Hey Amy, One thing that came to mind is perhaps checking out https://www.meetanostomate.org. I'm not sure if they allow for free accounts to search for other members by age, but I remember way back being able to find people with specific criteria (location, age, gender, etc.). That might be one option. And echoing my other post, if you have an ostomy due to IBD, you'll likely find younger ostomates in the IBD community! When I do the charity walk, I try to talk to as many people as I can, and the vast majority are younger people, and many have ostomies. Another suggestion might also be to connect with your local ostomy group to ask if they ever have any "under 30" events. If not, that might be an idea to try! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate. Hello Amy... I was thinking about your post the other day and I'm wondering how your search for younger ostimates has been going for you?? I know some of us seem older here at VO, but we were all younger once and still are in heart & spirit! Lol! Many may have started out young with a stoma & successfully aged right along with it. I was wondering if you have given your stoma a name & if you what did you choose? I found naming mine helped me connect with it better. I know that before I found Eric's site here at VO, that I felt very alone in the world & I even had issues going out in public with my new stoma and pouch. I'm 67 & that was a good 16 years ago now. Even as a Gramma with 7 Grandkids, I still feel very young age wise, with the exception of those days I'm battling vitamin deficiencies making me feel about 1000 years older, lol! There are lots of us here who would be glad to help you thru any issues you may have or if you just need a female friend to chat with about girl stuff. We have lots of ladies here from all walks of life, so don't be afraid to reach out & ask anything you may need help with or just want to chat about, clothes or hair, sex even. Our ostomies affect all of that too. Anyways, you take care & please know we are here and us ladies have all been where you are now. Have a great day! Linda Linda
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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April 24, 2025 9:47 pm
Hi all! I'm 27 and looking for other young ostomates. I'm in the United States, Georgia to be specific. Looking for both local and virtual connections with others in the young-adult stage. I have a great local support group except everyone is over 50 and relatively inactive. And when I go through members on other sites who are local to me, I don't find anyone in my age group. Anyone have tips on meeting younger fellow ostomates?! Other websites or groups? Right now looking for friends and community, not necessarily a partner. Thanks!
GoatHerder and LK reacted
April 24, 2025 10:19 pm
Amy and GoatHerder reacted
May 6, 2025 12:42 pm