Fir & A Bag

This space is dedicated to my journey with my upcoming colorectal surgery, and after, adapting to my new life post-surgery with a colostomy bag. I think it will be therapeutic for me to document this journey. I am a writer, after all. I write about hope and heart and real connections. And if ever there was a time for me to seek solace and healing through writing, it’s now.

I am also eager to hear from other ostomates about their experiences. I welcome any advice, tips, and humor you can bring. I am eager to hear your stories! I want this to be a safe space for all. Understand that I will not tolerate ridicule or shaming on this blog. Be respectful, or go away.

Surgery went well, no complications. My doctor showed me a pic of the mass they removed and that thing was gnarly.

Cheers, my friend! 🍻 Have one or two or ten for me, cause I’ll have to abstain for a while. 😭

I had an ileostomy for a year (2019-2020) after sepsis & a bowel perforation due to Crohn's disease, it was a very interesting experience.

After you get used to everything life with an ostomy is pretty easy, in my experience/opinion. + There are A LOT of new supplies available nowadays that I wish existed a just few years ago (I'm honestly pretty jealous 😅).

I hope your surgery is uncomplicated & that you find your colostomy easy to care for! ♡♡♡

Ayy, thank you for telling me that! ❤️ I’m sorry you had to go through the sepsis and bowel perforation, because omg that sounds horrid, but I am actually quite happy to hear you had an ostomy, too. It’s very encouraging to hear that it became easier for you. I’ve been following a bunch of people on Instagram with similar stories and it’s really helped my outlook and mindset.

Any plans for a name as well?

(im chronically ill and i love naming my medical aides and supplies)

Lol, a reader jokingly suggested calling my bag Gedeon Andreano cause it’s full of shit. 🤣 On the other hand, I don’t want to hate my bag so there’s that. 🥴

Enough with my rambling and random tangents though I hope you have a good day Fir. 😅😅😅

Synth, I love ya, but 30s “at worst”?? That makes it sound awful. Late 40s, and proud of it! 😎

im so proud of you for braving such an honestly terrifying experience, and that too with so much optimism and humour. I hope you know how much of an inspiration you are to me, both your writing and who you are as a person.

im very glad you have support circle, and there's definitely better people for you to consult medically, but if you want somebody to share stupid memes or random thoughts without any context with, then my dms are always open (i love my moots)

take care! you're an absolute unit, a legend, and a superhero <3

Nat!! 🙌🏻🥹❤️ Thank you for following me here! I’m glad you like the banner! The humor helps preserve my sanity. 😉

Hello! I have no problem at all answering your question, thanks for reaching out! Though I do want to preface this by stating I’ve got absolutely no medical knowledge beyond my own issues.

In my case, I had virtually no symptoms: no pain, no soreness, no blood in stool, etc. My mass was discovered in my very first colonoscopy, go figure, which I had at the recommended age of 45. I did have thin and loose stools for a full year prior, which I chalked up to diet and tried making changes there. In retrospect, I should have been more concerned and asked my doctor to look into it more. But with no other symptoms, I’d never have imagined it could turn out like this.

Do you know your family medical history and if there’s a prevalence of colon cancer? Even if you don’t, I’d recommend consulting your doctor about the symptoms you described. There’s no reason why you can’t have a colonoscopy done at age 30, barring financial or insurance reasons.

Bahahaha!!! Yasssss! 🤣🙌🏻

And I want a colostomy bag cover embroidered with this:

Viaticolon