Hello

Hello, so I'm not new to this site, but my other account wouldn't let me log in. Just a quick one: if someone doesn't post photos of their stoma, that does not mean that they are not genuine and real on this site. Not for one second do I believe someone would have to post a picture of their stoma in order to be believed. Some people might still feel a bit embarrassed or uncomfortable posting pictures of it, as it is a personal thing...

Hello, I see you posted a new pic of your stoma, very brave of you! Has someone accused you of not being genuine or for real? Shame on them.

Unfortunately, because there wasn't a picture of my stoma, I didn't know it was a requirement of this site.

Sweetie, it's not a requirement.

Photos of you, your cat, your car...whatever floats your boat is optional. Not a requirement.

In fact, some won't post their photos due to privacy or personal reasons. I dig that.

But it is an option for anyone.

I'm sorry you feel like you need a picture of your stoma to be believed.

Personally, I take people at their word unless they give me a reason not to. 

Welcome back to the site! 

How to Manage Emotions with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

Clearly, some people have too much time on their hands; I wouldn't try to impersonate someone at all.

Especially when I know how challenging having a stoma is! Thank you for your kind words.

Agreeing doesn't make anyone fake if they don't post a stoma photo, and not many members ever do unless they want to for one reason or another. There's always going to be haters trying to stir things up to get their ego kick; just laugh at them, they really hate that, lol. I'm sure most of us know what one looks like anyway, as most have had one in the past. I've never posted one myself and am never likely to. I have had photos of my stoma and the skin around it used by an ostomy company in the past and used at a UK ostomy event.

I'm sorry no one should be treated that way. Trying to make you prove yourself... that's wrong. Don't let anyone make you feel uncomfortable or feel you have to do something because of what someone says. Keep your head up. And not everyone on here is like that.

Thank you for your kind words!

Hello Illeoash

Well, that's very ordinary. If there's anything you are not comfortable with, run it by the moderators; there are no "must do's" here.

I hope you also reported the user.

Sorry this happened to you.  You should be able to share as little or as much about yourself  as you feel comfortable with, without judgement from anyone.