Hello from California - Introductions

RE: Hello from California

Chelly — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 01:26:01 +0000

A late but big welcome grand day out!
I think the freedom of having these grand days out is the best part of getting these ostomies. I have ileostomy and was in pain and house bound as well. It too gave me my freedom back. No cancer for me but it was still all in all like being in jail.
congratulations on your new found freedom.

RE: Hello from California

granddayout — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 17:23:07 +0000

@tigerlily So sorry to know you too suffered both cancer and adverse reactions to radiation. But, like you, I'm coming to grips with the knowledge that it did save my life. Like I told my doctors, cancer treatment did save my life but it also changed my life. But now, with this colostomy, I'm finding new freedom.

RE: Hello from California

Tigerlily — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 16:27:47 +0000

Hi Grand Day, and welcome! I am also here because of cancer, and I also had adverse effects from radiation. I’ve had to reframe that - and recognize that it also saved my life. Glad to hear that you’re doing well.

Laurie

RE: Hello from California

granddayout — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 18:05:31 +0000

@Tim I discovered the Stealth Belt after doing a lot of research on what's available for support belts as my Ostomy nurse and surgeon both suggested I get one. I have a colostomy where my stoma is kind of low and I wear my pouch at a 45 degree angle pointed to the left. I find it easy to tuck the the pouch into the horizontal Stealth Belt. I feel very secure when I use the belt for outings like grocery shopping, lunch out with my daughter and photography day trips with my husband. I'm just lucky that Stealth Belt makes a larger size that fits 48-50! I told the customer service person that I have a grandmother's figure and do not look like the model on their website! 😆

RE: Hello from California

VeganOstomy — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:40:49 +0000

Welcome, and thank you for the introduction!

I had the same feeling of freedom following my surgery (10 years next week!), so I know how wonderful it is to be able to do even simple things again.

RE: Hello from California

Cat momma — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:43:41 +0000

Hi @granddayout , welcome to the forum! Happy to hear you are doing well and getting your freedom back. I know how that feels, it's wonderful!

RE: Hello from California

LK — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 18:48:43 +0000

Welcome to VO!! Its always nice to have a new member & with what you've learned already, you'll be able to help someone else with your tips & tricks too. This is a great supportive community of fine people, we're here even if what you need is to bend a few ears. Don't be a stranger & I too totally understand Gand Days Out! LOL, I think we all do actually. Enjoy!

RE: Hello from California

Tony H — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 14:24:52 +0000

freedom thats what my ostomy gave me , was really restricted for about 30 years and am now 5 years post op and can go anywhere and do most things without a thought of where the nearest toilet is , it only gets better once you get the hang of all the little tips and trick on dealing with having it but you are in the right place , ask anyone anything and you will get quick help and no such thing as a silly question .

RE: Hello from California

LLNorth — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:50:43 +0000

Hello GrandDay!

Nice to meet you! My 2018 colostomy because of cancer, also, and I am doing well. My first grand day out was shortly after I got out of the hospital, when my husband drove me to see my co-workers. I was a little shaky still (and convinced that any moment I would have a leak! Which didn’t happen) but I know what you mean, it was grand to be out and grand to see them. ❤️

RE: Hello from California

tim — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 06:57:18 +0000

Welcome!

I've had mine for 3 years and it feels like 3 months. With the combination of the great information and reviews on this site plus the myriad of supplies options and accessories (horizontal stealth belt for example), life with an ostomy isn't so bad!