File:Bowel Ostomies.jpg

English: Living in recent times has put a whole new perspective on how I consider health. I have seen hospitals become places of nightmares because you are going in all alone and no one can visit you. The change in how we see healthcare has let us know that it is full of politics and people are dying and dying alone due to false narratives and lies. When I think about all the health scares that we are prone and susceptible to in this life, it’s a wonder that we aren’t more afraid of all that could go wrong. We are a second away from tragedy. We are a second away from death. We could get gravely ill. We could get the common cold. Bones could be broken, skin could be lacerated, teeth could fall out, nervous systems could break down.

To me, there is nothing scarier than needing to be in a hospital where they take away your rights based on bad information. I am really starting to think that having a stoma is more of a health risk then it used to be. As we age, a lot of things are no longer in our favor. Our minds begin to slow, our bodies being to shrink, our skin begins to sag. Our bodies are breaking down and beginning the process of death. But, out of all the things that could go wrong in life, I never expected to have an ostomy. Luckily, the care that I have had has been a tremendous help dealing with this set back. Most people would be shocked to find out how many ostomy supplies are out there to help people that have had to have an ostomy.

But it is not all terrible. The worst part about having an ostomy is what people think about it. They think its gross and sickening. It just turns them off and makes them act different around me because I don’t use the restroom the same way they do. My stool is now being collected in a bag out of my abdomen. Thankfully those very hollister colostomy supplies that I use are small and efficient enough that they can’t be as easily seen under my shirt. If I decide to wear a heavier piece of clothing like a long sleeve shirt or sweat shirt or even a coat, my ostomy belt is pretty much undetectable.

Looking good has always been part of my life. I used to be very particular about what kind of style and fit of clothes I would wear. I would wear clothes that were tight, slim, and form fitting. However, due to the current state of my health, I have had to broaden my horizons when it comes to clothes. I am very uncomfortable about people being able to know and see the pain I’ve had to endure. Therefore, I no longer care as much about the fit of my clothes. I care more about people not being able to tell I have a collection bag attached to my body. Baggy clothes have now been a go to and a new favorite fit of mine. Good thing I love to wear athletic sweat suits. But there is more fashion available due to social media now and I am glad to be able to find ways to look good and be fashionable with my stoma.