Great to see you both in a video! Making small goals and staying positive are a few of my coping mechanisms. I know that it's very difficult comparing yourself with people our own age, it does sometimes knock me off my positive groove. Naming my stoma created it's own personality and it made it easier to deal with. Also viewing UA-cam videos help the most when it comes to keeping me sane.
I really loved this video. For me personally, I've been using music to really get me through some parts of the day - specifically, high-energy dance songs. I've put together my own playlist that puts me in a good mood no matter what's going on around me, and it helps more than anything else. Love the idea about finding inspirational quotes. My favorite for tough times is "This too shall pass", as it also reminds me that all things (good or bad) are just temporary. This not only helps me to cope with tough times, but it also reminds me not to take the good times for granted.
Such a great video, girls! I found Laura's Channel about a year ago when ostomy surgery was being considered before trying IVIG treatments. Seeing her videos, and the videos of all the UA-cam Ostomates has really helped me prepare and be mentally ok with the surgery. You makes some fabulous points and many of the strategies I've been using for years since my chronic illness (same as Nicole actually, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!) became really severe. I also believe that naming the stoma is a huge benefit. I've found that I get angry with my body a lot because of what it's unable to do, or what I'm unable to do because of it, etc., and decided a while ago to try to be kinder to myself and not get so frustrated and focus on the many things I'm still able to do. For instance, I may not be able to walk very far or very well, but I'm still able to walk some. I've been thinking about names and trying to decide on what to call my soon-to-be stoma (TWO WEEKS!). I've come up with Precious (from LOTR), Stella, Pinky and Ruby, so far. I'm really leaning toward Ruby or Pinky. Oops, I just remembered my niece's stuffed dog's name is Pinky. Haha! Suppose I won't be using that one. Anyway, off to check out Laura's video! You girls are fantastic, keep rockin' on!
I'm glad we are able to help! There is definitely an adjustment period with an ostomy, but UA-cam ostomates taught me a lot before surgery as well, making it a little easier. It's really easy to think of the many things our condition has taken from us, but I've found it's important to focus on all the good things instead....especially on rough days! I hope your surgery goes well! You have a whole community here for you! :)
I am 6 weeks post op, and I am always in quite abit of pain when i change my pouch and when it starts to fill up the pressure makes it hurt, is this normal? i'm almost out of pain meds and i'm scared to ask for more but i can't hardly take it a day or 2 after i change my bag.. if this is normal when should i start feeling relief and not painful when i change it?
Personally, I have not experienced pain when my bag fills, so I'm not really sure, but it sounds like a really good question to ask your doctor. I know some people change their bag more frequently, for various reasons, so maybe that might help? I wish I could help more! Good luck!
Great to see you both in a video! Making small goals and staying positive are a few of my coping mechanisms. I know that it's very difficult comparing yourself with people our own age, it does sometimes knock me off my positive groove. Naming my stoma created it's own personality and it made it easier to deal with. Also viewing UA-cam videos help the most when it comes to keeping me sane.
I really loved this video. For me personally, I've been using music to really get me through some parts of the day - specifically, high-energy dance songs. I've put together my own playlist that puts me in a good mood no matter what's going on around me, and it helps more than anything else.
Love the idea about finding inspirational quotes. My favorite for tough times is "This too shall pass", as it also reminds me that all things (good or bad) are just temporary. This not only helps me to cope with tough times, but it also reminds me not to take the good times for granted.
Such a great video, girls! I found Laura's Channel about a year ago when ostomy surgery was being considered before trying IVIG treatments. Seeing her videos, and the videos of all the UA-cam Ostomates has really helped me prepare and be mentally ok with the surgery. You makes some fabulous points and many of the strategies I've been using for years since my chronic illness (same as Nicole actually, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!) became really severe. I also believe that naming the stoma is a huge benefit. I've found that I get angry with my body a lot because of what it's unable to do, or what I'm unable to do because of it, etc., and decided a while ago to try to be kinder to myself and not get so frustrated and focus on the many things I'm still able to do. For instance, I may not be able to walk very far or very well, but I'm still able to walk some. I've been thinking about names and trying to decide on what to call my soon-to-be stoma (TWO WEEKS!). I've come up with Precious (from LOTR), Stella, Pinky and Ruby, so far. I'm really leaning toward Ruby or Pinky. Oops, I just remembered my niece's stuffed dog's name is Pinky. Haha! Suppose I won't be using that one. Anyway, off to check out Laura's video! You girls are fantastic, keep rockin' on!
I'm glad we are able to help! There is definitely an adjustment period with an ostomy, but UA-cam ostomates taught me a lot before surgery as well, making it a little easier. It's really easy to think of the many things our condition has taken from us, but I've found it's important to focus on all the good things instead....especially on rough days! I hope your surgery goes well! You have a whole community here for you! :)
I am 6 weeks post op, and I am always in quite abit of pain when i change my pouch and when it starts to fill up the pressure makes it hurt, is this normal? i'm almost out of pain meds and i'm scared to ask for more but i can't hardly take it a day or 2 after i change my bag.. if this is normal when should i start feeling relief and not painful when i change it?
Personally, I have not experienced pain when my bag fills, so I'm not really sure, but it sounds like a really good question to ask your doctor. I know some people change their bag more frequently, for various reasons, so maybe that might help? I wish I could help more! Good luck!