Why Some Choose to Publicly Display Their Ostomy Bags

I have had an ileostomy for 38 years.
Very few people have seen it.
I like it that way.
I would never dream of bending over and showing my arse in public.
However, some people feel the need to display their bags, like a badge of honor.
Most people with prosthetics are discreet in their display, and I feel that the stoma and bag are not objects that really should be flourished.

I think it's all about personal preference. I don't go around wearing short shirts with my bag hanging out or anything. But, I don't think that anybody should be judged if that's what they want to do. And, I certainly won't let my bag stop me from wearing a bikini to the beach or pool. I'm 23 years old. Am I supposed to live the rest of my life hiding?
I do consider my scar a badge of honor. I had to fight hard to live through it.
Most people are discreet, yes. But I consider the few that aren't my heroes. Take Oscar Pistorius for example; he's the fastest man in the world with no legs. He has probably touched so many people's lives because he had the courage to show off his prosthetic legs. I can't even imagine how many handicapped children look up to him each and every day because of his bravery and determination. So, if putting my bag on display will help people overcome the stigma that's attached to ostomies, heck yeah, I'm gonna show it off!

Pistorius is totally different from dumping in a bag, don't you think?

He has to walk on them; we have to dump in them... In my world, one I would show off as a necessity and one I would keep very private.

Well said I Hate Colons...



It is sad that some will not engage in activities they enjoy because folks may see they have a pouch.

Like I said, to each their own

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My point was that people shouldn't be judged either way.

Staying Hydrated with an Ostomy with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

I have always felt the need to hide my bag. I've had it my whole life, but recently I've just realized that I work hard for my body and I'm 24 years old, so why not wear that bikini to the beach! The people that can flaunt it out there, I've always admired.

Alag...

I am on your side... if you got it, (and it appears that you do), flaunt it, girl.

Hell, look at Tiki, doesn't hold her back!

I am way too open about my ostomy, but it's more about tell than show for me.

Good for you, Monsieur Le President.

I'm not a Drama King and don't tell anyone else how to live their life. I believe in
"Live and Let Live."

I believe in telling anyone who asks about my condition that ignorance is bliss, but if anyone says I don't believe you have one, then I don't go out of my way to show them. But as Panther says, live and let live, all to their own. I think it's up to the individual. TC, Ambies.

I think that the Pistorius line is a bit of a red herring—he doesn't wear his springs in his normal run of life, but would wear a set of artificial limbs and cover them with his normal dress. My father was a wartime amputee (his right arm) and he wore various attachments fixed to his arm for various tasks, but in a formal suit, he wore a hand with a glove—discreetly.
I have never had a problem having an ileostomy, after 8 years of UC and getting to know nearly every public convenience the length and breadth of the UK (and a few fields), it gave me a new life and allowed me to do everything that I wanted to do (nearly). My argument is that there is nothing remotely attractive in either the bag or its contents; in fact, I think the bag has all the attractions of a red herring and is much better concealed from everybody's view.

I think that people are open or "proud" about their pouches because in some (or hopefully most) cases it has given these people a life they would never dream of having before. For me, the feeling of no longer feeling sick and in constant pain is something I had never experienced before I had an ileostomy. I am proud to say that I battled illness and successfully recovered from a major surgery so sure, this "inconvenient" "gross bag" is something I am proud of. I don't view it so much as a shi* bag, its more of a necessity to allow me to live the life I want. It is definitely a badge of honour for some who have overcome so many obstacles and the adversities from the type of card we've been dealt. I may not flaunt it, but I won't be ashamed of the way my life and body has turned out.

Daisy,
It's not about being ashamed or proud, but solely about appearances.
My ileostomy has never stopped me from doing anything—I played rugby for 17 years, but kept my shorts on in the communal bath or shower and changed discreetly. My scar on my abdomen is highly visible, and if people asked, then I told them.
For swimming, I have always worn long shorts. Why would I hang my bag over a pair of Speedos?

This is for agalo13. Hey, that's pretty brave of you. I was born with the exact same thing you were born with, and I have some questions for you if that's cool. Thanks, klee76.

Amen, Sista! I'm in total agreement. It's kinda like letting the string of your tampon hang out when you're on your period. Why would you?
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I will tell you why it's imperative for those who are thrilled by their pouches to show the world from the highest and loudest vantage point, because you see, people still commit suicide at the very thought of getting a pouch. The stigma is so fucking strong it needs to be dealt with head-on with visual positiveness that we all know exists once you get a pouch. And that is why you show your arse at every possible moment to dispel the myth of us being a smelly bunch, an old only bunch, a "it can't happen to us" bunch.

What other cure do you know of that makes people contemplate suicide? And that's the STIGMA. Living with a bag cannot be good? Society has it wrong, most people have it wrong, and if you ever cross my path, I will make sure you get it right and see it and understand its goodness, so that when the next person in your life has a question, you will be able to respond with positiveness in tone and attitude, and you will too be saving a life.
That's why you show your arse in public... PERIOD

Hey, hey,
Why are you so excited?
Why not calm down, save your fingers, and stop shouting.
I am not my bag.
My bag does not define me.
I am a person who happens to have a bag.
My personal preference for the last 38 years has been to keep my bag, which contains waste, discreetly away from view.
For the previous 28 years, since I stopped wearing a nappy, I have kept my backside from public view and always defecated behind a closed door. I assumed the rest of the world did.
I equate the flourishing of the bag with waving your bare backside in the air.
I hope I do cross your path, and then... what?
We do a bag exchange?
Read my other posts on here, and you will see that I have been totally positive all my life.

Wow...
I think, and this is just my two cents, that Monsieur, your message is clear in your preference, but maybe your approach just rubbed some the wrong way. It is totally a personal preference, one each ostomate makes. For some, they are never ready to show their bag; for others, it is easier. Everyone has their reasons for their decision, good or bad, it belongs to them and is for no one to judge.

Whether you bear it and share it, or hide it, you should be proud you survived it! =)

I also agree with Michael. There is such a HUGE stigma with having an ostomy. I choose to be open and honest. I would rather someone ask me questions than assume. What is that saying, "Never assume anything; it makes an ass out of u and me"? For me, and I bet a lot of ostomates, it did come down to either have this ostomy or die. Well, I think a battle scar and wearing a bag is much better than pushing up daisies.

I have said it before and I will say it again: life is not kind to any of us, but it moves on and so must we!

And that is just my two cents.

J.J

JJ,
Your two cents are worth every penny.
Certainly, we are all individuals and deal with whatever life throws at us in our own way.
I have been fortunate in that my health has been reasonably good and my personal life the same.
Some stories on here are unbearable.
Just interested in reactions.

But probably best not show that except at niche market clubs and websites

Good idea for a new club.
A bag swapping club.
Swap your old bag for a new one.

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That's very nice.

Aw, c'mon,
Wearing and dealing with the bag isn't all that big of a deal.

Personally, I find it much more difficult dealing with or

having to live with a broken heart.
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You'll know what I mean when it comes your time.

Jack

If you've got it, flaunt it!


I have never shown my bag/pouch in public, but I wish I could for sunbathing at times on the beach.