COLOSTOMY SURGERY

[SWEETYPIE]

My cousin has just had her large intestine and bowel removed and has to wear a colostomy bag for the rest of her life maybe.
She was diagnosed with severe colitis. She is only 24.
Are there support groups with other people dealing with everyday living and doing normal things with that terrible "bag".
She needs some encouraging words. I don't know what to tell her.

[adaperl]

Tell your cousin to start looking at websites ! When I had my colostomy back in sept, I recieved so much info just from emailing several sites for product info. People that have a colostomy are very supportive. Ask the Ostomy Nurse ( a nurse trained for colostomy care) for information about local support groups. I had my colostomy taken back down in dec and they removed all of my large intestin. She needs to get back to a semi normal routine to get her mind of of the bag. Also, let her know that the "bags" that they gave her in the hospital are not the only options out there. I mean, the gave me a drainable bag at first and it was definitly not the right ones for me. I did so much better with the throw away kind. So many products out there. Also, if she has to have the colostomy permanently, there are surgical options out there for a better lifestyle. Good luck and she will need her family more than ever right now at this emotional  time.