Posts by Michelyn Caldwell
Embracing Life’s Second Chance: A Guide to Thriving with an Ostomy
Life can sometimes take unexpected turns, presenting us with challenges we never imagined we’d face. One such challenge is living with an ostomy. While it may feel like the end of the world when you first hear those words from your doctor, it’s essential to remember that an ostomy is not the end; it’s a…
Read MoreRichard’s Story
I came home from work one evening & like every other day, made myself & my wife some tea. After tea, I settled down with my wife & dog for a normal evening. Little did I know that this would be my last “normal” evening for a long time. Shortly after dinner, I started to…
Read MoreManaging Day-to-Day Life after Ileostomy or Colostomy Surgery
Undergoing ileostomy or colostomy surgery can significantly impact an individual’s day-to-day life. Adapting to the changes and learning new techniques for managing the stoma and ostomy bag can make a significant difference in comfort and confidence. In this article, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help individuals effectively manage their daily routine after…
Read MoreEmbracing Life with an Ostomy: A Guide to Acceptance
Embracing the Truth Facing the reality of living with an ostomy, whether present or upcoming, requires acknowledging an essential truth. Ostomies are intended to save lives or improve quality of life. Once we embrace this truth, we have choices to make: Option of Negativity: We can choose to be resentful, angry, embarrassed, ashamed, overwhelmed, and…
Read MoreDamien’s Story
Hello, My journey happen to start in 2006 with severe abdominal cramping and pain. The doctors first thought it was appendicitis before running so many different tests to find out the problem was Crohn’s disease. Honestly at that time, I was 23 and I had never heard about such a thing and never gave it…
Read MoreTips for a Good Night’s Sleep with a Stoma Bag
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for individuals with a stoma bag. The presence of a stoma bag can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and other issues that can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. This can have a negative impact on physical health, emotional…
Read MoreRebecca’s Story
I was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 1997. My Gastroenterologist (oncologist) stated I needed emergency surgery. He stated that I would probably be going home with a bag. At that time, they had you admitted for surgery the night before so you would know what the bags looked like and they had me put…
Read MoreTips for Maintaining Ostomy Skin Health and Preventing Odors
Ostomy surgery can be a life-saving procedure for many people, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common issues that ostomy patients face is odor, which can be both embarrassing and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maintain good ostomy skin health and prevent odors…
Read MoreStaci’s Story
I started having GI symptoms right before Covid turned our world upside down. I was losing weight, food went right through me, and I usually had a short 10-15 min window after eating to find a bathroom quick!!! I was a busy wife, mom, and small business owner so I didn’t have time for this.…
Read MoreKate’s Story
Hi there, My name is Kate and I live in Australia with my husband and our daughter. I’ve had a permanent ileostomy for 5 years now and my life is a far cry from what it was back then. You see, I’d spent the majority of my adult life, trying medications, treatments, and medical trials…
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