You will find, as time goes on, the bewilderment will disappear, and the problems you encounter, as a new ostomate, will be solved. You will minimize the issues you originally thought overwhelming. You will be delighted to find you can still lead a perfectly normal life. You can participate in activities of normal living just as you did before surgery. You may like swimming, dancing, reading, running, working, playing, golfing, boxing, sky diving, bungee jumping, praying, visiting friends or whatever. If ulcerative colitis was the reason for your surgery, then you will be able to do more than you did before surgery. Your life will be better. You will virtually never have to run to the toilet again. The new ostomate has a tendency to become overly sensitive about little things, like if the prosthetic shows, if you smell, if your stoma is making noises, or if you’ll have an accident. There are many techniques experienced ostomates use to address these issues. You’ll find clothes look the same on you as they did before; that nobody can really see your appliance; commercial odor controls are available from all ostomy suppliers, if you even need them; noises are generally louder to you than anyone else and most people have noises of their own anyway; you’ll have more accidents driving a car than you will once you’re experienced with your ostomy equipment.
Yes, at first you will be all thumbs trying to tackle the art of ostomy management, whether it is because of challenges applying your system or learning irrigation techniques according to whichever ostomy you have. As you become familiar with your appliance, your care time will be a fraction of what it was originally. With the new appliances and supplies available, your management will eventually become easier and almost automatic. Don’t become discouraged. Summon up your patience and courage to see you through this phase of your rehabilitation.
Remember, all of us ostomy graduates went through this same thing after surgery. We come to our local UOA chapter meetings to take comfort in the fact that we are not alone; to bolster up our morale; to be educated in options regarding ostomy management and equipment; to receive practical hints on skin and health care; to help ourselves by helping others.... etc. Always check with your health care professional regarding anything new you learn. We at UOA do not practice medicine. But, this being said, most doctors do recognize that many experienced ostomates at UOA are near expert in the care and management of stomas.
Fight that depression. It is your enemy. Things are going to get much better than they are right after surgery. And, be happy. You have been given a new life.
