Zerlina Zamnuik

I try to live by this statement.."Everybody poops, some of us do it a bit different!" I have had an Ostomy for about 7 years. I have had many complications from the ostomy and the Crohn's (22 years). I hate it but I live with it. I am blessed to have a very dedicated team of doctors, specialists, nurses, friends and family. Each day is new for me,,,,,sometimes good, sometimes great, sometimes content. I try to maintain an active life, by trying new things that I know will not cause my body any harm.....bike riding, movies, little golfing, dinner out with friends, travelling and belonging to a support group. I could write all the surgeries, drugs, proceedures, and so on and so on. We have all been there. I just wanted to show you a life that may be a little different, little hard to adjust to, but a life that you can set up to carry on each day. Trial and error for most part. Leaks that leaving me crying and upset to the best holiday adventure ever. Ask questions....lots of them. Answer questions that might help someone else. Let people know we are no different and we should never hide. After all 11 surgeries, I wear a bikini. I had to do this for me....to prove to ME that I was ok and could like who I am regardless what anybody else saw ,made comments about or stared at. Somedays it is hard but I like who I have become....a shoulder to cry on, support for other ostomates, someone who won't judge you and best of all, a friend.