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Name: Harriet (no, not Shaz's)
Email: barnes911@home.com
Age: 37
Country: Toronto, Canada
Surgery: Will be having an Ileostomy
More Info: Hi All, I have had Crohn's for 15 years. ( everyone needs a hobby right?) and I just got the word this week that my ileostomy surgery is in 7 weeks. I seem to waiver between "eager to get my life back" and "scared to death" I am a Paramedic, and fear that I will have to give up my job due to the heavy lifting. Any thoughts? Also, The surgeon I guess feels since I am in the health care field that I am "ok" with the whole idea,,ugh... And Shaz,,this is a great page..I have enjoyed reading every word, BUT!! the name of your stoma...ahem...well..absurd?? :)

Name: Joyce Hill
Email: web9917@webtv.net
Age: 46
Country: Presque isle Me
Surgery: Ileostomy
More Info: I've had a ileostomy since I was 12 years old. Plus I have a pace maker, I am 45 years old going on 46 in March. I've had my ileostomy for 34 years. Please feel free to write me.

Name: Sandara
Email: Sandaraj@aol.com
Age: 37
Country: London, England
ICQ: 84458001
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: On the 9th January 2001 I had to have my rectum removed, and am still recovering from that.
I would appreciate anyone contacting me for any help that they might need, or just to chat. I have never ever seen anyone with a stoma, other than me..and my own stoma, so you show me yours and I'll show you mine. :-) lol.
Take care, peace and love.

Name: Sayeeda Nathu
Email: sayeedanathu@hotmail.com
Age: 30
Country: Canada
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I am also epileptic and had brain surgery in 1994 and am presently on a low dosage of tegretol.

Name: Nik (Roger)
Email: picknik69@hotmail.com
Age: 54
Country: Sandhurst Berks, UK
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: My UC diagnosed when I was 12, had Ileostomy in 1962 aged 16, I have been very lucky as I have experienced very few problems since. I last saw a doctor with ostomy related problems (Other than for supplies) about 35 years ago! There is very little that I don't do. I am still very slim, but generally very fit & healthy. I have only recently discovered the ostomy usenet groups and Yahoo sites (I'm uknik2000 on Yahoo Clubs). If I can be of any help please contact me.

Name: Lyn Hayes
Email: lynlhayes@aol.com
Age: 49
Country: Birmingham,AL, USA
ICQ: 2054080886
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD and Cancer
More Info: Had Crohn's for years, but in recession 20yrs. Developed fistualas, then cancer. Big surprise, monitored by Gastro and Surgeon, neither suspected. Immediate surgery 6/99 to remove colon and part of small intestine. Got married day before. Did 35 radiation sessions and 6 mos. chemo. Survived it all. Have a travel job and doing great. Big life change, but happy to be here!

Name: Hope Howe
Email: howed12@msn.com
Age: 26
Country: Davisburg, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy and Urostomy
IBD: Birth Defects
More Info: I love to meet people with ostomies.

Name: Martin Morrow
Email: yewgarth@aol.com
Age: 40
Country: England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC/CD
More Info: Suffered for over ten years with having to rush to the toilet, but now having had the ileostomy for over half of my life, I would recommend it to anyone who is on the verge of having it done but is having second thoughts. Please don't delay.

Name: Roger "Rog42" Lawrence
Email: Roger@rog42.com
Age: 33
Country: Came to Australia from UK in 1999.
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I've been coming to this web page for 3 years now, since just before my surgery in the UK. Yet I find that my contact details aren't here, what an oversight.

Well that's remedied. The ostomy is one of the most life changing (enhancing) decisions I have taken - as you see I now live in Australia.

Feel free to read my story, and those others for encouragement.

Name: Mark
Email: bluephoenix25@hotmail.com
Age: 25
Country: New Jersey, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was 10. I managed to live with UC for almost 15 years before I needed to have surgery. Over the years I have taken most of the medicines used to treat UC. Recently, the medicines stopped working. In December of 2000, I was forced to have sub-total colectomy with an ileostomy due to toxic megacolon. If anyone wants to talk with me about UC or living with an ostomy, feel free to e-mail me. If I can be of any help, let me know.

Name: Rosemary
Email: stewart.lydall@ntlworld.com
Age: 41
Country: Leicester, England
Surgery: Looking at Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: After 15 years of UC I feel I am probably going to go for surgery this year. I'm fed up of being in pain from UC and joints, being incontinent and taking loads of medication. I'm also worried about getting osteoporosis from all the steroids now I'm older. The trouble is I have a big problem with body image and worry that I won't be 'sexy' anymore. I also work closely with the public (I'm a midwife) and am worried about smells and noises and that the mothers will notice. Does anyone else work so closely with the public and can offer me some reassurance?

Name: Joyce Hill
Email: web-9917@webtv.net
Age: 45
Country: USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I have had my ileostomy since I was 12 years old, I am now going on 46 on March 15th, 2001. I like to go out dancing and wining and dinning. I also enjoy e-mail from males or females.

Name: Michele Tozer
Email: michele.tozer@ntlworld.com
Age: 45yrs going on 16yrs
Country: Yorkshire, England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: Surgery in October, 1999. Ted and I are doing well. I am busy showing Ted life on the outside. Needless to say he is very impressed and so am I. Together we live a normal life, even though neither of us are. Well, who cares!!!!

Name: Jennifer
Email: zeus@interlynx.net
Age: 14
Country: Ancaster, Canada
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I have had the ileostomy, but am going for the j-pouch surgery sometime in February 2001. If there are any people my age out there who would like the e-mail address of at least two other kids who have had the ileostomy or j-pouch please e-mail me. Thanx a bunch.

Name: Jenny
Email: cuzz62@hotmail.com.au
Age: 38
Country: Australia
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: Crohns for 10 years. Surgeons decided only course of action an ileostomy. It was like dropping a bomb on me. I had surgery 18th April 1999. What a shock, life change, psychological adjustments and physical adjustments. I have had a hard time adjusting, but slowly I got there. However, I have bad psychological days when no-one can be my friend, but those days are getting less and less. Thank God the pain, drugs and embarrassment have gone. Life's Good for most of the time.

Name: Michele
Email: pavs2u@pennswoods.net
Age: 30
Country: West Virginia,USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I just had an ileostomy a little over a month ago. I've had a lot of trouble with becoming dehydrated and have spent the better part of my time since then hooked up to IV fluids at home. I have a ton of (personal) questions to ask anyone willing to answer regarding maintenance, changing, emptying, and a ton of other things. I really respect those of you who have learned to live with this....I don't know if I ever will. I just keep trying to tell myself that it's better than UC!

Name: Rose
Email: iamscooby2@hotmail.com
Age: 27
Country: Hopkins,MN,USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I am 9 1/2 weeks pregnant and have had an ileostomy since I was 12 years old. My partner and I have not used any birth control for nearly 8 years and were surprised when I found out we are having a baby (I had a lot of scarring with all 4 surgeries). I am already on bed rest and have IV fluids I give myself for a few hours daily due to dehydration and am having a hard time keeping my weight up. I would love to hear from anyone who has had similar problems as I feel so alone at this time. Finding this web site was the greatest birthday gift to myself today!

Name: Tim Schultz
Email: timothyjames1@msn.com
Age: 47
Country: Midland
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: Suffered with ulcerative colitis for 3 years 1963-66. Ileostomy, 1966 and had it redone in 1998. Would greatly enjoy speaking with any who would like to talk. Life with the pouch has been interesting to say the last. Please if I can be of any help. God's speed.

Name: Helen Geraghty
Email: geraghtyjtg@aol.com
Age: 51
Country: Irvine, Scotland
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I had the op only 9 weeks ago. I am having extreme wind pain and backache, any tips? Apart from that I am coping with the rest ok. Thank you.

Name: Jacy Pierce
Email: jjpierce@cconline.net
Age: 39
Country: Nebraska, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: One of the reasons the Lord saved my life was to help others with ostomies. I AM HERE TO HELP!!!

I will answer any questions, or just give support. My 18 years with an ostomy has taught me much. Please email me if you want: jjpierce@cconline.net Make subject "ostomy".

Name: David Irvine
Email: davie670@hotmail.com
Age: 40
Country: Glasgow, Scotland
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Cancer
More Info: As a result of chemotherapy damaging my immune system I picked up an infection which went into the bowel area. Operation in March 2000 and awaiting date for reversal. Cancer ok, now so hoping for op this year so I can write off 2000 and begin next year. Not really dealing with stoma as I was told about reversal immediately after op.

My stoma is right on the waistline so wearing normal clothes is very dificult as I can't fasten them or contents build up above stoma instead of falling. Also skin is a nightmare and continually weeping.

Name: Keith Pilmoor
Email: keith@pilmoor2.fsnet.co.uk
Age: 58
Country: Bradford, England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: ulcerative colitis
More Info: Hi, my name is Keith and had a ileostomy about 6 years ago. I had ulcerative colitis for over 20 years and still coming to terms with having my bum at the front. I often get fed up because I can not do the things that I like to do any more. Any one who would like to chat then please e mail me. Kind regards to all.

Name: Cathy G
Email: AUNTIE88@HOTMAIL .COM
Age: 50
Country:British Columbia, Canada
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: ulcerative colitis
More Info: History of UC for 13 years. In and out of remissions. Unable to get back under control in Spring '99 and became very anemic. Developed atrial fib, possibly related to anemia. Fall '99 emergency total colectomy with ileostomy. Now needing to make decision as to make this permanent or consider a pouch. Thoughts leaning toward permanent ileostomy as this feels safe and easiest to control as I get older. Got any feedback as to what I should do?

Name: Elaine Marie
Email: elainerabbit@hotmail.com
Age: 55
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: ulcerative colitis
More Info: I have had my ileostomy since 1983 due to UC. I had surgery about one year ago for scar tissue that caused a 99% Blockage. I feel great now. Feel free to e-mail me.

Name: Renee Wolfe
Email: grwolfe@bellatlantic.net
Age: 33
Country: USA, Beaver Falls, PA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Toxic ulcerative colitis
More Info: Finding this website has saved me from myself. I needed to find others who know what it is like to be so ill, so close to death, and to have another chance at life. On September 20, 2000, I had the surgery that would change my life forever. I still have a way to go..2 more procedures, but I am alive and looking forward to the future.I have gone undiagnosed with ulcerative colitis for most of my life. My problems were written off as "stress" related. The last two years of my life has been a living nightmare...I just gave birth to my 3rd child in July 2000 and my 2nd in March 1999 my 1st in July 1994. It wasn't until August 2000 that someone said...hey..this isn't normal.

Thank you Cleveland Clinic for giving me a life!!!

Thank you Shaz, and everyone who has written part of their life here on this website, I needed you..

Name: Shannon
Email: grits28358@aol.com
Age: 30
Country: N.C./USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Crohns/colitis
More Info: Had surgery almost 3 years ago as last hope for sudden onset of symptoms. Lots of complications but doing good now. Would love to to meet new friends who can relate and talk about issues only we can understand.

Name: Jeff
Email: peaceall99@yahoo.com
Age: 26
Country: Derry, NH, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Crohns
More Info: You can read my story on the Your Stories page.
I'm a 26 yr old male who has had an ileostomy for about a year and a half. I must say it's not that bad. I have adjusted better but still get kinda down sometimes when I look in the mirror but I guess without the ostomy life would be hell.
I have had crohns since 19, I'm in remission now and feel really well. I even met a beautiful woman after the ostomy and we are happily in love with each other. I have learned that you can't let this disease hold you back, even though its tough sometimes you must always keep a good frame of mind cause sometimes that's all you have.
I would like to talk with some young people around my age or younger who have an ostomy too and either offer support, advice or even take some advice and exchange experiences. I am pretty much back on track and fully independant with everything and never even had a visiting nurse from day one. So if anyone would like to e-mail me, feel free. Take care Jeff:)

Name: Bill
Email: snikta@hotkey.net.au
Age: 44
Country: Australia
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Crohns/colitis
More Info: I am having a temporary Ileostomy ( divert split ) on Monday (2nd Oct 2000). Would love to hear from anyone who has had the same and reversed. I have suffered with Chroh's/Colitis for 13 years. Medication has not helped.

Name: Judy Johnson
Email: judy@kcnet.com
Age: 62
Country: Oak Grove, MO USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC

Name: Mick Womble
Email: MickWomble@hotmail.com
Age: 23
Country: Stoke, England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: As a Minor County Cricketer I am determined to regain my fitness as soon as possible in order to play cricket again and also to be ready for the second bout of surgery, (internal pouch). Is there anyone out there who has an exercise plan to set me off in the right direction? Any other sportsmen / sportswomen who can share their experiences.

Name: Bonnie
Email: BLDCPUP@aol.com
Age: 71
Country: Florida, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Cancer
More Info: Mom had cancer of the colon. The colon and the cancer were removed. The Iliostomy was done so it could be reversed when needed. After a little better than a month and a half she went back into surgery to have it reversed. The surgery, her 3rd in less than 2 months, was long and involved, but she made it through. She is home again and she needs find someone who can relate to what she is going through. Please contact her at the email address listed. Thank-you.

Name: Cindy Trombly
Email: trmbly411@cs.com
Age: 36
Country: Vermont, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I am hoping to contact others in my area who have ostomies. There are no support groups and I was hoping to share stories or feelings.

Name: Danielle Conroy
Email: conroydanielle@hotmail.com
Age: 28
Country: N Ireland
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Familial Polyps
ICQ: 74171008
More Info: I have my ileostomy 'Percy' for a month now. My wound was opened again so that is still healing, I have had several infections, and my skin doesnt like the base plate too much However, I can see the benefits of the surgery already. Would like to talk to other young people with this surgery, especially if you have FAP as well.

Name: Helen Swainston
Email: Helen@swinty.freeserve.co.uk
Age: 16
Country: Durham, England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: It was 3 days before my 16th birthday when Charlie was born. He saved my life by 30 minutes. I'd like to hear from people my age with an ileostomy.

Name: Steve Bounds
Email: doow@dmv.com
Age: 47
Country: Maryland, U.S.A.
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I guess I put this information in the guess sign pg. So I'll repeat it again. I've had illeostomy for about 27 years . I try not think about the illness of the past, and get on with life. I keep active working in healthcare so I see all types of people living with all types of problems worse than mine. My hobbies are home repair DYI, wood working, studing history , fishing, and working out at the gym. Would like to hear from others, especially people that travel overseas, camp,seakayak and back pack.

Name: Lee Heichelbech
Email: lheichelbech@psci.net
Age: 46
Country: Huntingburg, Ind USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: Just to say "hi"

Name: Louise
Email: weezie643@yahoo.com
Age: 46
Country: Niagara Falls, USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I've recently just had my surgery,March 12,2000,and I'm still a bit nervous about the whole thing... So anyone write and give me your ideas and feelings on living with this situation..Its really not that bad, just a bit scary..thanks

Name: Gail Lees
Email: j.lees@ic24.net
Age: 34
Country: Northallerton, England
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Slow Transit Bowel and Deformities in Colon
More Info: My son is 4 years old and has had his ileostomy since April. He has Slow Transit bowel and deformities of his colon. He was diagnosed at two and I have no other contacts with anyone who has a child with similar problems to Andrew. However, since he had his ileostomy he has been a different child and it is wonderful to see. He also has a caecostomy which helps to keep his bowel clean. He has not had his colon removed (yet). I would love to be in touch with anyone who is at the stage we were at in January, trying to make a decision. If I can help someone else then it is worth it.

Name: Amelia Fowler
Email: afowler1@midsouth.rr.com
Age: 34
Country: USA
Surgery: Ileostomy and Resection
IBD: CD
More Info: I was diagnosed at 10 years of age. My mother has Crohn's Disease also. I might be able to help parents with children who have been diagnosed with Crohn's.

Name: Sharon Crabtree
Email: ergator@cs.com
Age: 52
Country: Huntsville, Alabama--USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Cancer
ICQ: 53605216
More Info: Just would like to talk to some people and find out how they handle problems in their life. I am newly divorced, 52, and having trouble figuring out how to best introduce this to partners when considering intimacy. Hope to hear from all.

Name: Carolyn
Email: clw724@AOL.COM
Age: 58
Country: Bakersfield, Canada
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: I had a conversion from an external pouch, which I named Bridgett and wore for 9 years before having it converted to a BCIR in May 1999. I have had quite a few problems with my BCIR, and have given great thought to having it converted back to an external pouch. I am currently having problems with a form of pouchitis, any info would be greatly appreciated.

Name: Linda
Email: lterris@csolve.net
Age: 36
Country: Canada
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: I have had an ostomy for 12yrs.

Name: Susan
Email: sjmaye@yahoo.com.au
Age: 26
Country: Brisbane, Australia
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Indeterminate Colitis
More Info: I was diagnosed with UC three years ago and it was never in remission despite all the meds. I had an emergency sub-total colectomy for toxic-megacolon last July and woke up with an end ileostomy. I also had surgery at the end of December '99 for a bowel blockage due to adhesions.

Name: Jennifer
Email: jendover@bellsouth.net
Age: 35
Country: Dickson, TN
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: Rectal Tearing

Name: Steve
Email: thimblecottage@ladyjudy.fsnet.co.uk
Age: 41
Country: Cambs, UK
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: UC
More Info: 41 yrs old, divorced, employed, own cottage, had op 2nd MARCH 00 accepting it well. Looking to find somebody who will take me for what I have. Not out to find Miss Beautiful, just someone who is in the same situation as me.

Name: Pamela
Email: pamy6336@yahoo.com
Age: 37
Country: USA
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: I really need some help....I recieved my illy in May of 1997 without much of a choice due to years of having Crohn's coming going leaving me with a lot of scar tissue. Where I live we have no support groups. So, I have no one to talk to about it. I don't date anymore. I do have 3 wonderful girls and the support of my family but, I have found this to be very lonely. I have dated in the past but, when I tell them about my illy I never hear from them anymore. Is there something so wrong with me? Has anyone else had this problem? What can I do? I have even gone as far to ask the doctors to reverse this but, as of now they are saying no that my chances are slim that it will work. Sometimes I tell myself I wish they would have let me die.....but even now I know that would have not been the right choice but at times I do feel like this....I just feel like I am the only person sometimes......

Name: Tracy Menhinick
Email: TRACY_20_US@Yahoo.com
Age: 28
Country: Aberdeen, SCOTLAND
Surgery: Ileostomy & Urostomy
More Info: I have had a lot of surgery in the past 6 years, first I had an ileocystoplasty which did not work, so I then had an ileostomy and urostomy but they left my bladder in. Then 2 years later they had to do a total cystectomy. I have been left with an eating disorder since then. I have also had 2 repairs to my ileostomy and a small hernia removed. I hope I can help someone who is going through any of that problems or anything similar.

Name: Andrew James McGowan
Email: andy_j_mc@yahoo.com
Age: 17
Country: Watertown, New York
Surgery: Ileostomy
IBD: CD
More Info: Male, 5'9 brown hair, dark brown eyes, 160lbs. Intelligent. Enjoys listening to others.