As our Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, Laura Cox, has said: there is no “normal” recovery from ostomy surgery. Not only does everyone heal differently from the surgery, but people handle the repercussions and changes to their routine in different ways. Laura writes in her surgery story, “The first time I saw my stoma, I was overwhelmed with joy. To me, this was a step in the right direction. This was how I was going to get my life back!” But not everyone will wake up with the same welcome attitude to their stoma. That’s where finding the right ostomy support can help.
Many people find comfort in support groups. People also find online information helpful – not only about how to live with their stoma day-to-day, but about how their new system functions. Also, reading about your fellow ostomates’ experiences can help you feel less alone.
But most of all, be patient! Don’t expect too much from yourself. Recovery from any surgery can be hard, but ostomy surgery can be especially difficult for a myriad of reasons.
Learn more about ways to receive support, along with coping mechanisms you can use:
- UOAA Ostomy Support Groups
- What to Expect at an Ostomy Support Group
- Coping After Ostomy Surgery
- Ostomy Misconceptions | New Ostomates
- Telling Someone You Have an Ostomy
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How can I keep my ostomy pouch dry while showering?
