 HI again! If you're navigating life with a colostomy or an ileostomy bag like me, you know that finding the perfect outfit can sometimes feel like a daunting task. But fear not, because I've got some tried-and-true tips to help you feel confident and stylish. In the beginning of my life with an ostomy, I found that tight fitting tank tops underneath my tops were my best friend. Not everyone is the same, but I liked the feeling of having my bag close to me. This allowed me to wear whatever top I wanted to over it. Some people may prefer loose fitting tops but it made me feel most comfortable wearing tight fitting tank tops. This helped to minimize any bulges or lines from the bag itself. Choosing Dark-Colored Clothing: Dark colors like black, navy, or charcoal gray are incredibly forgiving and can help if you want to conceal your ostomy bag. These shades tend to camouflage any lumps or bumps, allowing you to feel more at ease in your outfit choice. Experiment with different textures and fabrics to add depth and interest to your look. Layer Strategically: Layering is a fantastic way to add dimension to your outfit while discreetly hiding your ostomy bag. Consider wearing a cardigan, blazer, or lightweight jacket over your top to create a sleek silhouette. You can also experiment with scarves, shawls, or statement necklaces to draw attention away from your midsection. Opt For High-Waisted Bottoms: High-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts can work wonders in concealing your ostomy bag but most importantly it provides support and comfort. Look for styles with elastic waistbands or adjustable closures for a customizable fit. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a cropped top to accentuate your waistline and elongate your silhouette. Invest In Ostomy-Specific Clothing: Nowadays, there are plenty of clothing brands that cater specifically to ostomates, offering stylish and functional garments designed with discreet built-in pouches or hidden access points. From swimwear to activewear to everyday essentials, these specialized pieces can make dressing with an ostomy a breeze. Experiment With Accessories: Accessories are a fun and easy way to elevate your outfit while diverting attention away from your ostomy bag. Try adding a statement belt, chunky jewelry, or a bold scarf to draw the eye upwards and create visual interest. Just remember to keep comfort in mind and avoid anything that may rub against or irritate your stoma site. Swimwear: I found early on that there were not many options in terms of bag covers for the mini pouch size that I would wear with my swimsuits. I wore two piece swimsuits from day one but wanted to have matching bag covers to wear. I got to shopping and sewing and eventually had a collection of bag covers specifically for the mini pouches made out of swimsuit material. After a few years I became more comfortable with my ostomy and ditched the tight fitting tank tops underneath shirts and now wear whatever feels most comfortable to me. I don't make an effort to conceal or hide my bag anymore, which has been extremely freeing. Confidence Is Key: Above all else, remember that confidence is the most stylish accessory you can wear. Embrace your body, be proud of your journey, and don't let your ostomy define you. Own your unique style and strut your stuff with pride because you are beautiful, inside and out. So there you have it, – some fashion-forward tips to help you navigate the world of ostomy-friendly clothing with ease. Whether you're dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for a day out with friends, remember that you deserve to look and feel your best. Embrace your individuality, experiment with different styles, and never be afraid to showcase your true self to the world. Until next time, stay fabulous! With love and ostomy solidarity, Megan xoxo  My Hubby & I #BeachDay
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 As I sit down to write this blog post, I'm overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions. Pregnancy for all women I feel is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of anxiety for any expecting mother.
However, being pregnant while also living as an ostomate adds another layer of complexity to the experience. I want to share my story of navigating pregnancy as an ostomate, shedding light on the fears, concerns, and triumphs that come with this unique journey. My journey as an ostomate began several years ago, following a jet ski accident in my beloved Bahamas. The accident left me with a colostomy, a surgical procedure that reroutes the colon through an opening in the abdominal wall, resulting in the need for an ostomy bag to collect waste. Adjusting to life with an ostomy was challenging initially, filled with fears of the unknown and concerns about how it would impact my daily life. However, over time, I've learned to adapt and embrace my new normal. (You can read my previous blog posts on this). One of the very first questions I asked my doctors after waking up from emergency surgery after the accident was if I could still have kids in the future. Due to the location of my injuries it was one of my very first thoughts waking up. My doctors explained that it would be a situation where we wouldn’t really know until it was time to have kids, but if and when I got pregnant, that I would definitely have to have a c-section/s. During my first pregnancy like any expecting mother, I was filled with joy when I discovered I was pregnant. However, mixed with that joy was a sense of apprehension as I grappled with the uncertainties of how my ostomy would affect the pregnancy and vice versa. I explored whether or not I would have to have a c section overseas, but after speaking to my doctors in Florida, they felt it was best to have my deliveries in Nassau, with the surgeon that performed my emergency surgery assisting during the delivery. And so that is what I did. I did not have any complications with my first pregnancy. I do suffer with frequent UTI’s because I also have to self catheterize in order to pee properly, so that was something we had to pay attention to and monitor with frequent antibiotics. When I got pregnant with my second child, I quickly realized that I had developed a parastomal hernia, something that most likely was a result of my first pregnancy. This type of hernia is common with ostomy patients, but I had gone 10 years without one. This type of hernia is when part of the intestines bulge through the abdominal wall near a stoma. The risk of this during pregnancy and at any time is if the hernia gets stuck, or strangulated which can cause intestinal obstruction and death of the strangulated intestine, requiring emergency surgery. I often had to wear a hernia support belt, which helped keep the hernia from bulging. I did have a lot more UTI issues with my second pregnancy, which (we think) resulted in early labour. My second child came 4 weeks early, but both of us were healthy and there were no other complications. Fast forward to the present, this being my third, I now have the reassurance and comfort in knowing that my ostomy does not prevent me from having a healthy pregnancy. My doctors and I have learned from my previous pregnancies and decided to keep my on a low dose daily antibiotic this pregnancy which has helped to prevent UTI’s. I have also had my hernia belt handy for when/if needed. So far at 23 weeks pregnant I have not had many flares of my hernia bulging. I do credit some of this for having built a stronger core with my fitness training the last 4 years. Here are a couple tips if you are currently pregnant as an ostomate:
 In this blog article, I wanted to talk about the additional layer of difficulty that comes with being a parent who has an ostomy. Managing my ostomy while navigating motherhood has required self-awareness, endurance, and fortitude.
I wanted to be open and honest with my children when I explained my ostomy, but I also wanted to make sure they knew in a way that wouldn't overwhelm or frighten people. I explained to each of them, once age appropriate, how sometimes our bodies work differently and that my tummy needed some extra help, so the doctors made a little opening called a stoma. It's nothing to be scared of; it's just a different way my body works now. Just like how we all have different hair colors or eye colors, this is just another thing that makes me unique. They may not fully understand what an ostomy is, but for now my hope is that they understand that everyone is different and that is okay. Encouraging questions was crucial. My children are naturally curious, and I wanted them to feel comfortable asking anything they wanted to know. I used visual aids like diagrams and children's books to help them understand better. Seeing their understanding grow and their acceptance deepen was incredibly heartwarming. But it wasn't just about explaining it to them; it was also about accepting it within myself. Parenthood is already a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities, and adding the physical and emotional adjustments of life with an ostomy can feel overwhelming at times. However, I've learned to prioritize self-care, reaching out for support when needed, and embracing my body's new normal. Balancing parenthood with self-care has been crucial. Whether it's taking time for a workout, going for a walk or run, seeking support from loved ones, or connecting with fellow ostomates through support groups, taking care of myself allows me to be the best parent I can be. Yes, there are challenges unique to parenting as an ostomate, but there are also countless moments of joy, laughter, and love. My ostomy doesn't define me as a parent; it's just one aspect of who I am. And through open communication, patience, and understanding, my children have learned to accept and embrace this part of me, just as I have. So, to all the ostomate parents out there: you are not alone. Embrace your journey, lean on your support system, and remember that being an ostomate doesn't diminish your ability to be an amazing parent. We are strong, resilient, and capable of navigating parenthood with grace, even with our ostomy pouches in tow. In my next post, I’ll talk about navigating pregnancy as an ostomate. Thanks for reading! Xoxo  Me Before The Accident Hello! My name is Megan Forsythe, Founder of the Megan Louise Sands Foundation and I'm here to share my personal journey of adjusting to life as an ostomate. It's been a challenging yet transformative experience, and I hope my story resonates with those who may be going through a similar journey.
First and foremost, let me give you a glimpse into what led me to become an ostomate. A few years ago, I faced a medical challenge after a jet ski accident that left me with no choice but to undergo ostomy surgery. At first, the idea of living with a stoma seemed overwhelming and frightening. I had countless questions and concerns about how it would impact my daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. The initial adjustment period was tough. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, I found myself grappling with a sea of uncertainties. However, I soon realized that being an ostomate wasn't the end of the world—it was the beginning of a new, resilient version of myself. One of the most significant hurdles was learning to care for my stoma and the accompanying ostomy bag. The first few days were a steep learning curve, but with the guidance of compassionate healthcare professionals and the support of friends and family, I gradually became more confident in managing my ostomy. Understanding the right products, developing a routine for bag changes, and learning to listen to my body became integral aspects of my day-to-day life. Embracing a positive mindset was another crucial factor in my adjustment process. Rather than focusing on what I had lost, I chose to celebrate the newfound freedom and improved quality of life that my ostomy brought (the life that I now still had - reason being my ostomy didn't improve my life in the sense that I had colon issues prior, but I started to appreciate the fact that I was alive and able to live even with an ostomy). I started to appreciate the small victories, whether it was attending social events without fear or simply being able to enjoy a meal without the discomfort I had experienced in the past. Family and friends support played a vital role in my journey. And after online communities became popular, I began connecting with fellow ostomates, allowing me to share experiences, exchange advice, and gain valuable insights into coping with various aspects of life as an ostomate. Building this network of understanding and empathy made me realize that I was not alone in my journey, and there was a wealth of knowledge and support available. Navigating intimate relationships as an ostomate presented its own set of challenges. However, I discovered that open communication and education were key. Sharing my story with those close to me helped break down barriers and fostered a deeper level of understanding. It's amazing how embracing vulnerability can strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment. As time passed, I began to redefine my sense of normalcy. Traveling, exercising, and pursuing my passions became not only possible but enjoyable. I learned to adapt my lifestyle to accommodate my ostomy rather than letting it dictate the terms of my life. In conclusion, my journey as an ostomate has been a process of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. While the road to acceptance wasn't always easy, I can confidently say that life as an ostomate is not a limitation—it's an opportunity for growth, strength, and a renewed appreciation for life. If you or someone you know is facing a similar journey, remember that with time, support, and a positive mindset, adjusting to life as an ostomate is not only possible but can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding life. |
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