The Power of Support

You're looking at Metro Maryland Ostomy Association's newest member!

I have finally taken the step to join my local ostomy support group.
I thought I would feel uncomfortable because these groups are generally an older crowd. But then I thought... seriously? I am worried about older people? I LOVE older people!
I was right, of course, there was no reason to be worried at all. everyone was friendly right off the bat. When I stood up to introduce myself, I noticed a familiar face. One of my WOCNs (wound, ostomy and continence nurse) from my surgery was there! She recognized me right away. (Still trying to decide if that's a good thing or if I was an exceptional pain in the ass patient.)
At this particular meeting we separated into groups based on the type of ostomy you have; ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy. I sat with the other 8 or 9 people who have ileostomies. We talked about everything from clothing options to health insurance problems.
It really was comfortable and reassuring to sit down and speak with people of all ages, race, economical status who share this situation.

Last night, I had dinner with my cousin. (Hey, S!) Her dad, my uncle, has been through an eerily similar sickness and surgery. He has recently had additional surgeries to get a j-pouch. Talking to her made me realize a very important thing. It is very important for people with ostomies to seek support, but it is equally important for friends and family to have support and community, as well. Those who went under the knife are not the only ones whose lives were thrown upside down. An ostomate's spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc... all had their lives and realities changed.
I am hoping, in the near future, to have feature blog posts written by other ostomates, friends, and family.

Happy Stomaversary to ME!

I have thought about this post for a couple days now. What would I say? How should I approach this milestone? Humor? Sadness? Should I attempt to express how much my life has changed or focus on how grateful I am to be alive? Should I recount the details I remember? Should I let my family tell the story?
I'm just gonna wing it.

Hello from the ICU!

One year ago I almost died. I'm okay with that. I have come to terms with that. Most days I can accept that I will never be the same person that I was 366 days ago. My body will always show scars. My digestive system will always be incomplete.

I will always be aware of pain, changes in my stool, sores in my mouth. Words have been added to my vocabulary. Ostomy, Crohn's Disease, fistula, resection, stoma.

I will forever be watching my son, looking for signs that I have unwittingly passed on this disease to him. I harbor a fear of living on my own. I fear that I won't be able to properly care for my son if I get sick again. I worry about the medications that I know are in my future. My mind sometimes swarms with cancer statistics of Crohn's Disease patients.

 But I'm here, I can walk, talk, play, drive, and live my life.

Two days ago I found myself in the emergency room with abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. I'm not gonna lie, things like that really terrify me. I could have a blockage, infection, flare up... Who knows. This is my reality now. 

I'm so grateful to have lived. 

Me and Mancub 9/5/13 Today is a Good Day.

Things have happened this past year that make me proud. Proud to be a mom, sister, daughter. It hasn't been perfect. Recovery is a long process and I'm not 100% yet. 

My life will be forever changed. And That's Okay. I have a chance to live. To learn new things To educate others on this disease and condition. I can make new friends who I otherwise would never have met, simply because we share this lifestyle now. 

 I'm looking forward to all the years and stomaversaries ahead.