In 1999, there were about 2,500 new members. I know that statistics may lie, but I think many of these facts are rather interesting, and I will leave you to form your own conclusions. Yet it is still more traumatic when performed on a teenager or young adult. The older person who is married and has found his or her place in the world may rapidly readjust to his or her new situation, aided and encouraged by one's partner. There is a job to resume, usually with renewed vigor and strength.
Life is resumed.
The younger ostomate may not have this feeling of belonging. If preceded by a long illness, then he or she will have fallen behind classmates, both academically and socially. Returning to school without old familiar friends may seem strange and disquieting. A major difficulty for the young is being different, regardless of the cause. Already singled out previously by the ulcerative colitis with its dietary and physical restriction, the younger person may feel this difference from others more acutely when returning to the social circle with an ostomy.