Hi Ryan... Yes, there is pain associated with needing & then having the surgery for a stoma and then recovery time.  No one here  will lie to you about that.  You said the pain "was" tremendous.  You joined here 3 years ago, so it sounds like you were looking for answers before your surgery was necessary.  How are you doing now ?? Are you still having pain or has it all settled down now? How are you dealing with having a stoma now? I found giving my stoma a name, or several before settling on one, helped me accept it better, even if some of the names were not very polite ones! 

Why don't you tell us your story and how things happened for you so we can support you the best way we know how. We are all regular people/patients here, who have Ostomies or are supporting a friend/family member with one & we are doing our best to live life the best way we can figure out how.  Maybe if you tell us your story, you may be able to ask questions if you have any, or just to give you a chance to say how you feel & how came about getting your stoma. 

Hi John, 

I lived in Washington state Years ago. I had a place in Olympia and another in Spanaway. Gorgeous place! 

Yes pain but the pain goes away and then the learning curve trying to find out what works for us and then there is finally, the new Normal.