Posted 7/15/2014 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
I guess for me, the bigger issue isn't whether the public becomes aware (although I believe that is a good thing), but that this woman wearing a bikini to the beach was obviously not ashamed of her body or her disease. I think that for the most part, any disease involving things like bowel function or bladder function is sort of "socially unacceptable". People are often embarrassed about these things, and you really don't dare talk about it. Lots of times I have wished I could trade in my bowel and bladder issues for something like bad allergies or even a bad knee or something. I like that this woman felt confident enough to do what she did. The diseases/medical problems with my bowel and bladder are not my fault--I am just learning that, and I do not need to be ashamed of them. Of course, I'm not about to sit around with a group of people and discuss my poop habits, but I have been able to tell a few close friends and not feel judged. People seem to be generally disgusted and horrified by anything to do with bladder and bowel stuff, and those conditions are frequently made fun of.
Funny thing is that last night, I was at the store and I ran into an old friend, who I hadn't seen in about 6 years. We began talking, and she asked where I was working. I said I was not currently working because of medical problems and just vaguely described to her that I had GI issues that would require surgery. Well, my friend then said "oh, I saw a thing online recently about a woman in a bikini with a colostomy bag". I admitted that within a few months, I'd have one of those lovely accessories. (but i don't think i will ever have the body or the confidence to wear a bikini, ostomy or not). She went on to talk a little bit about what it must be like to deal with that. I think that when people see these things and talk about it, people begin to understand it better, and that leads to less disgust, less being uncomfortable with the topic.
I guess I don't think we need to start telling people all the details of it, and you don't need to run around trying to force people to learn about it, but when an opportunity comes up, let's use it. Awareness can decrease the stigma surrounding a disease, and when people understand it better, they will be less afraid, less grossed out, and people who have the disease may feel less embarrassed and that they don't have to work so hard to hide everything and make excuses.
Of course, that is just MY opinion. Obviously bowel problems will never be a topic to be discussed at the dinner table, but when I see someone being unashamed or when I feel like I don't have to be so secretive about my illness, it takes a whole lot of stress off of me. I feel like I won't be judged or that there's something "wrong" with me. So, I say "you go bikini girl!"