Uro vs Colo Ostomates: Feeling Left Out in Forum Discussions

I may have posted this before, I, along with a few others on these forums, are Uro not Colo and therefore can feel a little left out as the Poo Bag team takes up the lion's share of forums over the Wee Wee Bag gang.

Yes, we are all Ostomates, but our needs and conversations are not always on the same level.

You drive a sedan (saloon) and I drive a pickup... Both are vehicles but are designed for different jobs... You dig?

Hi vulcanBMk2,

I totally get where you're coming from. It's true that sometimes discussions can lean more towards one type of ostomy over another. But rest assured, this community is vast and diverse, and I'm confident you'll find plenty of support and shared experiences here.

Regarding your point, it's important to remember that while our journeys might differ, the core of our experiences often overlaps. Maybe starting a few threads specifically for Urostomates could help bring more balance and encourage others to share their insights and tips. It might also help to connect with those who have similar experiences and needs.

Congrats on being part of this community! You'll find a wealth of support, information, and some really cool people who are more than willing to share and learn from each other. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts!

Kudos to you, Vulcan.... I love your "euphemisms" BTW... Sadly, I'm one of the poo poo bag people, but I'm sure there are more uro people out there, who are not posting. Keep reminding them...and others will get the inspiration to answer. I'll keep a lookout for you.

But I also have an interesting story to tell you. I went to school as an adult, but spent a few years substitute teaching before getting a real job.

One of the kindergarten kids (I was told) had a urostomy...but the family didn't know how to manage it, and the child (5) usually ended up in diapers by the end of the school day. I was horrified. And although I didn't really have a great relationship with this (very dour-faced, serious principal) I went to her to talk about an "intervention". I wasn't about to share my personal past, but she got the gist when I said I had experiences with "ostomy" management. Which of course I did. Remember, this was years before there were stoma therapists. I made some calls, got in touch with the agency (Visiting Nurse Services), explained the dilemma, and I connected them with the principal, the school nurse, the family, and they all met at school to resolve the management issues. The nurse was then able to help the little boy if he had a leak.

A few months later, I was at the school assembly, and waved to the little guy who was seated a few rows ahead of me. I saw him "touch his belly", then get up and go to the teacher to ask to go to the bathroom. He waved to me as he left the room. He didn't know I was the one who made his life more manageable...but my heart was filled with joy. It's one of the many stories of how "reaching out" when you know you can help...benefits others. So let's poke at those other Uro people...and see who shows up.

Thanks for posting the historical updates. So interesting.

Marsha