After 20 years of having IBS-D, then ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, a blocking stricture, I had a Sigmoid resection. One year later, my entire colon was all precancerous. I was 69 then. I opted for the drastic Colonectomy with an Ileostomy. One surgery & done.
That was 13 months ago, it very saddening when you see the Ileostomy for the 1st time, so foreign looking, and ugly.
But she is now my friend!
It is an accepting & learning process. It is my life-line. It’s difficult, but you can do it! You will have to learn to chew, chew, & chew some more! Otherwise it can be very painful when things pass through. It’s going to change sizes, as you heal, so you must learn to measure & cut your wafers as accurately as you can. Get yourself a stoma nurse, you will need her or him along your journey, they will teach you so much on how to care for your stoma. Attitude accounts for your success, try to stay positive, look at it like a blessing. I do, I’m alive & not dealing with Colon Cancer! This is a good thing.