Welcome to the forum, Liza - and thank you for introducing Squeaky to us!

Waking up with an unplanned and unexpected stoma can be difficult to cope with, but things will get easier in time, and it's fine to grieve about your loss. You are here now, and your life will get better. 

Please let us know if you have any questions and we'll be happy to share what we've learned along the way. You can create as many different topics as you like :) 

Hi Liza,

Welcome to the community. You'll find the people here always kind and eager to help and support.

Thanks Eric! For the welcome and for creating this site and making so many videos to help people. What a great case of making lemonade out of the lemons life gave you. It must be very rewarding to know how many lives you have improved. 

Before waking from my surgery, I didn't even know what an ostomy was, so it certainly has been an emotional ordeal, but in a way it was a blessing to not know what was coming. That would have been so hard in a totally different way. 

Keep up your good work. I look forward to watching more of your videos and reading more of these forums. 

Hi Liza,

Welcome to the forum. What a great attitude you have!  I was "prepared" for my surgery. I did a great deal of research and came to this site before going into the hospital. I think, next to prayer, VO is the most useful tool I have to live as normal a life as I can as a colostomate. Also, as I am sure your already know, we will try to be as helpful and as supportive as possible, and hopefully add a little cheer to your life.

Take care and God bless,

Stella

Welcome Liza,

You have really had a very tough time. Waking up with a stoma has got to be a special challenge. Lots of us had literally years to consider the decision to get a stoma. I hope you are recovering and feeling  much better now. That really helps with the whole transition.  Hate the illness , but NOT the cure.

Glad you have found us, ask questions , and post helpful info for others.

Welcome Liza and Squeaky (cute!)...I almost can not believe you can get away with a name like Squeaky. I almost named "Rose" after a rip roaring, angry volcano! You and your body have been thru a lot and moving ahead the way you are doing is a great step into the healing process. I was about your age when I had my surgeries and also wheeled around a vac-u-pak. When you have to heal from the inside out this way, and after an infection like sepsis, it takes a tole on you physically, and mentally, and can take longer to be on our way. Try not to push yourself too hard during this time and be sure to get the rest your body tells you it needs. Signing in here, and seeking stoma buddies and information is a good step. I was pleasantly surprised to find this site that Eric has thoughtfully put together and continues to add to, with so much in one place.  I look forward to reading what you can contribute for someone else down the road. Keep up the healing, stop and shed a tear when you need to, and contribute here when can. Keep your humor available in all things you experience with Squeaky! Do not be a stranger.  Prayers for continued healing and progress. All the best! ;0)

Linda

Thanks Tony, Stella, Dona, and Linda for the welcomes. I appreciate all your kind words. I am glad to have found such a great group!!