Welcome to the forums, Chris!

I grew up in Vaughan (Woodbridge), so it's nice to have you here!

I hope your recovery goes smoothly and that those minor setbacks resolve quickly.

I hope that you don't have to spend much longer in hospital 

i always describe having a stoma as being similar to learning to ride a bike. At first it can seem really difficult, you may have an accident, tears and tantrums. But then over time things get easier, you get the hang of things, you build up your confidence. And then one day you suddenly realise that that it's really easy and you wonder why you ever struggled.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, there's a solution to every problem, and if you get an opportunity to meet other people with a stoma then I would recommend jumping at the chance. 

Thanks guys. I've had time to devise a decent escape plan of tying bedsheets together and shimmying out the window if they don't let me out soon. - I just don't know if this IV pole will fit on the bus. Anyway.. a few things to iron out first I guess.

This has been a freaking roller coaster ride of emotions for me. One day I'm full acceptance and am looking forward to taking on the world, and the next, well, things get pretty dark in my head. I'm fortunate to have a very supportive wife and family however, which has been a godsend. I couldn't imagine going through something like this without that help. 

I do have a lot of questions and perhaps I'll post a few up today, providing I can find the time in my very busy schedule.

First however,  I have to figure out how to sneak this IV pole on the bus without looking suspicious; I have to make a few temporary ostomy bags out of medical tape and rubber gloves (because I have no spares) and lastly... I have no underwear on,  I'm wearing some kind of white thigh-high circulation tights and a gown that only covers my front. - I look like a cross dressing stripper with some serious medical problems, so... I'm going to have to do something about that too before I go out in public.

Anyway, as you can see.. I'm a busy guy. And I'm going nuts. But regardless, as I said, I do have a bunch of things I'm very curious about so perhaps I'll throw them on here.

Thanks again for the support.

Chris

😂😂 There's nothing like having a good sense of humor!  

Hi Chris, and WELCOME!

I think with your since of humor and great support from your family you are well on the road to recovery.

My only wish after I had my colectomy ( almost two years ago) and illiostomy was that I had done it sooner. You will adjust! It gets much better and feels downright normal ( well, it is now).

I love your plans for escape!  Home is where you will really recover.

I posted on another thread, how I actually went home in just my hospital gown ( so lovely!). My husband ( and source for amazing support) forgot to bring my cloths and I was NOT waiting around for them...so I figure I have a nice halloween costume now ( hospital patient).

Good luck to you and keep us posted.

I know it huts ( really) to laugh at first , abdominal surgery is like that!

P.S.

Sarah's bike riding analogy above is a good one! It just takes some getting used to and then you can go farther & faster than on foot. There are even some advantages to this system!

Thanks everyone. I'll keep trucking and let you know how it goes. 

Ok so here's the plan. The IV stand can be ditched. Get a pair of rubber gloves and tie them into a loop, whilst putting the IV bag through that loop. Now put that loop over your ear, hey presto, temporary solution.

Now just need to find a solution to the problem of the open gown and bare bottom lol

The dark moments are normal, but over time they get less severe and not so frequent. What really helped me was meeting other people with a stoma and seeing how they are getting on with their lives as normal. Seeing for myself that it's impossible to tell who has a stoma. I don't know where you live, but in the U.K. they are some great support groups