Mike received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same.
May 9th 2013 is the day my life changed forever.
I was scheduled to undergo a colonoscopy to check on the status of my Crohn’s disease. During the procedure my colon got perforated. The doctor told me what had happened and my life was about to be drastically altered. I apprehensively signed the waiver giving the doctors permission to operate, and I woke up 8 hours later with an ostomy bag attached to my side.
A change in perspective
Initially I felt self-pity. I was an avid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner having made it to blue belt, played competitive hockey, worked out with weights at the gym frequently, went for runs, swam, etc. All these things would need to come to a halt. I was emotionally distraught to say the least.
Eventually in time, through much prayer and self-motivation, I found the courage to change my own bag. I realized that my life didn’t have to come to a halt, and that I could get through this. There was changes to be made, but I could get through this. I was determined to get through this.
Diving back in
I started going for walks around the block, and it was doable. Then walking turned into brisk walks around the block, and I managed. Then I started jogging, and I did it! Jogging turned into sprinting, sprinting into hard running, and I was able to do it! From there I started going back to the gym. I was a bit worried about hernias and injuring my stoma so I found an ostomy protective belt online to put my mind at ease. My first time in a pool was a bit unnerving, but my wife bought me a pair of ostomy swimming trunks, which protected the stoma nicely. Next is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and make no mistake I will go back to the mats full time!
Having an ostomy is not a death sentence, it’s simply an adjustment. Whatever activity you want to do there are ways to achieve doing it, and even excel at it. Whatever goals you have in life do not need to be thrown aside, they can be achieved. Just remember that the only limitations are the ones set in your mind, once you can push through them you can do it.
