Hello again and A little question..

hey there and good to hear from you! you've done amazingly well with your running. So sorry to learn of your news though, that's so sad :-(

as for dating.. that's often something I've wondered too. Not that it's an issue as I'm married, but if it were what would I say and at what point? I'm not sure.

I guess you obviously have to say something at some stage.. but perhaps not on the first date !?!? lol. But if things start to head in 'that direction' it's time to mention it and just be as factual as possible? and not portraying it as a terrible thing, just keep it cool and play it down. Any lady who has a problem with it may not be worth your time anyway

Wonder what others in the same situation have experienced?

So sorry to hear this has impacted your marriage.

It isn't the easiest thing in the world to contend with and adjust to probably when you are younger, but in the big picture it is too bad that the overall good and lifesaving, quality of life etc. doesn't take a front seat to the other half. I find it so sad when I hear having an ostomy makes a marriage fail.

Hopefully you will find what is the right time, place etc to have the discussion. Definitely before things get too serious. I hope there is someone you meet who might already have this in their background and won't be put off by it.

Not easy for sure but the most important thing is you have your life back and at some point there is that special someone out there for you and you for her.

Dear ROF......

I'm sorry to hear about your marriage. I'm too divorced, but was going through my divorce when I was diagnosed with my diverticular disease. Subsequently, I was in remission for 3 years, dating of course. Having to discuss the topic of children and then my disorder was challenging. I just went with the moments, not saying too much, letting time take it's course. Then surgery happened and my anastomosis disconnected and I had an emergent ileostomy. This was over 2 years ago. Since then, dating has been scarce, until recently. I have been getting to know someone for couple of months now, and have been selective as to everything I say. I've always believed that you don't 'air out your laundry' right away. Can be a turn off. 1st was just briefly discussing my health. That didn't scare him away. Thought that he may have already known because I know his sister who's a nurse and she could have spilled the beans. So, just a few days ago, I told him that I have an ostomy. I've been so confident in other situations with other people, but this situation was different, was hard for me. But was secure enough that this was the right time to have this discussion and felt comfortable that I wouldn't be rejected. Since I'm a talker and inquisitive, I was taken back because he was quiet. I don't think that he's grasped what I've been saying. I understand his reaction, if the shoe was on the other foot it's hard to understand those with ailments. We're still talking, so at least that's the best I can accept for now. I haven't said anymore, when he's ready to ask questions, I'm ready to answer.

Hope you are well too and please keep us posted!

ROF well it sounds like you both at least parted on good terms then and that is a plus for sure.

Good luck getting back "in the game" and as I said I hope there is someone out there you find when the time is right. Hope it is not too difficult overall.