Self Image and the Ostomate
I have been through some tough times recently. Telling you this makes me feel there may have been a purpose for it…something to be shared, a lesson to be learned. In truth, it was just something I had to get through, get passed, “live to fight another day,” as the expression goes. And perhaps the lesson learned is one I heard on television…”tough times don’t last, but tough people do!”
As a self-avowed makeup and skin care junkie, I strongly believe that looking good is greatly related to feeling good. In fact, makeup and attention to my skin has helped me to get through the years of misery that led to my eventual ileostomy 4 years ago.
As I reflect back, I remember asking my husband to search my handbag for lip gloss when visiting me in the hospital with peritonitis, as soon as I was brought into my room post-surgeries and the like. As soon as I felt well enough to walk around my house, I was applying my skin care regimen and blush, so everyone knew I was fighting my way back. My suitcase, always at the ready for another surgery, contained my stash of the perfect lip color to brighten my pale face for visitors, including my physicians making early morning rounds. Somewhere along the way, I recognized that my ability to heal had a great deal to do with the colorful smile I could put on my face!