I had my colostomy in March 2007. It was not a surprise as I had colon cancer in late 2004,
which resulted in a colon resection. I was  cancer free for two years and when it returned 
I had the colostomy. I knew that I could return to a normal life, as a good friend that I 
worked with almost 30 years ago had a colostomy, and I remember how well he handled it. I 
am now 79 years old and my wife and I still do the same things we have always done. The 
biggest problem I encountered was that there was no helpful information from the hospital. 
The Nurses did not even know how to properly replace the bag. I became self-taught;  
think I did a pretty good job. I was so pleased to find this ostomy group, with our nurse 
Shaunda, so it would no longer be hit and miss with any problem that might arise.  

Hi, I am Pat Meyer and this is my husband Harold.  We have been married 38 
years and I have had my ileostomy for almost 30 years.  We have two grown children, a daughter 
born before my surgery and a son born 15 days after I had my ileostomy.  We moved to Bullhead 
City from Iowa in March of 2001.  I was a cosmetologist for 35 years and owned my own business  
but retired to enjoy the sun and desert.   We both love animals and have a dog named tootsie 
and 2 cats named Precious and Angel.

Hi, I'm Sherry..I was diagnosed with diverticulitis...I had a temporary colostomy for 
7 months and a temporary ileostomy for 5 months, then a reversal.....Being an ostomate was 
a life changing experience.......I continue to go to support group meetings, hoping that I can 
make a difference in others lives.

 

Hi, I'm Karen and this is my grandson River James Mackey. I was diagnosed with
ulcerative colitis in 2000. In 2001 I had surgury and ended up with a Kock's
pouch which was never explained to me. A month later, I had a second surgury
and got an Ileostomy. I ended up with short bowel syndrome with a flush stoma
Later on I got a fistula on the right side of the stoma, had surgury to repair it.
It never helped and I still have it. I had to learn the how, what and where, and
what to order for my supplies. Yes, I learned on my own. With the love and support
of my family, I have kept a positive outlook on life and having a good sense of
humor has kept me going.

I'm Kate Enfield and this makes my 49th year as an ostomate. I was diagnosed with ulcerative
colitis in 1960 and had Ileostomy surgury the same year. After recovery , I've led a full and 
active life. we are so fortunate to have this ostomy chapter and the E.T. nurse in our area and 
be able to get together with fellow ostomates to discuss problems and help each other. Also to
be informed on all products as well as any new ones that become available.

Hi, I'm Pat K. I've been living with an Ileostomy for a year now, and I think I have it right.
It has taken my husband and myself a lot of trials and errors to get the right equipment and 
process.It's been so great to find such a wonderful support group to be part of. It is 
really helpfulto find that you are not alone in this new life.

Hi, I am Ron Rehm, and this is my wife, Georgia. I had a colostomy for 36 years, 
and have had an ileostomy for 2 years. I retired from the Rockwell Space Division. 
We have lived in Bullhead City for 18 years. Our favorite activities are ballroom dancing, 
karaoke, boating and R.V. traveling.
 

I had my colostomy in 2005.