Tag Archives: ilesotomy

One step forward, two steps back…

This weekend I attended a friend’s wedding, and got the chance to wear the dress I previously posted about.  You might recall that I wrote about how the persuasive sales lady encouraged me to wear a dress in a smaller size than I am used to. I mused how I probably wear clothes that are too big, and how I need to be aware of my body size and not be afraid to wear the ‘right’ size.

Well, the dress did indeed make me feel like a princess. However, it was very tight across my abdomen. It didn’t pull, but I found myself incredibly self-conscious of if anyone could see the outline of my ileostomy. I kept dashing to the ladies room to empty my appliance. Admittedly, this could have been caused by any number of things. Do you ever feel like your body changes from day to day? Maybe the day I bought this was one of those “skinny” days where everything looks good, and the day of the wedding was one of those “bloated” days where everything feels a bit off.

Even so, I think I learned a few lessons from this. Yes, it is important to not be afraid of wearing properly fitting clothes! But, it is also important to feel comfortable in the outfit. And in my case, that means not worrying that people can or cannot see the appliance. I just cannot relax if I am worried about it. Is it too much to ask to look good AND feel good (physically and mentally that is)? All part of the continuing clothing hunt…

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Second Life, Body Image & Ilesotomies

Please bear with me for yet another random musing on body image. This time it’s about Second Life. For those of you who don’t know, Second Life is a virtual world where you can interact with others. You create an avatar and have control over what you look like, and yes, what you wear.

I’ve been ‘visiting’ Second Life for some time now. It’s a nice diversion and I have made some great friends there. However, you may notice that most SL fashion tends to be, well, shall we say hoochie mama chic. Baring your midriff  (as well as baring other anatomical parts) is the norm.

Here’s where it gets odd….. I have a hard time with my avatar showing off her midriff. Honest! Isn’t that ridiculous. I mean, it is not like I have to worry about her ostomy showing. And yet, I see her as an extension of myself and feel uncomfortable baring my midriff. There is some kind of psychological study in that, don’t you think? Probably the same reason I tend to dress her in winter clothes when it is winter in RL and summer clothes when it is summer in RL.