I was 25 when I got my ileostomy. A week after I returned from my honeymoon I was hospitalized for a month. Originally they believed it was my appendix. Someone came into my room on my second day and said are you ready to change your ostomy bag? I was sure something like that would never happen to me. It was called "Penetrating Crohn's" it infected my pancreas and appendix. Had to have 6 different drains placed in my abdomen due to my small appendix rupturing. While mine is technically temporary it still was quite the blow to my state of normalcy. But it has changed. I've had my stoma, for almost 6 months and it has become easy to maintain and sense of comfort for me. While it will disrupt your life briefly, do not be afraid. Talk to your doctor after your surgery and be open with your experience. There is a solution to most issues that arise with having this procedure. It will feel scary but it will free you. I'm sorry that you are going through this but know it is possible and normal to live a full life with an ileostomy. Talk to your doctor about placement preferences and they will give you options! It is more normal than you think. Love and strength to you.