What if I have to have an ostomy?
Many people live normal and productive lives with an ostomy. Your surgeon will often have a pretty good idea before the surgery whether this will be necessary. There are many good resources for living with an ostomy, whether it is temporary or permanent. One patient on the PMP bellybuttons website says: “I have an ileostomy which it seems is going to be permanent. But considering the alternative, I have learned to live with it the best I can. I have returned to an almost normal life.
