Page 13 - OASC February 2021 Newsletter

Keep in mind that I do have my own rules for support groups, but if you can offer positive support, then someone out there will benefit from it.
But... The Smell!...
As ostomates, we are lucky – I mean, really lucky! It’s not easy to produce odour-free stools, yet with the abundance of products that specifically target ostomy pouch odour, you might have the most odour-free bathroom on the block!
The reality of human waste will be the smell, so don’t let a bit of ostomy pouch odour rattle your confidence. Remember, an appliance should only smell when you are emptying or changing it, so if you notice an odour at any other time, you likely have a leak to deal with.
Don’t Be Afraid to Strut Your Stuff...
This one can be a bit scary, but once you get over that initial fear, and you feel comfortable doing so, showing off your bag (and the scars that might have come with it) can be a huge confidence booster!
Positive body image can go a long way when it comes to accepting your surgery, and there is no value in self-shaming.
I know, we are all hard on ourselves when it comes to what shape our body is in, what weight we are at, or how many visible scars are showing, but these worries come at an expense: lowered confidence and often poor self-esteem.
It’s time to turn that around and take control over your own thoughts.
For some time now, I’ve seen how powerful campaigns like #getyourbellyout can be in boosting one’s confidence after surgery.
Closing Thoughts...
While our confidence may be shattered after learning that we
may require surgery, it is something that we can build up again –
and we MUST build it up in order to be a successful person and
ostomate. Attitude is EVERYTHING when it comes to being a successful ostomate!
The process may come slowly, but you have an opportunity to learn and grow each and every day. Use those days to your advantage and don’t be deterred from trying something new. n
— Eric Polsinelli
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February/21