UOAA Discussion Board

All-

After more than a year of receiving and giving advice on this discussion group, I am signing off. I am four weeks post-takedown and life is getting back to what some folks consider “normal”.

But, I can’t just sign off without expressing how grateful I have been for the advice & encouragement you all have given me through the experience of being an Ostomy patient. I truly don’t know what I would have done without you all. Well, I do, actually: I would have never had the courage to go for a massage, sleep on my tummy, would have continued to change my wafer and bag every single day, had intractable skin irritation and felt entirely alone in this journey. Instead, I had the kindness and support of this forum. And, was able to support others a little bit, too, helping me get a little confidence and realizing that “I got this!”

You all helped me get through this like no one else in my life could. Thank you—you have been my hero!

We appreciate your comments and your contribution to the Discussion Board. No need to sign off, you are more than welcome to stick around and check in periodically, You can be an inspiration to those that follow you.

Jimbob

Telling all about your takedown is so important to so many of us, it would help us to know what we may be able to exspect, there talking about a takedown for me real soon and i'm scared of going back to what was awful before, so your input is of great value to me and all.. thanks for being here getting and giving help but your input will still help, best of all in your forward journey and please hang around... sassie

That's a very thoughtful "sign off", it says a lot. As others have said, don't leave, let us know how your new world goes.

Great to read this! Good luck! Enjoy good health!

Diane C.

Well! Just days after I “signed off” I learned that a dear friend has cancer and received his own, permanent, colostomy. I told him all about you all and explained that this is an oasis of kindness and support. I know you all will take good care of him!

I am now 6 weeks post reversal and all systems are go! So grateful for this experience and that I can pay your kindness forward by supporting my friend.

Well wishes to you all!