I absolutely agree with you Cataja! I don't have an ostomy (now) but it bugs the crap out of me when people diss them. Those who had a bad experience with a temporary ileostomy really don't know what it's like to live with a permanent ileostomy. I had an end and a loop ileo. The difference was night and day for me. But regardless, there are advances being made all the time and what might have caused problems a few years ago for ileostomates, may now be a thing of the past for most. Because most people opt to have a j-pouch and the ileostomy is really
very temporary, there usually isn't time to figure out the best system that offers the best solutions.
I think it's a real disservice to people who may have an ileostomy coming up in their future. And I think it's rather a slap in the face to those who have permanent ileostomies. When someone says "I'd rather die than have an ostomy" - I just think that person is a total idiot.
I'm sorry that you have to deal with the thoughtless comments.
kathy
