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Well i was just told that i would have to have a permanment colostomy and all thatstuff.  Still trying to figure out all the terms for all this.. I guess im still in the pissed off and denial stage of this situation.  I keep thinking about all the negative stuff over the positive.  I know there so much more positive then negative, but i feel the negative just outways it all.. Idk I am a 29yr old female and just freaked out at how this is going to change me..i have so many confidence issues now, how will i feel after this..

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

i know it is really hard. i have been going through the same thing. some things that have really helped me are support groups. there are a lot online.

you tube:
Lets Talk IBD. (this is also on facebook)
Full frontal ostomy (also on facebook as my doctor knows me best from behind)
uncover ostomy (facebook page and blog)
ucvlog.

these people have ostomies and are living proof that you can do w/e you want with an ostomy and do not have to sacrifice fashion or feeling attractive (just look at jess grossman from uncover ostomy). 

thesee people have really helped me.

 Reply posted for labbott.

i can totally relate!!!! i am a 28 year old mother of 3. i had this same surgery one year ago. i went through the whole pissed off, denial stage too. i finally reached my breaking point though. i could hardly get out of bed and my body was about to start shutting down. i prayed everyday and then finally was at peace with it. it was the BEST decision i have ever made!!!!!! mine does not have to be permanent, but for now......i have no plans on getting rid of it!! after i figured out that i can still wear my same clothes with little problem...i was ready for life!! i can do just about everything i used to do. it might be an awkward thing to talk about on a date, but if u find the right person, it won't matter!! as long as you are comfortable and confident about it....trust me, no one really notices!!! best of luck to you 

 Reply posted for labbott.

I'm 25 and am in the same situation. Scary isn't it... My advice is finding the best surgeon possible. If your rectum can be salvaged, there are new up and coming surgeries and even transplants. Stay informed, and stay POSITIVE!!! 

 Reply posted for labbott.

I'm 24 and have a temporary ileostomy for the last 6months. I can relate to the anger and negativity you’re feeling. “It’s not fair!” was the tune I whistled during the months before surgery. I channeled my frustration into educating myself on everything I could find about the surgery; becoming a sponge and soaking everything in!!

I had pumped myself full of drugs for years, which rarely worked. My life literally revolved around a toilet. I missed vacations, going out with my friends, taking my son anywhere that wasn’t my front yard.. My quality of living was nonexistent.

I’ve traveled a rough road, but I’m experiencing life it a way I haven’t done in years. And.. I can eat while I drive! That’s almost reason enough for me!J

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Hello,  I finally had surgery after suffering for 30 years with UC.  I did alot of homework to find a surgeon with a great deal of experience and with whom I had confidence.  Since the surgery, my overall health has been much better.  I do not have an ostomy but an internal pouch. While I feel better I do have chronic pouchitis and I must continue on meds every day or I can't leave the house.  I would like to find a solution but I have to say no matter what this is better to the pain and symptoms that I suffered with so many years. In addition, I've lost bone mass due to the steroids which I no longer have to take.  This is yet another health issue I must deal with.  Do your homework and then go for it.  Whoever you date and//or marry should be someone who accepts and loves all of you, with your disease and everything else.  I suggest that you not focus on what YOU think is the downside.  You will be surprised how it won't matter when you find the right person.  What's important is YOUR own feelings toward yourself.  If you accept yourself and your disease, the rest will take care of itself.
In addition to having the disease I am a professional licensed counselor so I am speaking not only as a patient.

Please feel free to be in touch.

 Reply posted for labbott.

My son had his colon removed over two years ago and his life has been moving a warp speed every since as he is trying to make up for lost time. He is in his mid-20's and no, he really does not like having a bag but he does like not being sick and being able to do anything that he wants.

Check out the discussion groups at www.ostomy.org. There are a lot of amazing and supportive people there who will share their experiences on making the transition. 

Best of luck.

 Reply posted for labbott.

You hang in their and keep me posted.  It will be for the best I think.  Get a good surgeon and a good hospital...Carol  you can email me at carolsweetpea@msn.com

 Reply posted for Eric.

I am at my last therapy for UC which is Humara.  If this does not work surgery is next for me.  I was thinking about having surgery so many times because I am so tired of all the drugs and nothing working.  It gets that way!  I was wondering after surgery and you are healed will going to the bathroom be less and later when you have healed can you do outside activities like hiking, biking, etc.  I am a fighter you know!!!

 Reply posted for labbott.

i had a perm colostomy 10 months ago. a little diff situation as i'm 40s and married with kids. i can understand though all your fears as a single person. think of this though, if you cant talk to a person about the bag, how would you possibly ever explain the disease, pain, running to the bathroom etc.? either way it'll be a truly caring person that will see past it.  the surgery is tough, be ready, and the recovery can be a real pain. all that said though, my life is completely changed for the better! i'm sure you will have th e same success!

 Reply posted for labbott.

I have zero personal experience w/this, but there are lots of people who do.   There is a sweet girl  on this forum (can't remember her name) who sported a bikini this past summer.  There is a way to look into older messages, you should and be inspired.   It will be ok

Lizzies Mm