Getting over your fear of your stoma

I know that doing new things is not really fun.  Having an ostomy is not really fun either.  But once you have one it is time to start living again.  Many people are actually happy because it is truly helping their health, but there is always the ramifications of surgery. Coping with a whole new style of life can be complicated, but it is even worse in your mind than it is in real life.  That is the struggle that many go through not only early on, but for some people, this mental struggle comes later.  My only goal is to let you know that it is ok to feel the struggle.  The pain and fear of not being the same again or not feeling as pretty as before are real and ok.  Now I know it is hard to hear, but in real life really does get back to normal. With an ostomy bag, I still do crazy things and hike all around the world.

Don't get me wrong I was super afraid of not being able to do anything with an ostomy bag on my hip.  The idea of having a bag that could be seen by everyone was a struggle to me.  I was simply afraid that everyone would see it and I would never be able to be free of the look.  But I was ver much wrong.  In fact, almost no one knows that I even have a stoma and that is because of fantastic gear and recommendations from thousands of people who are willing to go out of their way to work with you.

I use my previous experience with my own life to help me with my stoma.  I am a big fan of concealed carry.  In fact, I concealed carry a sidearm every single day.  The principles for being discreet are the same as having an ostomy bag.  The goal is to not print and that can be done with proper fitment and placement.  The ability to have the best gear is part of the answer to keeping your ostomy bag hidden.  But it is not simply the best, but the best for you.  We all have different body types so what can work for one person won't work for another.  The same goes for concealed carry as well. My body type does not allow for appendix carry at all. It is never comfortable and never works when I sit.  Appendix carry is the most popular form of carrying in 2021 but that is not always the best choice.  Do what fits your body and fits you life. 

The world is my oyster when it comes to information and I try to find as much as I can.  I love talking to pharmacists whenever I can on what is new and what they are hearing works the best and where.  Those conversations and also following people on social media have given me lots of ideas and also let me know not to try some things.  But take it all with a small grain of salt, because remember, we are all different.  Still, I love to learn and also to get better at my own setup.  I pretty well know for being a normal guy.  No one knows I have a stoma unless I tell them and that is pretty cool.