during high school. He was on such a restricted diet that eating lunch at school or eating out with friends was impossible. Of course, having to run to the restroom 20 times a day doesn't do much for your social life, either. He had to take adaptive gym class and actually had home-bound instruction for a semester when the bleeding and cramping got really bad. He was down to 103 lbs. (he's 5'9"
by the time he had his surgery.
About the only way it really impacted his life was that he didn't get the chance to think about a career; it was always one medical crisis after another. As he put it, it's hard to think about what you're going to do for a living when the doctors are trying to keep you from dying. When all his classmates started college, he was learning how to change bags. He did end up getting a good job at AT&T (he just retired.) I think he learned to deal with it because he has a great sense of humor. My kids have always joked that when Dad says, "Oh, shit!" it could be a literal description. It might be easier for men. I don't know, but I think it might be harder for women to find clothing that covers the appliance without it showing. Also, accidents happen; clips fail, adhesives break down unexpectedly. There have been several times that my husband had to leave work to shower and change clothes. Add to that the fact that, even though you've had the surgery, there's lots of foods you still have to avoid. He's also been hospitalized a couple of times with a simple stomach virus because ileostomates dehydrate so quickly.
A big hug to you, my friend. It's not an easy life, but you and my hubby are both survivors.
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read