Leah's Ostomy Story...

At the age of twenty I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease; two years later I underwent colon surgery. Why me? was my constant thought. As an art student I had always pictured myself as a free spirit and a creative soul who experienced only the beauty in life. Now I had to face the world with an ileostomy.

My parents, both professionals, helped me to face the diet limitations and the adjustment of wearing an appliance. However, I was resolute in not wanting people to know. My ostomy became my secret. I was no longer willing to take chances. Gone was the young woman who enjoyed horseback riding, swimming in the crisp Lake water, snow skiing and enjoying the night life, flirting and dancing until sunrise.

Marriage to reinforce my need for safety resulted in the loss of self. I disappeared into the fabric of domestic life, losing touch with my art, my spirituality and my self-esteem. Joy came only in those moments spent with my child. After eleven years, my marriage ended and I embarked on the process of recapturing my body and my spirit.

Part of healing for me was the need to feel whole again. The constant reminder of the ostomy bag during intimate moments had driven me to hide under long nightgowns and wrap tube tops and scarves around my waist to hide my appliance. Lacey panties had been replaced by control top underwear. Lingerie shops don't make trousseaus for women with ostomies.

If dreams came in shapes...

Sexuality is part of who we are as women; it makes us feel strong and feminine. To recapture my inner strength and creativity I decided to be honest about my body and spirit. My new resolution was to love myself and be grateful for the surgery that had changed my life. To do this I needed to feel feminine again. That meant designing lingerie for myself and women like me.

Beauty, comfort, ease of use and security were foremost in the design. I selected luxurious and sensual fabrics and trims for my lingerie coverlet. Learning to quilt, I reinforced the material and created a unique fastening. With a new man in my life, I chose the heart shaped design. Wearing my heart for him to see that first time was a test of my confidence and artistry. I felt strong, free and beautiful.

If you are like me, a woman who lets her imagination fly, enjoys taking chances, finds beauty in each day, loves passionately, and has an ostomy, then My Heart Ties coverlet may be what you have been looking for.

My Heart Ties Ostomy Pouch Cover is more than ostomy camouflage. It is lingerie that provides security and beauty for those intimate moments. It gave me back my dignity and freedom. My Heart Ties Ostomy Pouch Cover has truly transformed the way I feel about myself. No more hiding, no more settling, no more regrets.