Liza, thank you for posting this.  Ostomy or no ostomy, this is a really beautiful reflection on life, what it is to be human.  While we don't know each other in "real life", I gather from all your various posts that you are a really amazing person.  Those "who matter" are lucky too, to have you in their life.  I'm sure your Dad was so proud of you.  Sounds like you are due for a string of good luck.  I'm sending all my best wishes your way for a really successful surgery next month, and a long stretch of leak free days/months!  Happy Birthday!! :-)

Thanks Lynne. That was such a nice thing for you to say. 💕 And who knows, if we can ever get rid of Covid maybe someday we will meet in real life, since we live in the same state and all. 😀

@squeakyandliza This really was a beautiful post. Thank you. 

I understand how comments can affect us. I can get the same way, but the reality is that many of us post on forums because we are having difficulties and either need to vent or seek solutions. Not everyone "gets it", unfortunately, so don't take comments like that personally. 

Posted by: @squeakyandliza

I have been having one heck of a time lately. Every now and then I will get a good appliance that will last maybe 5 days, but I have had several stretches where I have 8 changes in 9 days.

Wow! Impressive! It's always worth investigating the off days, especially when you know that long wear times are possible. Post as often as you like :) 

Posted by: @squeakyandliza

So my new surgery date is March 22nd. But I’m not holding my breath. 🤣

Hopefully, it happens. Good luck! 🤞

Liza, I have been thinking of you and am glad to see you here, and your really touching posting. Sending you good wishes ❤️

Beautiful post, Liza. I’m really glad that you said what you said. You really have done some reflection - couldn’t we all do a bit more of that? So nice to have you back. 

Laurie

Hi Liza,

You have been through some tough times, but you sure are a tough lady! Thank you for your thoughts and hoping you had a wonderful birthday. Take care and God bless.

Stella

SqueakyandLiza ... my goodness, yes, post away! Leaks are frustrating and who knows theres always a chance someone may read it & post  with the remedy to fix anyone's given situation for the better. 

I get that your surgery was postponed once or 2ce, but Wow! You have a very patient heart & sole!!   I'm not sure I would be so gracious towards another set back date & still allow for the possibility of another postponement!!!   Was your tolerance level always set high or is it something thats developed with your Ostomy & the leaks ?? 

I do the "Spa" thing, I read here at VO  for pouch changes now too & it sure helps with relaxing while changing to a new pouch! Who knew lighting a candle & music was so beneficial to the human aspect of Ostomies! Lololol! 

You just continue to hang in there until your surgery actually happens  and like you've mastered everything else you deal with including work with leaks going on, something I'm not sure sure I could do, stay strong!! 

Happy Belated Birthday also! My eyes have been pretty screwy for some time so the day I read your post was a bad eye day. I did reply but hit the wrong key 2ce! Ugh! & everything was lost...2ce !! So, I gave up to come back on a good eye day! 

Reflecting is something we were taught by my parents to do on our birthdays or leading up to it. Then we were told to make changes we could & needed or wanted to make.  I think its a good practice to get into. We taught it to our kids & I heard my son telling his step son about reflecting before birthdays as a chance to help ourselves in the year coming.   Nice life tip! Way to go Liza!!  

Also great that you got to tell  your new co-workers about your ostomy. It is such a life saving surgery & it seems unless others know someone with it, its not even mentioned or known of! Education is important on this topic.  Good for you!