Depressed

I just got an iliostomy bag. I am extremely depressed. I can't even look at it. It grosses me out. The bleeding, the pussing of the feces. I can't do it on my own. The bag is tempoary but still it's something ai csnnot wrap my mind around it!

[Caryopteris]

It must be very difficult to go through this at such a young age, when you should be running around having fun.  Digestive problems are no fun.  At least you have had surgery that will hopefully make things better for you when you get through this difficult time.  I hope so, anyway.  You didn't give any history.  I imagine you have a IBD or something like that.  I have bowel problems including Celiac disease and a long, twisted colon.  Lots of problems.  I wish I could afford surgery.  No insurance.  

Just try to stay positive and use this to get stronger. Decide you can handle stuff that would gross out other people.  If you can get through this, just think what you can accomplish when you're healthy.  Plan.  Read.  Study something you want to be amazing at. Your future can be awesome.  

Good luck!  

[DarellFromCalifornia]

Mercy, I know exactly what you are going through and wish I could give you a hug.  I was 24 when I had to have an illeostomy and was totally shattered about it.  I was 'grossed out' like you for awhile, but please believe me, life goes on (it wouldn't without this life saving surgery).  Please believe me when I say it settles down after awhile and actually becomes just an annoying quirk, like having to wear glasses or something.  I've gone on to be totally healthy, fine with my relationships, and uncompromising about doing everything I always wanted to do, including diving, white water kayaking, and travelling the world.  Sounds like this won't even be a permanent thing for you.  Hang in there--it literally saved your life.  I know so well the anger and upset over "Why me??"  As you get older, I think you'll see that almost everyone has one issue or another.  Try to see it as "just my particular issue", don't forget that almost everyone else has their own baggage, and please let yourself heal and... move on!  It'll be OK.  I know, it totally *****, but it will be OK.  Hugs to you, Darell

[worried878]

Owning an ostomy is hard especially for females it seems.  For the time being, you will probably feel better if u do so tho.  Looking at the positives can be hard but helpful.  Ileostomies do not have near the odor that colotomies do altho the fluid like stool is harder to contain.  Also, you are on this earth and it is only temporary/for many temporary is not the case.  Drink plenty of water as dehydration with ileostomies is common.
Eat right and stay strong so you can get it reversed asap.  They usually will not reverse it until u r strong again so exercise and eating right with plenty of fluids will get u to that day sooner
good luck to u and stay strong!