Jamie's Story

My name is Jamie.

In 1977, I graduated from nursing school. In 1978, I injured my back and never urinated again. I self catheritized and had numerous Suprapubic catheters, then I developed Interstitial Cystitus. After many hospitalizations with kidney infections, I had a Total Cystectomy with Illeal Conduit. I woke up in ICU and realized that I was 34 years old and I had a BAG.

I never cried so hard in my life. My family was of no help. They acted like I had some horrible disease and they still do. I am no longer angry at them. I now feel sorry for them.

On 9/20/00, I will celebrate my tenth anniversary with a Urostomy. I met my husband 7 years ago and we have been married for 5 years. We have a beautiful dog and a life filled with love. We are very happy and I know that I am blessed.

There is life after losing your bladder. My husband Joe helped me to realize that people will love you no matter what your abdomen looks like. I work full time as a Nursing Supervisor, and in the last 10 years I have been able to help my patients with new ostomies.

I am hoping that God blesses me with another 50 years, because life is beautiful.

Jamie

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