This is my first time every responding - I've been a very quiet
member for over a year.  This week I will be going into surgery to
have my colostomy reversed, if all goes as expected.  I h ave had my
colostomy for about 18 months.  The past week, knowing that soon
things will be 'back in order' I have been thinking about the
whole 'ostomy' experience.  It has had it's bad moments - though n
ot that many.  I tried to take each day as it came - and used eve
ry resource I could find.  Did your Dr give you the name of a osto
my nurse - they can be soo helpful.  Also the companies that supp
ly ostomy supplies can be very helpful.  I use Hollister and they ha
ve some resources and I believe will put you in touch with a nurse
- and will provide samples of products. The company from whom y
ou order your supplies will probably know how to put you in touch wi
th nurses that can help with products and what to do's.



I pretty much found that with a little planning life went
on somewhat normal.  I have been on chemo since the ostomy and th
at made things a bit more difficult - diarrhea is a side effect
of chemo and can keep you from being away from home for long periods
.  (But then diarrhea would keep you from being away from home even
if there were no ostom
y
)

I pretty much looked at every situation and thought "how am I goi
ng to adapt."  Think it through - think of every possibility and th
en think some more.  Always keep extra supplies with you. I kept
a pouch and disposal bag in my purse always.  They advise that y
ou take double the supplies you think you will need if you go away.
I always take triple (you can always bring them home). I exercise
d, mostly walking.  I'd check w Dr before lifting weights.  Pretty mu
ch you can dress with somewhat tight clothing - though I always tri
ed to think about that the pouch could get full and create a lump -
I modified a bit but not a lot.  Looking back it's been ok.  
 
--- In colostomy@yahoogroups.com, "surgical_km" <surgical_km@..
.> wrot
e:
>
> to the grou
p:
> A colostomy is in my immediate future and I'm searching fo
r
> information as to how my life is going to change...I have no id
ea wha
t
> to expect and would appreciate any information you are willing t
o
> share.  I am an active soon to be 50 year old female.  How wi
ll thi
s
> affect not only going to the gym,weightlifting, swimming but al
so m
y
> sexuallity...how do you fit this into the conversation when I mee
t
> someone I choose to become intimate with?  Will I still be able t
o
> wear tight fitting clothin
g?