Self Image and the Ostomate
In a few weeks, it will be Thanksgiving, Chanukah and Christmas, and then the New Year is upon us. The weather will become bitter cold, snowy and icy. But for now, we can enjoy the transition of the fall and wrap ourselves in warmth from garments that sort of “hug” us.
Over the years, I have wondered if there is a shallowness to the adoration I had for those red shoes. But as I look back on all that has transpired over the 23 years and 23 abdominal surgeries that occurred, I realize that sometimes it is simply easier to imagine losing a pair of shoes, than all that I stood on the precipice of losing.
By now, you may have noticed that being stylish and fashionable is very important to me, and that includes carrying along the necessary items ostomates must have with us. Ronnie, the ostomy nurse sent by my healthcare plan, came to see me at home after my ileostomy four years ago, and told me that “even […]