Resources

United Ostomy Associations of America.
The UOAA is a national organization to provide support, information and advocacy to ostomates and their caregivers. Visit uoaa.org or contact 800.826.0826

C3Life
A website dedicated to helping people with ostomies live their lives to the fullest (C3Life.com)

Articles
Annie's Mailbox

Annie's mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the 'Ann Landers' Column.

Saturday, May 16, 2009 Published

Dear Annie:
This is in response to "Had Enough" who had a colostomy and is no longer interested in intimacy. I had my Ostomy surgery 21 years ago, at the age of 21. I have since learned that the Ostomy is only a 4 x4 inch square with a pouch. My face, eyes, arms, legs, smile, mind, etc. are still the same. I have found that taking care of my body helps me feel better about it, and the Ostomy doesn't have to change anything except how I use the restroom. I exercise scuba dive, travel and love life. My husband and I have been together for 15 years, and the Ostomy affects nothing in our relationship because I have learned that my self-worth is based on many qualities, and the right-hand side stomach isn't one of them.

OPTIONS™, an online company makes wonderful undergarments. There are online support groups too. An Ostomy is created to save our lives, and how we have to decide how to live them. I choose joy and happiness. If she can find her own way down the same path, that 4x4 inch square pouch won't seem so big anymore.

-The Happy "Bag" Lady-
Dear Happy: Thank you, for the words of encouragement. We hope she is listening.