Do We Shape Our Own Attitudes Toward Ostomy?

Is it us who have negative feelings about our ostomy? Are we the ones who make it difficult for others to accept our new buddy "Stoma"? I have had my buddy since September 2014, and at first, I didn't have a good relationship with him. I have grown to like him; he is kind of cute. I am sure there will be times when I will be upset with him, and he'll probably make me crazy, but he is a part of me, just like my chunky thighs, crazy curly hair, dimpled butt, and now my new breasts, although perky, are decorated with scars. What I am trying to say, as a woman, is that I tend to be highly critical about my body, even before cancer. So what is different now? I will still feel self-conscious with or without Mr. Stoma, and just like before cancer, there will be a man who will like my dimpled butt and chunky thighs, as well as my unruly stoma!

Okay, that is all... Carry on. :)

Hi Malakies,

You're right, most of us have always been our worst critics, but as you grow older and see that who you become is most important rather than what you look like, you can come to terms with body image.

Although I don't believe the stoma was much of an issue because the healing process itself was hard, it was difficult at first to go back to work wondering if anyone would notice.