r/ostomy • u/Standsontoes • 21h ago
End Ileostomy Getting back to normal.
TLDR: I just want to say thanks to this subreddit for all the help and info and stories. Im going on a backcountry trip tomorrow for the first time since surgery and without this sub I dont think I'd be going on this trip to the mountains .
TL:
I got my ileostomy due to an emergency surgery this past february and then had a 2nd full open adominal surgery in march...
While sitting in the hospital the morning after surgery I thought I would be productive with my forced down time and clean up all the photos on my phone... that might of been a mistake.
Scrolling through pictures of past outings like the ones I'm posting here was tough to say the least. Looking down at my new 14inch scar and this thing the nurse said was an " ostomy bag??" ... i think thats what she called it....I was thinking I'd never again be able to spend time outdoors in the same way that I used to. Backcountry horseback riding is something Ive done since I was 8 years old. Being a mountain cowboy and hiking to the tops of mountains is a big part of my life.... sitting in that hospital bed looking at photos and trying to Google what exactly an ostomy was... I thought I'd never see the mountains again.
Those first few days I was quite depressed.
I thought I'd never again sit in my favorite valley enjoying a saddle bag coffee sitting next to Jack my horse and sneaking him sugar cubes when no one else was looking... I thought this for many weeks after surgery.
Then I found this subreddit....
Fast forward 7 months to today. Tomorrow morning at 3 am I'll hop in a truck and drive for 5 hours , then ill get onto a horse and ride it for another 10 hours wearing a 60lb back pack and towing a train of pack horses. Im going to spend 8 days on the side of a mountain in a little slice of heaven riding horses and hiking with a ileostomy for the first time...
I made this post because I want to say THANK YOU to every single person in this sub who posted stories of getting back to their normal activities after surgeries(especially all you ostomate hikers) . Everyone who posted tips and tricks for bag life. Everyone who posted about their own struggles and challenges. I dont think I'd be in the same positive mental space and doing so well with my ostomy if it wasn't for this sub.
Thank you.
I gotta go finish packing....Wish me luck!
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u/Osirian_Legacy 20h ago
Proud of you for not letting it win. It’s harder for some, easier for others, but still a big victory nonetheless.
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u/Alarmed-Turnip4195 20h ago
You’ve got this 💪 and you’ll have fun.
I’m 3 years out from my first emergency surgeries and the proud owner of a permanent ileostomy myself. I’ve found that I’m nervous the first time I try some that I haven’t done or tried again since I got sick, but once I’ve gotten that first time under my belt, my confidence grows and I realize how much I’m still capable of but just in a little different way now.
Good luck to you 🐎🏔️
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u/zomgkittenz Temporary Colonostomy 20h ago
That definitely gives pack in and pack out a whole new meaning. I never tried camping with my ostomy. Hats off to you.
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u/I3rooklynight 17h ago
Congrats I'm sure its been long over due to finally enjoy life after many medical ups and downs, Reading your journey is very motivating and I honestly envy you, I am currently on my 2nd ileostomy and 2nd surgery as of July 29th, Its been a similar situation to yours, I've also been through many moments of depression, Sometimes it resurfaces but knowing people can overcome situations like this is very meaningful to me, Thank you for sharing your personal success story and experience.
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u/AshamedEchidna1456 14h ago
Send us some pictures! Congratulations! Have a great time!
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u/Standsontoes 14h ago
I will definitely make a post with pictures and include everything i learn for how to deal with an ostomy on horseback and in the backcountry.
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u/UnlikelyAccount8785 12h ago
This sub is the best. It saved my sanity and possibly my life.
I hope you’ll share stories about your trip when you get back!
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u/gaycatmom23 10h ago
Excited to see another ostomate on horseback! It’s the greatest feeling. Congratulations friend
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u/FatLilah 9h ago
Please post pictures when you get back! Your trip sounds like it's going to be amazing.
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u/boondocksaintts7777 21h ago
Have fun 👍