome. It's been 4 months for me, and I'm waiting to see if a reversal is in my near future. It's a lonely journey once your home care ostomy nurses leave you. Glad I found this website. God bless everyone.

I am eight months into this and happy to connect. Either via the forum or privately if that is preferable and possible? Good luck.

Hi there from South Wales, UK, fellow ostomate.

You need never be alone on this site; there are lots of great people with experience and advice for ostomates.

Hi! I’m a month into my colostomy, too. I have had to really adjust to this at 49. The surgery was much harder than I expected. Would love to chat with anyone! 

Hi.

I've had mine for about 4 months now.

My doctor wants to talk about reversal in my next visit, which is this Wednesday.

I understand what you are going through; it can be hard. And people who don't have one don't really understand how you feel.

I felt self-conscious that people could tell. I worried I would burst or have a leak in stores.

Luckily, I have had no problems but a leak at the hospital once.

I never had an ostomy nurse; just home health care. The one ostomy nurse in my area retired, but luckily the doctor's nurse is great at answering questions.

The point is, if I can get through this and feel better, you can do it.

Just have faith in yourself, and if you're religious, in the Lord, and you will get through this great.

Had mine since 2010 - permanent ileostomy - Ostomy Secrets is a great website to purchase intimacy wraps, swim wear or pouch covers. Welcome!

Hello, I get it. We all want to find others who can relate and allow us to feel more normal and accepted. Hit me up whenever you just need to chat. I have had my ileostomy since 2010.

Hi I know your struggle, just know you are not alone. I have never had the opportunity to meet someone else with an illeostomy bag but chatting online helps me feel more comfortable and not so shy

Welcome to MaO. The best & largest resource I can find. United Ostomy has info & no recommendations. You will get a lot of experienced ostomates here. A cornucopia of knowledge.

My bugbear is rectal discharge. I know some people have difficulty removing this, but I am continually going to the toilet to relieve myself before I have an accident. Anyone with helpful advice, please, I would be most grateful.

I was a very active person, non-smoker or drinker, but 4 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. Since then, I have had stomach surgery and many surgeries for a herniated small intestine plus removal of the colon. None of these were for cancer. I had a total of 13 surgeries!
I tire easily, but I am on this planet with my family.

I forgot to mention that I have a permanent ileostomy that gives me no end of trouble. Almost every day I have very high output or a partial blockage. I have had it now for 14 months. I also had to give away all my dresses and pants that fit at the waist.
I am grateful to be still here though!