--- In colostomy@yahoogroups.com, "surgical_km" <surgical_km@...> wrote:
>
> to the group:
> A colostomy is in my immediate future and I'm searching for
> information as to how my life is going to change...I have no idea what
> to expect and would appreciate any information you are willing to
> share. I am an active soon to be 50 year old female. How will this
> affect not only going to the gym,weightlifting, swimming but also my
> sexuallity...how do you fit this into the conversation when I meet
> someone I choose to become intimate with? Will I still be able to
> wear tight fitting clothing?
>

If I may be so bold, and possibly arrogant, please don't be diverted
by those that have responded and have their own problems at the moment.

I'm a 58 year old male Brit who had a full colostomy about two years ago.

Let me say that it's the best thing that happened to me, with a few
notable exceptions, of course!!

I no longer have to worry about what I eat, I no longer have any pain
when I can't reach a toilet and I live life to the full.

Forget any ideas that a colostomy bag is a big lump sticking out of
your clothes. Modern bags are small and discrete.

Take advice about which type of bag is for you, there's a million options.

Swimming? Maybe the itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini
has got to go, but a fresh bag under a full swimsuit, no one will notice.

Intimate moments? I'm not sure how a stupid male would react, but my
girlfriend was more distracted by my ugliness than the bag!!!
Honestly, a bag is not an issue in sex. It takes 5 minutes, max, to
put on a nice clean fresh one, and then it's just there. Don't worry,
he won't burst it!!!

My life is so much better after the operation, and there's the other
bonus that I'm still alive!!!!

Go for it, don't worry, and eat what you want. Hot chillies don't make
you want to put your bum in the cold water any more!!!!

Keep in touch if you want any more.

You'll do fine!!!

Keith