Dealing with an Ostomy?

How do you do it

First, having an ostomy beats the alternative -- whatever caused you to have the surgery.

Empty your appliance frequently to avoid bulges in your clothing. You don't have the word "ostomy" tattooed on your forehead, and people won't know you have one unless you choose to tell them.

People don't really want to hear the nitty gritty details of your condition; if anyone asks, you can simply say that you have an upgraded exhaust system instead of your original equipment. Or tell them, "My colon and I didn't get along, so we went our separate ways. And what's new in your life?"

Have a spare appliance somewhere convenient -- at school, at work, in your purse, somewhere that works for you -- for emergency changes.

Many people have negative self images of their bodies after ostomy surgery. You were toilet trained at an early age and it can be depressing to recognize that you no longer have control over that bodily function.

At first, you may feel that your ostomy defines you and your whole life is altered. Gradually, it recedes in importance to something you deal with automatically without thinking about it.

People who have ostomies have normal lives. We marry, have sex, have babies or father children, go swimming, go dancing, and get on with our lives -- not necessarily in that order.

An ostomy can be difficult at first. There is plenty of support on the web and locally to help deal emotionally. From the physical, find the right ostomy supplies that work for you. I didn鈥檛 give up after my ostomy surgery. I've posted my story here: http://bagitaway.com/ostomy_x-... Report It

Be glad to be alive. Change the bag frequently to prevent odour and soiling. If you are not too self-conscious about it and take it in your stride, so will others. Soon, you will get used to it.