After any type of ostomy surgery, you may find it necessary to participate in a support group meeting, even if it has been years since your surgery. You may be feeling depressed and withdrawn, wondering how long to expect that feeling to last, so attending a support group will help you understand your feelings. You may adjust almost immediately to your new circumstances and have a great outlook on your future, because you understand how an ostomy was a cure for an illness that threatened your life, so sharing your insights in group sessions is just as important. Others will find the ostomy support groups to be of great benefit as they get helpful hints on how to master the fine art of pouch changing and maintenance, or where to get the best ostomy supplies .

For many, ostomy surgery starts a process that is very close to a grieving process, and as far as the grieving process goes, the amount of time necessary to feel emotionally whole again will vary with each individual. For some, it can take up to two years before they feel like they have regained somewhat of their former life, for others it may only take a month or two and still for others, they may never feel their usual selves again. Attending the ostomy support groups allows the time needed to figure things out, and helps with the feelings of depression and isolation by letting you know you’re not the only one going through a major life change.

There are ostomy support groups in every community. Your hospital social worker can give you a pamphlet listing the organizations, their meeting times and phone numbers.