Hello everyone! My name is Bre and I am 19 (almost 20). I live in Illinois and I have had an iliostomy my entire life. I do not know what a "normal" life is. I was diagnosed with Pseudo Obstruction disease when I was 5, since I was misdiagnosed from day 1 to year 5. I am so glad that there are places like this for people to talk about ostomies. Now that i am getting older and trying to be "normal" in the adult world. I am finding that I am having a harder time adjusting to the fact that I am different. I have had a central line for my entire life for TPN feeding, that was until last year. I went to have the line replaced and the doctor told me that there was no where else to put a line in and i was on my own. So i ate and with the Grace of God, power of lots of prayers, and family love I am here now. I am wondering if anyone out there has any experience on how it was for them the first time their significant other saw their ostomy. What was their reaction? Were they with you before the ostomy and after, or are you like me and had to figure out a way to tell/show your significant other about the ostomy. I never dated much during high school. I was more into school and working. I found a guy who really seemed to like me for me. He has been in and out of my life now for 6 years. We are getting serious again. He was the first one to know everything. I have told him about my ostomy, but I don't know if he actually understands. He was completely understanding about my central line, but thats different from an ostomy. I have heard about special underwear for people with ostomies, but the only one I found was in Canada, and I don't really want to order online, does anyone know of any shops? Feel free to e-mail me or instant message me anytime. I love to talk to people.
PS sorry if there are any spelling mistakes I can't find the spell check!