Edit’s Story

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of twenty. My symptoms started with the constant bowel movements, at some point almost twenty a day, and a rapid twenty-pound weight loss. The doctor informed me that my case was one of the worst and most advanced he has seen. I had been using medication…

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5 Tips for Ostomates for the Holiday Season

With the holidays around the corner, it is important to celebrate one of the most important events of the year. Christmas is where we all get together to eat turkey, stuffed gravy, turnips, sweet potatoes, fruit salad, homemade dinner rolls, and dessert. However, having an ostomy can make things difficult. To survive Christmas with an…

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Luciana’s Story

I WILL TELL YOU what my ostomy means to me: freedom and no fear!   I’ve never thought that an ostomy would give me freedom. Four years ago, when I became an ostomate I first thought that my life would end and many other  possibilities in life would not exist anymore. I was wrong. I had…

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Lauren’s Story

My name is Lauren and I’m 28. I’ve been an ostomate now for 6 and half years. I have my ileostomy due to Hirschsprung’s disease, mega colon, whole gut slow transit and colonic inertia. After nearly losing my life several times due to my invisible illnesses I’ve become extremely proud of myself.  I’ve moved countries and…

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Showering with an Ostomy

When you have an ostomy, you are likely to be worried about everything, from going to sleep to using the toilet. One of the things that you would want to know about is whether you can shower with an ostomy and if there are certain conditions that you must bear in mind. The good news…

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Dennis’s Story

My doctor told me that I would have reversal surgery and iliostomy would come off in a few years. It’s been 42 years and I still have it. Because of inflammation and colitis flare ups I was never able to get reversed. Most of the time I forget I have it. It’s become part of…

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Can You Make Pregnancy Work with an Ostomy?

One of the most important things is your life is getting pregnant. It is considered to be extremely memorable. You might have heard of the usual pregnancy stories about the importance of care. Having an ostomy could leave you worried about your fate. However, there is no need to stress as having an ostomy is…

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Keeping Hydrated with an Ostomy

Dehydration can take a toll on your health, especially if you have an ostomy. Maintaining adequate hydration is necessary. Although it can be difficult to keep up with your fluid intake requirements, there are many ways through which you can remain hydrated. This post shares some of the top tips that will help you remain…

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Donna’s Story

I was a happy healthy 35 year old when I was admitted to hospital with bloody diarrhea. I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and when steroids failed I was given an emergency total colectomy. Months in hospital with extreme weight loss and sepsis and a further 2 surgeries and long hospital stays over the space…

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Lori’s Story

Hi! I’m Lori. I’ve had a jejunostomy for one year now, and I really struggled with finding the right appliance. I cried many tears, but I’m finally getting a handle on it after realizing I needed a convex system. I lost over 200 pounds and I deal with the pain of an hereditary neuromuscular disease…

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