I underwent six hours of emergency bowel surgery about two months ago and woke up with a colostomy. I knew it was a possibility, but honestly didn't think it was likely. Not that I had much time to think about it anyway. While the hospital staff was fantastic and I believe my surgeon made the correct decision, I was unprepared and, for the first few days, even unwilling to deal with my new reality. Just looking at my stoma would start sending me into shock. This site is a fantastic introduction to the ostomy ecosystem, and both the basics & finer points of self-care. I honestly don't know what I would have done without it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Hi Doug, welcome to the forum, the Ostomy after a long illness is a welcome friend but out of emergency surgery a shock. I hope you will see here the very normal life that can be lived with a stoma. Every success and enjoy the sire ileostomy 31st August 1994 for Crohns Hey Doug...welcome to this site of Erics. He has done a wonderful job putting it together with a wide variety of topics and products reviewed. I rec'd my stoma in 2009 and never thought to look for support over the computer. Imagine my surprise!!!I struggle with many things. I am not a computer literate person and always struggle, but here it seems so much easier. Feel free to share anything here and tho it may take a bit of time, I am sure someone has had an experience similar and they may have suggestions and ideas for you to concur what ever is going on, even a word of encouragement helps! You may find that naming your stoma will help you to become a further friend for your little buddy. Continue to heal and heal well! Linda Linda Hi Doug, Welcome to the forum! You will find a great deal of useful info here and the support of all of us ostomates -especially from Eric! I am a permanent colostomate as well and understand the shock you went through. (Though mine was prior to surgery.) You'll be surprised how quickly you will adapt to your new situation. The key things to remember is to keep a positive attitude, be prepared for the unexpected (and don't freak when it happens!), keep in touch with your ostomy nurse - she or he is you best friend in all of this) and never hesitate to ask for help or advise. Good luck and God bless! Stella Welcome Doug, It sounds like you are doing well both in recovering from your illness and adapting to the new improved you. A positive attitude is the best healer. Most of us here have coped pretty well with this and experience a much improved life now. It was very scary at first, but it is amazing how soon it becomes routine. Some day soon, , if not already, you will experience a passage of time where it is not your first, second or third thought. Good luck, keep up the conversation. Onset of severe Ulcerative Colitus Oct.2012. Subtotal colectomy with illiostomy July 2015; Peristomal hernia repair ( Sugarbaker, mesh, laparoscopic) May 2017. Welcome, Doug! Thank you for joining the forum and sharing your story. I think going through an emergency surgery is the most difficult because you have no time to plan for it. I'm glad you found the site and hope that you continue to do well! Just your friendly neighborhood ostomate.
~ Crohn's Disease ¦ Ileostomy ~
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January 17, 2019 10:13 pm
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