Not me, but a relative who is here with me can answer these questions...
Crohn's disease is the reason. Had it for almost 25 years and is 64 years old.
"Personally, nothing because I was in such a lot of pain and discomfort that I was actually happy when they said they were going to do it. Having said that, nobody told me that they sometimes leak."
"At that time, as well as they could. Back then it was not as publicized as it is now and there are a ton of resources available online. I had ostomy nurse assigned to me in the hospital who showed how to put one and and remove it, and how to clean around the ostomy myself. When I could put one on myself and it stayed, I was released from the hospital."
"A little long in the tooth now for getting that. I could have used more at the time, but it's a moot point now. You learn to deal with it."
"Getting naked in front of somebody (LOL). With my husband, he knew it happened and knew what it looked like, but if I were to have to meet a new intimate partner, there would be some reservations there. I mean, what do you do? I had offered to speak to new recipients of ostomys so they could talk to someone who understood. I met young people, and there was a guy, maybe 19, who was so embarrassed. He had a tough time talking about it. Once he knew I had one, he could relate a little easier to me and expressed concerns regarding girlfriends, and I explained that there will be someone out there that you meet who will not care about an ostomy, that you will be more important to them than some stupid bag."
See above.
"It's a little embarrassing when you hear air coming through the ostomy and you have no control over it. That's the only thing."
"I don't think it does because I accepted it the day the surgeon told me about it. My attitude is, if you don't like me because I have an ostomy, then don't associate with me. It's very simple."
"Back when I was working, I would get up every morning and have a shower or bath. The more you get it wet, the faster the glue breaks down. I applied a new bag on Monday morning, and on Wednesday, I had gotten ready as usual and went to work. Half way through the day it was about 10 or 11:30 in the morning, I felt the flange come away from my body. I went to the washroom to check and had to make a hasty retreat home to change the bag. Word to the wise, always check the glue in the morning before you leave. So my only major complaint is the glue doesn't stand up to water very well and I have to change the bags more often as a result. As a pensioner on a fixed income, it is tough to afford multiple bag changes."
She has an ileostomy, rather than a colostomy.
I'll be around for another half hour or so if you have any follow up questions. Hope this helps!