Ray Elvey’s Story
I had ulcerative colitis that was unresponsive to any treatments including remicade infusions. In January of 2006 I had ostomy surgery. My first comment was “It is so quiet down there.”
After three horrible years my life was given back to me. I am now disease free and colon cancer is no longer a worry. My ostomy surgery has allowed me to have a more rewarding relationship with my wife and family. Having an ostomy has not stopped me from enjoying activities such as cycling that I participated in prior to surgery. I still ride whenever I can.
As soon as I was physically able one of the first things I did was join a local UOAA affiliated support group. The support group was a lifesaver for me. When I first joined I was having terrible skin problems and there seemed no solution. The support group facilitator made one suggestion and my skin problem was completely resolved!
As a result of my ostomy I have discovered a new passion in my life that I probably never would have done otherwise. I am now a freelance writer on ostomy topics that are of interest and concern to ostomates and their families and friends. My articles appear in our support group newsletter and the Phoenix magazine. I want people who are facing this surgery to know that their quality of life can be restored through ostomy or continent diversion surgery. It truly is lemons into lemonade.
I am anticipating that I will have to have a Colostomy and am very nervous about the whole thing,
When I had my hysterectomy 20 years a go cancer was found in the wall of my uterous and this was
followed by 6 weeks of radiiation. This past year I started having fecal incontinence iwhich I am sure
is caused by my radiation treatment that has effected my rectum and anus. I will have a procedure
on May 28 to check the nerves and muscles in my rectum and anus and am quite sure will have a
colostomy. I am 76 years old and other wise in good health. Just nervous about and hope I can
find a support group, Thanks for your support,