Because ostomy surgery takes place very close to the prostate, ostomy surgery for men means different considerations than for women. Founder and President of The Intense Intestines Foundation Brian Greenberg, talks about the preparation and research he did before he decided to go through with surgery.
Brian also talks about relationships and intimacy now that he has an ostomy and the advice he’s received from friends. His favorite: before having surgery, Brian was nervous that his ostomy would keep him from meeting the right person. Having confided this in a friend, she answered: “Brian, the ostomy won’t keep you from meeting the right person. It will keep you from meeting the wrong person.” Brian took that advice to heart. From his interview: “If someone isn’t okay with my ostomy, then they’re not okay with my life and they shouldn’t be in my life.”
Learn more about Brian’s diagnosis and recovery journey here:
You can find more helpful videos and articles to prepare for ostomy surgery here:
- Ostomy Surgery Recovery Video
- Going Back to Work After Ostomy Surgery Video
- Preparing for Surgery
- Overview of the GI Tract Before and After Ostomy Surgery
Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957
My family and I are taking a road trip. I wanted to know what accessories should be used when starting to drive or ride in a car. Should I use something to cover the stoma?
Hi I had my osteomy for twelve years,cancer took my bladder. I have had know problem, with the pouch
What can I expect on my reversal
Hi Allen,
That is a great and quite common question. Unfortunately, I don’t have firsthand experience, so I can only relay what I’ve heard, which is that everyone’s recovery from ostomy reversal surgery is different. I’ve heard frequency of bathroom trips varies greatly after surgery from person to person, but that after a year your body will generally get used to its new anatomy. I have heard that a barrier cream for your bottom is extremely helpful and many people invest in a bidet because it helps with any sort of skin irritation that may happen. Here is a helpful link to a discussion between people who have had their reversal surgery. https://www.uoaa.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22668
I hope this helps!
-Laura