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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dad was an ostomate 53 years

Thank you for the ostomy article (Voice, Oct. 26).

My dad had a complete colectomy and ileostomy in 1960 at age 35 and lived very well until he was 88 years old.

As a stoic Swede, he put up with the pain and misery of ulcerative colitis for years until he nearly died of dehydration and malnutrition and the removed colon was “like wet paper towels.”

His ostomy group in the Tri-Cities was a huge help in his recovery and well-being, and he returned to all the hunting, fishing, yardwork and loving relationships he had before the surgery.

It’s so good to read of another man, a generation later, following in the same general, busy footsteps.

Daddy was very open with his two young, curious daughters – we watched the bag preps and changings as just a normal part of everyday life and, then, so did his grandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and during one evening meal when his abdomen gurgled, we asked what he did when that happened during a work meeting. He said, “Oh, I just look at the guy next to me and say, “Ewww!”

Please forward my best wishes and thanks for the interview on to Mr. Moyle,

Annie Shiffer,

Spokane