Welcome, Amy! I wasn't much older than you are now when I had my surgery, but I can say that younger ostomates *online* has certainly exploded thanks to social media. But unfortunately, also because of social media, you are less likely to meet younger ostomates "in the wild". Interestingly enough, I've met younger ostomates through our local Crohn's and Colitis charity walks, than I ever have in ostomy specific group meets. If you're open to sharing, what led you to needing an ostomy? If it's IBD, you may want to connect with your local IBD group since it's more common to find younger people there (although, not everyone with IBD has or will have an ostomy). Here's to a full recovery and getting back to active living! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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Topic starter
April 24, 2025 9:53 pm
Hi all,
I'm a newer ileostomate, hoping to get back to activities and healthful eating one day, but for now just grateful for a second chance at life. Looking to meet others near me or in my age range. Looking for all tips when early in recovery and scared by just about everything that seems it can go wrong in my *hopefully* many years to come. Historically was very athletic and outdoorsy. Important to me: family, faith, and reliability. I enjoy baking, crafting, reading, and long/deep conversations about life.
I'm trying really hard to find other young adult ostomates; I'm 27 for context! Looking forward to hearing from some of you and connecting.
P.S. Thanks Vegan Ostomy for all you do. Been watching your videos since before surgery and still regularly turning to them for guidance. I'm sure at times it feels like thankless, tiresome, isolating work even as a passion, but know there are so many of us out here forever helped by it. ❤️
VeganOstomy reacted
April 24, 2025 10:15 pm
Amy reacted