Every day at Comfort Medical we hear inspirational stories that amaze us. So much so, that we want to share Gene’s MyComfortTM story as a source of encouragement, celebration, and connection.
A little background about you.
I’m 74 years old and I went to high school in Greensburg, Indiana. I was 14 when I came down with ulcerative colitis (UC) and had a tough time dealing with it in school. Found a doctor who tried to help me with my UC but ended with surgery. I was on a strict diet and had a relapse every 6 months. After high school, I went to a trade school for 2 years and then I went in for surgery again and had to have an ostomy at age 20.
Gene, tell us a little bit about life with an ostomy.
I weighed 107 lbs. and had an ileostomy. After getting out of the hospital I could eat about anything, and I put on 50 lbs. in one month. I learned how to take care of changing my ostomy bag. Got married at 24 we had 2 sons. It wasn’t until I was 50 that I had problems with too much uric acid and a doctor got me on medication for it. I was having trouble with kidney stones. I was doing great until I started having problems with the skin around my ostomy and went to a wound care clinic and they treated my skin with antibiotics and got that cleared up. Going to be 75 in a month and it doesn’t seem like it’s been that long since I was in school. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could deal with having an ostomy but now, I’m glad I had it done.
What are some challenges you’ve overcome while living with an ostomy?
Not eating too much fresh corn and vegetables – it can block the bowel. Finding the right appliance for your ostomy. I use a drainage system where you don’t have to change it every day. Making sure the end of the bag is locked and doesn’t come open. I’ve had this happen a few times and it is embarrassing when you are out in public. Other than that, most people don’t realize that I have an ostomy unless I tell them.
How did Comfort Medical help you?
Getting the right application to fit my needs. Easy ordering and billing my insurance.
What is important to you when choosing a supplier for your products?
Getting it when I need it. This is something that you cannot afford to do without.
What is something you’ve recently learned to do with an ostomy?
When I was younger, I could do anything in playing sports and swimming. I learned how to water ski, played golf and softball.
What’s an interesting or quirky fact about yourself?
I don’t look my age. I’ve had people say I look 20 years younger than I am. My sense of humor.
What words of wisdom would you give to others who have an ostomy?
You could be worse off than others. Look on the bright side of things. Give God the praise and ask for his direction in your life.
What’s something you would like to accomplish?
Just live life to the fullest.