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Look, ironjackal60... I know you’ve walked me through all of this, but the panic is starting to set in. Everything is moving at such a snail's pace. I’m following the protocol over at Mayo Clinic... I'm listening to the advice. But the sheer slowness of it all on my end? It’s driving me a little crazy. I have to save this part of my rectum right now—that's where I am in the process. If I don't stop overthinking this, I’m going to lose my mind. So... I'm struggling.
The hesitation! This waiting is killing me.
Kate Newman38 said:I don't know a whole lot about this topic, honestly—just wanted to jump in and say hang in there and stay strong
Thank you for the kind words🙂 because, honestly, I've been feeling pretty depressed lately.;
I am so incredibly confused and I really need some help!
Panic is starting to set in because I’m facing a massive decision: do I commit to a permanent ostomy, or should I push for the "pouch" option instead?
Here is the situation. I have chronic ulcerative colitis. They’ve removed about 70 cm of my large intestine, my bowel isn't reconnected yet, and I currently have an ostomy connected to my small intestine.
I want to know—how many of you, men and women alike, are living with a permanent ostomy? How do you actually manage daily life, and how did you come to terms with it?
As things stand, I’m leaning toward the pouch option. Honestly, I’d almost be willing to endure the pain and go through the whole ordeal all over again just to avoid a permanent bag.
But if I’m being honest? I’m terrified.
I just don't know what to do.
Will the pain after the pouch be manageable? I have no idea. I’m completely lost, which is why I started this thread—I just need a little guidance from people who get it.
Please, give me some advice. So many people have told me that living with a permanent ostomy is perfectly normal, that it's mostly a mental hurdle, and that you just have to find a way to make peace with it.
What should I do? How do I decide?
My doctors are actually leaning toward the second option. Since I’m young, they feel like I shouldn't have to settle for a permanent ostomy just yet.
Of course, there's a catch.
They want to save the remaining part of my large intestine to connect to the small intestine, but that section is severely diseased.
It looks like they might have to remove it entirely, and only then would they even attempt to create a pouch.
Please, give me some advice. I feel like I’m about to start screaming from the sheer frustration of it all!
Thank you to all the kind souls out there who take the time to offer advice!
And to the admins... My apologies if this topic doesn't belong here. I wasn't quite sure where to post it.