Inside Out (Mar/Apr 03)

Pointers For the New Ostomate

There is no answer for "Why me?" but it is normal to ask the question and you do need to work through the answer to this.

Each person's ostomy is different, even as our fingerprints are different.
Support and information received from someone who has an ostomy can be helpful. Ask your doctor or ET nurse to arrange an ostomy visitor.
It is your ostomy; learn to manage it and don't let your ostomy manage you. In the beginning it is normal for your ostomy care to be the center of your existence; however, with time and practice your ostomy and its care will become just a normal part of your life
Basic management skills, can be learned, new experiences, any problems that develop must be met and managed as they occur. With time and experience you will become comfortable with your ostomy care.
You are alive! You will get better and stronger. Give yourself time to get over ostomy surgery and to adjust to this body change and adapt to your ostomy.