I love my friends! Here are links to some of their blogs and web sites. They have all given me so much support, I can’t thank them enough! Their Facebook pages, YouTube channels, blogs, and web sites each raise awareness of IBD, ostomies, and many other diseases and conditions, in their own unique way. I’m proud to know them and call them friends.

Also on this page you’ll find a fair amount of resources relating to IBD and ostomies – everything ranging from organizations to ostomy supply/product companies. It’s a constant work-in-progress, so check back periodically to see what’s new.


Here are some of the blogs, sites, etc. that helped me immensely when I was considering my second ileostomy and then the recovery period after:

The Phoenix Magazine is an awesome resource for ostomates. I started subscribing to it when I got my second temporary ileostomy in 2011. I get so excited every time a new issue arrives in my mailbox because of its great articles, inspiring stories, and ostomy product highlights. As someone who is still a fairly new ostomate (7 months now), I oftentimes still feel lost with all of the different things to try for ostomates. The Phoenix Magazine helps organize all of this information for me so that I don’t have to spend hours and hours researching things myself online. It’s also really nice to see a publication JUST for ostomates. Having it contributes to the development of a solid, cohesive ostomy community that serves to support its members. I LOVE IT!!!!!

Ostomy Outdoors

Ostomy Outdoors Facebook

Heidi from Ostomy Outdoors

This is Heidi’s blog and facebook page. She’s a permanent ostomate and does all types of crazy outdoor stuff like camping, hiking, snowboarding, etc. and shows you how to do the same things with an ostomy. She also spends a lot of time reflecting on recovery, life, experiences, and memories. I feel very calm when I’m on her page. :)

I Have UC

I Have UC Facebook
This is Adam’s website and Facebook page. I didn’t use this site for ostomy information, but I met a lot of people through it who ultimately received ostomies. I also used it for diet tips (based on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet)! Plus, Adam’s just cool

Shaz's Ostomy Pages
Ostomates Forum
This is a website and forum run by Sharon (Shaz) that I specifically remember reading right after I made my new ileostomy permanent. I found several people on her site who have become friends and inspirations. I’ve also used her ostomy humor sections for my own newsletters and for my local ostomy association’s newsletters. If you’re looking for the OSTOMY BARBIE, you’ll find her on Shaz’s page!!!


Here are some of my friends’ pages – they are a great group of people and they have really awesome IBD and ostomy related posts!!!


Blood, Poop and Tears
Blood, Poop and Tears Facebook
This is Jackie’s blog and Facebook page. Jackie is HILARIOUS – She has a j pouch (has had an ostomy before) and many of her posts are about life with that. She approaches topics typically from a lighthearted (though not always), humorous standpoint which I find really refreshing.


The Great Bowel Movement facebook

The Great Bowel Movement is a website and facebook page run by two awesome girls, Andrea and Megan. They have great t-shirts and hoodies that inspire people to talk about IBD – ANNNND they have j pouch and ostomy shirts coming soon! They are non-profit organization, by the way! Check out my product reviews page to see some pics of my “Ask Me About My Colitis” hoodie!!

The Stolen Colon
The Stolen Colon Facebook Page
The Stolen Colon is a blog and FB page run by my friend, Stephanie. We even have the same GI surgeon! Crazy, huh?! Anyway, Stephanie is an ileostomate and her pages are pretty cool, so check them out

Rollin With Outta Colon
This is my friend Cary’s blog. He’s an ostomate in CA who’s really into cycling, music, photography, and writing. His work will make you think.

Oscar the Ostomy
This is Allie’s blog and it’s about her life and the adventures she has with her ostomy, Oscar. I LOVE her blog – she is gutsy, straight-forward, funny, and she does not let Oscar keep her from doing the things she loves!!


Rebuilding My Life With Paleo: Gluten
Free, Grain Free

This is my friend Troy’s story. He is simply amazing. He’s been through Hell and back, and then some, and still he finds the positives in life. Check him out – you won’t regret it. And if you’re interested in learning more about the Paleo Diet, he’s the man to ask. :)

Paul Riome of Living Bigger with Colostomy

Living Bigger with Colostomy
Living Bigger with Colostomy on Facebook

This is Paul’s blog and Facebook page (notice he’s also the gentleman on the cover of the Phoenix Magazine shown at the top of this page!). He ignored rectal bleeding and declined all examinations for 2 years – resulting in rectal cancer, resection, and a permanent colostomy. Now he is experiencing (rather than just dreaming) his ‘bucket list’ – hiking the Rocky Mountains, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and still playing hockey … and he shows how-to with a colostomy. He nudges gently for ostomates to be active, but he hits hard at hockey players to listen to their bodies and do those life-saving preventive examinations.


Spilling My Guts
Project Ostomy Facebook
This is Paul’s blog and Facebook page. Paul had Ulcerative Colitis and a j pouch for a couple of years and is now an ostomate. I just found his blog not too long ago and am working through it. He’s a good writer and very down-t0-earth!!

Aly's Blog – Strong People Fight Crohn's Disease
Project Ostomy Facebook
Project Ostomy

J Pouch Club
This page is run by my friend Janelle. Most people on it are j pouchers, but there are a few of us there who have either had j pouches or who are thinking of getting them. Feel free to post some questions or stories and you’ll be able to talk with some nice folks :)

Here are some product and informational resource pages you may find useful.

Vanilla Blush
Vanilla Blush facebook
OMG – I LOVE VANILLA BLUSH’s ostomy lingerie! PLEASE visit their website for ways you can feel sexy again with an ostomy!!!

Fun Ostomy Belts
My friend Alan makes these belts – aren’t they awesome?! I have yet to send him one of my belts so that he can convert it, but it’s on my to-do list.

Stoma Stifler
This company is a family-run business. Their product, the Stoma Stifler, acts as an ostomy noise suppressor and stoma guard simultaneously. For more information, check out their website and stop by their Facebook page as well!

Ostomy Bag Holder
features several products that may be of interest to ostomates. Check out the videos and products page and you may find something you like! The site also offers ideas on health and fitness and provides some great tips on ways to stay motivated in your fitness journey. Micah, the site’s owner, has also posted his personal story and it’s one I believe other ostomates can identify with!

Coloplast Malaysia Coloplast Malaysia has just created their website and it’s looking good!!


9 Responses to My Friends & Resources

  1. SGJ says:

    Great list! Lots of reading for relative 0st0n00bs like myself! I’ve recently begun writing about my own experience. Check it out!

  2. says:

    Charis – thanks so much for adding me to your list of friends and resources. I am both humbled and proud to be associated with the many inspirational and knowledgeable authors you have found. Paul.

  3. Cary says:

    Thank you, Charis! And thank you for posting it on your blog, which I see has grown tremendously. I think you had ~4000 hits when I first visited, which was, I recall, in January. Wow! If you’ve helped and inspired many like you did me, all I can say is: thing of beauty! This post is very helpful–all the important links in one place. Thank you again for having the vision to make it possible.

  4. Cary says:

    Ileostomy appliance change video:

  5. says:

    anyone can join from any part of the world

  6. Charis says:

    I’m glad you’re here, Tony :)

  7. says:

    I have enjoyed reading your posts on Facebook and I look forward to interacting with my fellow ostomy freinds.

Hi, I’m Charis!



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