June 9, 2019, next month I will celebrate 50 years of living with my ileostomy! After 5 years of illness, I was well. The surgery was my cure. Now at age 86 I want to tell you I have had a wonderful life. I’ve experienced management issues, but chose to handle them with advice. I’ve traveled, worked, and did everything I wanted. I look better than my friends. It all worked out!
This is so real. I am tearing up watching this. This is exactly how I have been feeling. I'm 3 weeks out of my ostomy surgery. I'm struggling emotionally. This is so helpful. I'm glad i found your channel.
@@Shieldhealthcare thank you so.much for the strenght and info you shared.. (to me especially)you are such an inspiration😍I just love your positive attitude...
I got my Ileostomy surgery which ended up being an emergency full blown surgery. 6 1/2 inch incision and an Ileostomy bag when I woke up really hit me. I cried for a day and 1/2 in the hospital. Need more of this to address peoples mental health in the hospitals after these surgeries. I wish the best to anyone that has gone thru this, you are my heros!
As I four-time cancer survivor, I again become emotional watching your video but made me stronger. It’s been 4 months since I had my ostomy. There are times that I still feel depress but prayers and thanking God for extending my life make me feel better and blessed. It also makes me feel better knowing I’m not alone. I am now getting better at handling my bag and I continue to improvise ways to make things easier for me. Thanks for this inspirational video.
I had ostomy surgery in October.due to colon cancer. After the surgery I had an infection for 7 months, my healing has been delayed because of this. Thank you for your honesty. I could relate to so much of what you said. I have experienced a lot of body trauma. You don't know what you don't know until something happens. I had wonderful Dr's and nurses but it would have been really helpful to talk to someone that had been through the surgery I had and who had an ostomy. Thank you for this video.
Thank you so much🙏🏻 I’m 4 years in from having an ileostomy and yet I’m still learning. My mental health took a massive nosedive post surgery, especially since then my physical health has deteriorated (I caught sepsis whilst recovering in hospital and now have all the repercussions from that) I still try to remain positive and recognise a lot of the anxieties and trouble in accepting my “new body”
Thank you for sharing your experiences! This has really helped me. I'm a pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer survivor. I'd had my urostomy for four years and sometimes I say, "why me?". I know that's not the way to feel but......... I've had a few leaks that were embarrassing but I tried to keep a sense of humor and just go on!
I have had two failed surgeries recently and by chance I came across your video. It pierced through the fog of depression that I have been experiencing. Thank you for your honest, insightful, and hopeful words. You rock.
I'm facing ostomy surgery within the next year and I've watched several of your videos. Your attitude is inspiring and you provide lots of great information as to what to expect. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It helps a lot!
This is a great video! I wish everyone was as understanding and this knowledgeable, especially the surgeons and doctors that deal with these diseases and outcomes. I’ve had 3 major tummy surgeries now (ileostomy) no one understands what we really feel, unless they have one themselves.
I hope you are safe and well. Tomorrow I have my surgery and what you have said is exactly how I am feeling. I am finding this mentally challenging and it doesn't help when you tell your Consultant how you are feeling about it and there reply is " it's only a bag". That "bag" will test me physically and mentally and is going to be life changing. Having it will fingers crossed save my life which is obviously the top priority but you can't help worry how you will cope. Thank you for posting this video. I think it should be watched by the Consultants who might have a better understanding of the mental anguish as well as the physical.
Hi Sara, The operation went well I had to have a few months extra Chemotherapy just as an extra precaution. I am still finding it challenging coping with the stoma both physically and mentally but I have to keep in mind it has potentially saved my life. I hope you are ok and I appreciate you asking about me. ❤️
Wow i could not of said that better myself just be happy to be alive i had my op at 21 i thought it was the end of the world at the time I also suffered with severe depression after 50+ embarrassing moments and losing the will to live i think I have learned to live with it GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU
My SIL is a nurse and she had me literally terrified prior to my surgery, everything that could go wrong will go wrong. You know what? None of these things happened. 7 years on happy with who I am, what I look like with a bag attached. I’ve never had a negative thought about it, actually I’ve never had a leak. The only thing is a severely restricted diet, no fibre at all. Lots of ice cream. You do you, leave the stress behind and focus on life.
This was so beautiful! Thank you ❤️. Just wanted to let you know that you were the biggest help and inspiration to me when I suddenly had an ostomy after surgery. You really helped me regain my confidence. ❤️
Thank you so much for your sharing and spreading awareness. I originally diagnosed acute bladder blockage, and later along with diagnosed with Becets and IBS. And surgery didn’t go well, there was a major complication, I ended up with multiple surgeries for remove scar tissues, adhesion, fistula. The surgeries and anesthesia took away my respiratory function too. Yeah, it has been definitely difficult, and scary, and depressing. I often meet people says in front of me, “Well, but you survived.” I survived, but that doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to be depressed, anxious, grieving. I still can feel grief and sadness about what I lost, while I feel grateful for life saving surgeries!
Love this and your transparency Laura!! I can totally relate!! I'm five months post op and today was really the first day I did NOT want to 'adult' in relation to my ileostomy. I know I'm early in this and I've grieved a lot even before my surgery but those days will still happen and its normal in a not-so-normal body right? =) The Serenity Prayers helps but I don't ignore my feelings when I just need a good cry either! Thanks for all you do! You're a blessing Laura!
Thank you so much for your informative and helpful videos. I am resisting my upcoming colostomy. Also, super thanks fir sharing about your PTSD. I also have PTSD. Your bravery and transparency is an inspiration !
Thank you so much for the information, Yes I have ostomy had same problems and challenges faced before. But at some point body always remind us that you are not normal and I have to do take care of extreme level.
Gosh I loved this so much especially talking about the PTSD which I knew I had! Thank you again for sharing this with the rest of us going through the same things! We appreciate you so much!
Very helpful video. Such a lovely young woman. No easy way to live with the fear of an Ostomy and the surgery involved. I had temporary ostomy in 2009 for six months but things are not great for me at the moment and I may end up with a permanent ostomy. This video has helped me realise I am not alone and my fear is normal. I never could express my fear to anyone when I originally had surgery as I felt I had to be the strong one and show everyone I could cope. Inside I was struggling so much. Thank you for discussing this aspect of surgery.
Thank you so much. Do you have pain in your stomach ever. You really. Helped me. Sometimes it is overwhelming. It is so nice of you to educate. I always can learn more
I hate my ostomy I have had it for about 8 years now and can’t handle the gas’s that comes out and that I always go to the restroom at school and just cry and I am 12 and just went to middle school
I'm not sick. I have one due to extreme tear and rectovaginal fistula that formed due to lack of muscle tissue. I desperately want to find others like me. I am was a healthy active person. Now I have problems with hernias around my stoma. Have to be careful lifting and careful with activity in general. Is their anyone out there who is not ill with an illeostomy?
I hope your recovery is going well. It gets better and you will heal emotionally and physically. It gets better and is totally doable once you get used to your new normal
If it wasn’t for my psychiatrist i wouldn’t be here today, I suggest to anyone that goes through this to get mental help because your going to need someone.
THIS COMMENT MAY BE TRIGGERING My panic and anxiety at having to have a surgery that would cause absorption issues, got so out of hand, and my mental health deteriorated, that I am not able to have ileostomy. I would rather be dead than have ileostomy and its complications.
Is there anyone here in 2024 I'm struggling with it all it's lonely not having any friends with stoma and being able to talk...I have depression on top of it diverticulitis is scary It's not having any control I can't get in my truck anymore and just go. It's the mess it's keeping us with supplies...the paste ECT changes in clothes
June 9, 2019, next month I will celebrate 50 years of living with my ileostomy! After 5 years of illness, I was well. The surgery was my cure. Now at age 86 I want to tell you I have had a wonderful life. I’ve experienced management issues, but chose to handle them with advice. I’ve traveled, worked, and did everything I wanted.
I look better than my friends.
It all worked out!
Thanks for your inspiration and motivation
I'm 74 and have had my ostomy for 60 years next month. What a ride !!!!!!
This is so real. I am tearing up watching this. This is exactly how I have been feeling. I'm 3 weeks out of my ostomy surgery. I'm struggling emotionally. This is so helpful. I'm glad i found your channel.
We're glad you found us too! It will hopefully get better over time for you. Best of luck.
Amanda Wunsch y
I can relate...I have the same case..and i learnt to accept it
@@Shieldhealthcare thank you so.much for the strenght and info you shared.. (to me especially)you are such an inspiration😍I just love your positive attitude...
I got my Ileostomy surgery which ended up being an emergency full blown surgery. 6 1/2 inch incision and an Ileostomy bag when I woke up really hit me. I cried for a day and 1/2 in the hospital. Need more of this to address peoples mental health in the hospitals after these surgeries. I wish the best to anyone that has gone thru this, you are my heros!
As I four-time cancer survivor, I again become emotional watching your video but made me stronger. It’s been 4 months since I had my ostomy. There are times that I still feel depress but prayers and thanking God for extending my life make me feel better and blessed. It also makes me feel better knowing I’m not alone. I am now getting better at handling my bag and I continue to improvise ways to make things easier for me. Thanks for this inspirational video.
4 months post op and I really needed to see this video. Thank you for sharing your story ❤
I had ostomy surgery in October.due to colon cancer. After the surgery I had an infection for 7 months, my healing has been delayed because of this. Thank you for your honesty. I could relate to so much of what you said. I have experienced a lot of body trauma. You don't know what you don't know until something happens. I had wonderful Dr's and nurses but it would have been really helpful to talk to someone that had been through the surgery I had and who had an ostomy. Thank you for this video.
Thank you so much🙏🏻
I’m 4 years in from having an ileostomy and yet I’m still learning. My mental health took a massive nosedive post surgery, especially since then my physical health has deteriorated (I caught sepsis whilst recovering in hospital and now have all the repercussions from that)
I still try to remain positive and recognise a lot of the anxieties and trouble in accepting my “new body”
Thank you for sharing your experiences! This has really helped me. I'm a pancreatic cancer and bladder cancer survivor. I'd had my urostomy for four years and sometimes I say, "why me?". I know that's not the way to feel but......... I've had a few leaks that were embarrassing but I tried to keep a sense of humor and just go on!
I have had two failed surgeries recently and by chance I came across your video. It pierced through the fog of depression that I have been experiencing. Thank you for your honest, insightful, and hopeful words. You rock.
I'm facing ostomy surgery within the next year and I've watched several of your videos. Your attitude is inspiring and you provide lots of great information as to what to expect. Thanks for sharing your experiences. It helps a lot!
Thank you for sharing your story. This is helpful in my case. I was also diagnosed with rectal cancer last 2018 and living with ostomy for 2 years.
This is a great video! I wish everyone was as understanding and this knowledgeable, especially the surgeons and doctors that deal with these diseases and outcomes. I’ve had 3 major tummy surgeries now (ileostomy) no one understands what we really feel, unless they have one themselves.
I hope you are safe and well. Tomorrow I have my surgery and what you have said is exactly how I am feeling. I am finding this mentally challenging and it doesn't help when you tell your Consultant how you are feeling about it and there reply is " it's only a bag". That "bag" will test me physically and mentally and is going to be life changing. Having it will fingers crossed save my life which is obviously the top priority but you can't help worry how you will cope.
Thank you for posting this video. I think it should be watched by the Consultants who might have a better understanding of the mental anguish as well as the physical.
Hi Sara, The operation went well
I had to have a few months extra Chemotherapy just as an extra precaution.
I am still finding it challenging coping with the stoma both physically and mentally but I have to keep in mind it has potentially saved my life.
I hope you are ok and I appreciate you asking about me. ❤️
Thank you so much for this vid, I thought it was just me,,,,I’m going to recommend this video to my Dr.
Wow i could not of said that better myself just be happy to be alive i had my op at 21 i thought it was the end of the world at the time I also suffered with severe depression after 50+ embarrassing moments and losing the will to live i think I have learned to live with it GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU
My SIL is a nurse and she had me literally terrified prior to my surgery, everything that could go wrong will go wrong. You know what? None of these things happened. 7 years on happy with who I am, what I look like with a bag attached. I’ve never had a negative thought about it, actually I’ve never had a leak. The only thing is a severely restricted diet, no fibre at all. Lots of ice cream. You do you, leave the stress behind and focus on life.
This was so beautiful! Thank you ❤️. Just wanted to let you know that you were the biggest help and inspiration to me when I suddenly had an ostomy after surgery. You really helped me regain my confidence. ❤️
You are welcome! We will make sure Laura sees your comment. Thank you for the great feedback!
Same here...now I know I'm not alone..Happy to have found you and all here that shared the same feeling...muah ! Love you guys
Thank you so much for your sharing and spreading awareness. I originally diagnosed acute bladder blockage, and later along with diagnosed with Becets and IBS. And surgery didn’t go well, there was a major complication, I ended up with multiple surgeries for remove scar tissues, adhesion, fistula. The surgeries and anesthesia took away my respiratory function too. Yeah, it has been definitely difficult, and scary, and depressing. I often meet people says in front of me, “Well, but you survived.” I survived, but that doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to be depressed, anxious, grieving. I still can feel grief and sadness about what I lost, while I feel grateful for life saving surgeries!
You are strong! You comment stood out to me and I hope through connecting with others like yourself you will be able you "thrived" not survived!!
Love this and your transparency Laura!! I can totally relate!! I'm five months post op and today was really the first day I did NOT want to 'adult' in relation to my ileostomy. I know I'm early in this and I've grieved a lot even before my surgery but those days will still happen and its normal in a not-so-normal body right? =) The Serenity Prayers helps but I don't ignore my feelings when I just need a good cry either! Thanks for all you do! You're a blessing Laura!
Thank you so much for your informative and helpful videos. I am resisting my upcoming colostomy. Also, super thanks fir sharing about your PTSD. I also have PTSD. Your bravery and transparency is an inspiration !
Thank you so much for your vulnerability and for sharing your story!! I so needed to hear this!!
Thank you so much for the information, Yes I have ostomy had same problems and challenges faced before. But at some point body always remind us that you are not normal and I have to do take care of extreme level.
Gosh I loved this so much especially talking about the PTSD which I knew I had! Thank you again for sharing this with the rest of us going through the same things! We appreciate you so much!
Very helpful video. Such a lovely young woman. No easy way to live with the fear of an Ostomy and the surgery involved. I had temporary ostomy in 2009 for six months but things are not great for me at the moment and I may end up with a permanent ostomy. This video has helped me realise I am not alone and my fear is normal. I never could express my fear to anyone when I originally had surgery as I felt I had to be the strong one and show everyone I could cope. Inside I was struggling so much. Thank you for discussing this aspect of surgery.
Thank you so much. Do you have pain in your stomach ever. You really. Helped me. Sometimes it is overwhelming. It is so nice of you to educate. I always can learn more
Iv been 6 years now post surgery and I still feel like that....
I hate my ostomy I have had it for about 8 years now and can’t handle the gas’s that comes out and that I always go to the restroom at school and just cry and I am 12 and just went to middle school
I am sorry for what you have been through with this. Sending prayers
Now I’m 14
@@AddiePlays.24 and how are you doing now?
Excellent! Thank you!!!!
I went through the same thing. Had to take meds.
Laura, you are an awesome person, and I respect you very much
Hola como quiera saber inglés yo también estoy pasando por eso bendiciones 🤗🤗😋😋
I'm not sick. I have one due to extreme tear and rectovaginal fistula that formed due to lack of muscle tissue. I desperately want to find others like me. I am was a healthy active person. Now I have problems with hernias around my stoma. Have to be careful lifting and careful with activity in general. Is their anyone out there who is not ill with an illeostomy?
Very helpful even tho colostomy are so weird cant do what i want to do i hate it but yeah im dealing with it today looks like permanently
Sending love from Philippines ❤️
You are beautiful Laura
You are blessed
You are always loved🌼
You took every thought of mine and put it into one video..
You are a brave lady. Pls meet me during yr visit in CAL CANADA. I am Ostomy colleague. be happy
Thank you Laura,
Could you share your daily diet routine wat you eat in a day...
I’m 24 I had stoma surgery I’m in the hospital right know for recovery.. life changed
I'm thinking of you. I hope your adjustment goes well. I'm sure it's scary and many unknowns. This is a good video. Hope it helped you a bit💜
I hope your recovery is going well. It gets better and you will heal emotionally and physically. It gets better and is totally doable once you get used to your new normal
If it wasn’t for my psychiatrist i wouldn’t be here today, I suggest to anyone that goes through this to get mental help because your going to need someone.
Thank you for this
Stay Well...
lookimg for help all the time
I had times when you went to sleep at night had a leak and woke up with a mess all over me it was awful 😞
helo love u so much
THIS COMMENT MAY BE TRIGGERING My panic and anxiety at having to have a surgery that would cause absorption issues, got so out of hand, and my mental health deteriorated, that I am not able to have ileostomy. I would rather be dead than have ileostomy and its complications.
Is there anyone here in 2024
I'm struggling with it all it's lonely not having any friends with stoma and being able to talk...I have depression on top of it diverticulitis is scary
It's not having any control I can't get in my truck anymore and just go. It's the mess it's keeping us with supplies...the paste ECT changes in clothes
It's hard. Its real hard.
Just imagine if, like me, you have a parastomal hernia. Mine is the size of a large grapefruit. Not possible to hide ostomy under clothes.
If your planning on doing anything you can't eat anything or you will be in the bathroom all day