How do you cope when you’re stuck with a chronic illness or life-changing surgery? For me, it’s got to be humor; not just chuckling at random jokes, but deliberately making it a point to crack jokes or create memes about IBD or my ostomy. Why?
Inspiration
Jessica Grossman: Interview
Jan 2015 – Jessica Grossman is the founder and spokesperson for the ostomy awareness campaign, Uncover Ostomy. Founded in 2009, Jessica and the campaign work to change the negative conversation surrounding ostomy surgery into an open and positive discussion. I’ve been a fan of Jessica and her campaign for about as long as I’ve had an ostomy, and she was one of the first people to inspire me to advocate for ostomates.
2014 – My Personal Year in Review
As the end of 2014 arrives, I look back at the year in amazement of all the wonderfully positive IBD and Ostomy awareness efforts I’ve been able to both witness and take part in; while I’m not back to perfect health yet, I’ve been so grateful to have had relief from years worth of illness.
Inge Scott: Interview
Inge is a stage IV rectal cancer survivor (cancer free since June 2011), writer, motivational speaker, healthy food advocate/activist, vegan, practicing Buddhist, ostomate, and well-being coach. I discovered her blog back in April of 2014 and I’ve been a fan ever since; I love her positive attitude and holistic approach to health.
Posttraumatic Growth
We’ve all heard about PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), but have you heard of Posttraumatic Growth?
Has my diet changed after getting my ostomy?
During my last giveaway, I had asked readers to send in their questions about anything related to IBD, ostomy or my vegan lifestyle. I received some great questions, but several people asked how my diet has changed since getting my ostomy. It’s a great question for anyone who might be headed for surgery, so here’s what my experience has been like.
Please remember that my experience may not reflect what your experience has been or will be.
Toronto Vegetarian Food Fest 2014
I was finally able to make it to the Toronto Vegetarian Food Festival this year.
Happy Stomaversary! My First Year With an Ostomy
August 21, 2014: It’s hard to believe that a year ago today I was at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto having my colon removed and getting it replaced with an ileostomy.