Ive been learning a bout stomas...not cos Im having one, but because a very close friend is. So I want to be able to understand what she talks about when she`s had the op.
Like all major changes, we can be terrified, or wary or totally against the idea.
This has happened for me along the years.
Wheelchairs…
before I became disabled and saw anyone in a wheelchair, I found the idea terrifying. I couldnt imagine me even just sitting in one.
And now, after 14 years or so of using them, I look at different ones and admire them.
Supra pubic catheters…
the very thought of having a pipe into a cut into my belly was simply unthinkable. But now after about 5 years with one, I couldnt go back to the wetting, hourly visits to the loo and broken sleep is unthinkable.
Stomas…as I said I dont need one, but my bowels are very temperamental so you never know…
The moral of this post is to say that what might sometimes seem like an insurmountable problem, there could be a solution, if only we see the positive and much increased improvement of our lives.
That is so true, if we look at these things as a positive tool that makes life easier, rather than looking at them as a negative alien, it has to help.
Years ago I would not use a chair among people I knew, but that idea bit me on the bum, we went for a day out by the sea, so I sat in it and off up the prom we all went. Only to find within about 100 yards we bumped into a family that lived in our road! Needless to say I very quickly learnt to accept these things as a positive and not a negative, and hats what I try to apply to it all.
Hope all is good for you and your family, and your friend recovers quickly after their operation.
Poll I know what you mean, I try to embrace change but I was terrified when I started to self catheter but now tell people it was my best move and supra pubic is brilliant. Stoma is a tough one but it makes such a difference. I don’t have one but knew someone who did. XXX
Poll, As you know this is something that l have been considering for a long time. l know it would make a big difference to my quality of life if l became unable to care for myself. Mainly, it would make it more pleasant for the ones who will have to care for me. l have promised my daughter that l will have this done - eeeeeeeeeeeeventually!!
l have met several people who have a colostomy - and you would never have known - and they were very comfortable with it.
Well I’m off to see a Stoma nurse tomorrow, after my consultant suggested I needed a Stoma as my muscles in my bowl have given up like my bladder muscles so to add to my SPC I get a Stoma as well, it should make my life a bit easier. Will let you know how I get on. All the best Deborah