When you find out an ostomy is in your future you usually have a few different possible reactions. Many and a lot of younger people are instantly scared to death and horrified that their life and good looking-ness is simply over. On the other hand, many people are absolutely thrilled that their life is going to get better because the ostomy is going to save their life or help their life be better. It is a strange road and in some ways, many of us feel both of these at different times and a little different rating of each. But one thing that many people tend to not think about is that they should still be planning to live an amazing life. The fact is that they should still be able to live a normal life and once you get past the medical learning and basics of having a stoma that your life can be regular and normal. My suggestion is not to forget to simply have fun in your life and with your life.
The fact is that I have not really given up anything when it comes to me having a stoma. My life and basic daily routines has changed up a bit. There is no question that I have a quick routine that I follow each day, but it takes about the same amount of time as my life did without a stoma. That is why I think it is important to not forget that life doesn’t change that much. But some people tend to believe in their heart that they shouldn’t go have fun or do anything active ever again. I only want to break people out of that frame of mind and let them know that life can be amazing, great, and super fun. The fact is that even more, you should strive to be even more exciting and you should strive to prove people wrong to have more fun.
Even with a stoma I truly enjoy going to the beach. One may think that having an ostomy bag would be the end of beach-going and lack of clothing. But to be honest I know my body well and I think that stoma caps can turn any situation or mini bags can totally make you look any way you want to look. When it comes to sex appeal on the beach those items can be a game-changer and allow you to live just like you did before. Now they are time limiting and you should know that and understand your own body enough to be able to do what you want on the beach. But for other fun times that are less clothing-related, that is a great thing as well.
Going to the gym is also still a reality in life. I thought I may not be able to work out the same way as before, but I was totally wrong and I still work out regularly at a gym and have no fear or shame in it. I simply use a nice small bag and feel not only comfortable and good-looking, but I have no physical limitations from the workouts that I do.
So be free and be awesome. Go out and have fun knowing that you can with your stoma.
Ostomy Log 