Diving into life with an ostomy: Meet @susanbfoster

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@susanbfoster: In the past, I had participated in online IBD support communities, like “IBD Sucks” and the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) message board, and with in-person groups. As the decades have gone by some of these communities have become less active, with fewer new members, or ceased altogether. As someone who has had an ostomy for a long time, I like being able to help other people who are at the beginning of their journey, and Mayo Clinic Connect helps me connect with others.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in Mayo Clinic Connect?

@susanbfoster: Back in 1987, when I first had an ostomy, someone from the local UOAA support group came and chatted with me. It made me feel less isolated, and gave me the encouragement I needed to adapt to my “new normal”. I like being able to help others in the same way.

TERESA: What about Mayo Clinic Connect makes you feel comfortable to share and to be open with the community?

@susanbfoster: There is a certain level of anonymity and detachment in an online forum. It makes me feel more comfortable about sharing what may be some pretty intimate details. I also appreciate the professional tone that the Connect moderators have. In online communities things can go off the rails, misinformation can spread, and that can work against the purpose of the forum.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@susanbfoster: I participate in the Ostomy support group, both the forum and the virtual monthly meetings.

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Connect.

@susanbfoster: I generally like to chime in when there is discussion of travel and swimming, because those are areas where people with a new ostomy often feel hesitant and unsure. I hope I have helped people do normal things that they enjoyed before an ostomy.

TERESA: What surprised you the most about Mayo Clinic Connect?

@susanbfoster: Honestly, after over two decades of participating in online support communities, nothing surprises me anymore.

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@susanbfoster: I try to limit the amount of social media I consume and maximize the amount of in-person connection. I walk dogs for the local shelter and that gives me a lot of joy. I work on staying active, but I like to change it up; right now I am going to the gym and lifting weights. Last year I was doing a lot of yoga, and for many years I swam on a Masters swim team.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@susanbfoster: Right now, I’m doing a lot of scuba diving. We recently moved to the Pacific Northwest and started cold water diving. There is so much to see, and it is pretty challenging, since you have a lot of heavy equipment. It helps motivate me to stay in shape by working out and lifting weights. I’m also a crafter; I spin yarn and knit. I’ve recently started doing more baking when my cousin gave me a sourdough starter.

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@susanbfoster: I love the weather. We recently moved to the Pacific Northwest from Arizona and I love the gray cool days with rain. We are in a 55+ community where we know all our neighbors; I love the sense of community.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens? 

@susanbfoster: To tell the truth, dogs and cats. Young animals are cute, but so much work. We have always adopted adult cats from shelters (except the one time the cat distribution system sent a cat to our house and she walked in, curled up on the couch and never left). Our current boy cat is a sixteen pound adult former tomcat with messed up ears, giant paws, and the sweetest temperament I have ever seen. 

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