I Had Contemplated Keeping It a Secret

What has been your experience with ostomy surgery? If you know someone who lives with an ileostomy or a colostomy, you'll likely get your impression about having a stoma from them. But what if that person struggles to accept their stoma? When Amber Wallace Ogle of The Ostomy Diaries was faced with ileostomy surgery to treat her Crohn's disease, she was reminded of the negative experiences of her family members who lived with an ostomy. However, it didn't take long after her surgery before she was embracing life again and working to show others that life with an ostomy can be fulfilling and beautiful. Amber tells her Crohn's disease story, gives 5 tips for advocating online, and shares a message she received from a family that has been touched by her advocacy.

Concepts discussed in this episode:

• Clostridium difficile
• Colectomy
• Proctectomy

Find Amber Wallace Ogle at OstomyDiaries,com, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Credits: Sound engineering courtesy Mac Cooney. "IBD Dance Party" ©Cooney Studio.