Having an ostomy does not mean the end of life. But let me put it this way... it is the beginning of a new life. My neighbor recently had an ostomy and before this I never really knew anyone who had it. So, for me ostomy was like something weird happening to your body. Till the neighbor got back home with an ostomy. And I found out that he was being as cheerful as before with not a sign of something amiss.
I then realized it was actually no big deal! Merely a question of adapting to the way your body is now.
All of us understand that fear of loss is normal but with each passing day, the anxiety will diminish as you realize and understand that things are not that bad, after all. And that you can easily cope with the changes on your self without much fuss. The ostomy products the neighbor’s doctor recommended got his life back on track.
I often speak with him at length about his experience. He is a determined soul, bless him! And more normal than I feel, I would think!
It is tough when you are ready for routine life and about to face the society again. You are after all, going back to the world you left before your mishap and it is natural you are a tad nervous. But this is just a temporary affair because you need to do some smart thinking. Selecting a few of your co-workers and bringing them into knowing your condition will help allay all fears of secrecy. You are bound to feel more at ease. And once, your routine is established, all concerns will vanish.
Psychologically, you would have adapted to the way your body is now.
Now you know and accept you need to have a pouch, you should ask to be taught self-care so you can feel the master of your body once again. The pouch and its accessories are a part of your daily life now. So, just as you know the brand of trousers or skirts you wear, you want to know about these items, too.
Understand the products you are using. There are a variety of them in the market. Coloplast, Hollister, Marlen, Convatec, Bard Medical, Denver Biomedical, Cymed, Genairex and Nu Hope are some of the manufacturers. There is no right or wrong product… selection will depend on what your need is and what fits you best. Some brands tend to suit certain skin types and stomas.  So if you are given one particular brand but feel discomfort using it, change it. Consult your nurse or supplier and try a different brand or type.
Pouches may either be one-piece or two-piece systems. In the one-piece system, the collection pouch and skin barrier are joined together as one component. It is then attached to the abdomen over the stoma. In the two-piece system, the bag and barrier are two separate components. Both kinds can either be closed or drainable.
Closed bags can be used only once and usually by Colostomy patients. Drainable bags are often used by Ileostomy patients and can be drained while in use.
Then there are various styles to select from depending on individual needs. Wafers or skin barriers are either flat or convex shaped, rigid or flexible. Again these can either be with or without adhesive backing and tape. You can select the one that will perform best for you.
Use of the ostomy products would require accessories too. Available are lubricating deodorant, pouch clamp, adhesive remover, ostomy belts, odor eliminators, etc.
The choices are plenty. There is nothing that cannot be done to make you comfortable. And choosing the right product will be the first step in this direction.