My first stoma was the easiest. I was sick for three years with Ulcerative Colitis and would always joke that the next step would be a bag. I guess I never really thought it would happen.
But when a surgeon walked up to my hospital bed and said, “We will be taking your bowel out”, leaving me in tears, my new reality began. When I used to say that I could end up with a bag, I didn’t really understand what it meant because like I said, I never really thought it would happen to me.
After my first surgery, I had an epidural and couldn’t feel my stomach for a few days. When the epidural was removed, I remember asking if everyone could leave me alone and give me some time to just get used to the bag touching the side of my leg, and feeling the weight of it as it filled up. I believe this was a really important time for me; it allowed me to accept my situation.
Once I’d recovered from surgery, I remember feeling amazing because I wasn’t in any pain and wasn’t running to the toilet every few minutes; I literally went about 30 times a day previously. I was so happy within myself, but very shy and embarrassed about having it. Of course I told my friends, but I wasn’t really open about it with new people. I was so worried that no guy would ever love me or accept me with it.
Top Comments
Very lucky to work with this inspiring young woman. Shantel has the most amazing attitude to life
for someone so young who has endured much. Thank you for your courage in sharing your story. Love your work.
I had the colectomy performed almost 4 yrs ago, due to FAP. I was told the day before surgery there was a high chance I'd have to have the colostomy bag- they manged to connect everything and i have the j-pouch in. still going strong. I have a fantastic partner who has been my rock through it all, he said at the time of surgery that we would deal with it together no matter what the outcome would be.
How can someone form judgement over something that is out of your control? You didn't choose to have the condition. What a horrible insecure person that guy most of been!