Social Media Boosts Savvy, Support, Commonality for Ostomates, Friends, Families

We all need our people. In fact, relationships in large part are built around support. In business, we need a mentor; on the athletic field a coach; in life, sometimes a therapist to help us smooth out the rough edges. Ostomates require support folks, too. Though perhaps a bit more specialized, these important people help us navigate through the physical and emotional challenges before and after our surgeries. I’ve come to realize that for me, and I’d venture to guess most ostomates, support has the greatest impact when it reflects the best in science, compassion, communication and humor.

With Christmas and Chanukah behind us and New Year’s on the way, there’s no better time than now to discuss food choices for ostomates. Read about the food experiences of one ostomate as he gets farther out from his ostomy surgery.

Living Life on Your Own Terms
Paul Rea thought his trip to the hospital the summer before last was like any other he’d had to address the intestinal blockages with which he’d suffered over the last 10 years. But several days into his stay, it became apparent to the doctors—and ultimately to Paul—that the medicines and procedures they’d used in the past were no longer working. By then, Paul was in so much pain that the surgery seemed like the only ticket to getting rid of the pain and out of the hospital. Paul took comfort in the doctors’ support and the confidence they exhibited as they wheeled him into surgery. From then on, things tuned hazy. They put him to sleep and then awakened him in recovery. He didn’t even think about the fact that he’d awakened with an ostomy until he was back in his room. That’s when he got the first look at it. Who could have predicted that the shock and fear he initially experienced would turn into acceptance, even gratitude, as he learned that myths aren’t true and life adjustments are just that…adjustments. When you do, you realize that life is a whole lot better and far more manageable than it was before.

Life after ostomy surgery usually comes with a better quality: no more hospital stays, surgeries, medicines and the steroids that cause swelling. But it goes without saying, that in the aftermath there are challenges, mishaps, even, and the emotional insecurity that can come with negative feelings about body image. A little over a year post-surgery, Ostomate Paul Rea is still grateful for his pain-free life and still adjusting. But his immersion in the development of an ostomy medical device has helped him transition from looking inward to focusing on fellow ostomates and making their lives easier. In the process, it has put him on a path to return to the better part of himself.