A common worry for people with an ostomy is that they stand out, so you may be tempted to keep your ostomy a secret.
However, isolating yourself because of your ostomy is not good. Try your best to be positive and express how you are feeling, this will help normalize the situation.
By sharing with people who care about you and allowing them to help you, you will likely make things much easier on yourself. Most people will be happy to help.
Before you know it, you will have your routine down, it will be part of your everyday life and you will be back to doing many of the things you did before surgery.
Remember:
It will take everyone time to adjust, however your family and friends are looking for ways to help you.
Keep open communication and continue to share as you are ready.
Talk to others who share your experience
While many find comfort in talking to their family or close friends, it can also be tremendously helpful to talk to someone with similar experiences about life with an ostomy. Ask your ostomy nurse if it might be possible to put you in contact with others in your situation.
Information from Coloplast Care is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.
