My stoma journey has been a whirlwind. Since 2012, I have gone from years spent suffering with ulcerative colitis (UC) to becoming the proud owner of Homer the stoma, an ambassador for Eakin Healthcare and Respond, and more recently an online content creator using my social media to spread awareness of living with an ileostomy. My posts show me celebrating what it means to have an ostomy and encouraging others to understand, empathise and appreciate life with an ostomy.
Mindset
I honestly believe that having a positive mindset is key to getting you through the day. Before I had my stoma, I couldn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. In spite of trying different medications, I still had to deal with the diarrhoea, fatigue, joint pain, cramps and mouth ulcers and I felt absolutely dreadful most days. Having Homer changed everything. I am living my best life; working, socialising, pursuing my hobbies and interests, and every day, I aim to put a positive spin on whatever I do.
Resilience
Having a stoma is a perfect example of resilience. Bouncing back after suffering with UC for many years has had its moments but I have embraced the new life my stoma has given me, and pushed myself to get out of the depression I felt when I was at my most poorly. Coping with a stoma, as a lot of new things, wasn’t always straightforward; I developed a parastomal hernia as a result of a cough I contracted in hospital and hadn’t been told how I needed to support my stoma under these circumstances. But I wear a support belt, choose clothes wisely and don’t let it get the better of me. I am always raising awareness via my social media about hidden disabilities and I often say that I am indeed, a proud ostomate.
Confidence
I appreciate the fact that I am generally a very confident person, who’s comfortable in my own skin. During my illness, this changed somewhat and I found it too stressful to get up and get out as I battled with the realities of life with IBD. However, having my stoma has honestly given me my life back. Ok, I have to live with wearing a bag but I have rediscovered my freedom and the joy of living a full life, where I can, and have tackled new challenges head on. I fully understand that not everyone is as extrovert and self-confident as I am, and it’s down to family and friends to ensure that new ostomates are supported and shown encouragement to lead a full and happy life. Confidence comes from within and with the right support we can all find it.
Lifestyle
I have learned to appreciate the importance of staying fit and healthy, especially as I have developed type 2 diabetes recently. I have had to look seriously at my eating habits and at how I could get fit again. I loved playing football in my younger days and was always proud of being fast on the pitch. I decided to take on the challenge of Couch to 5K last summer; setting myself a goal of running a Parkrun in 2026. I have done so, smashing my personal target. So if a 64 year old ostomate with type 2 diabetes can manage it, there’s hope for anyone to have a go at whatever they want to. If you’re not into sport as such, walking is brilliant exercise and it’s so beneficial to be out in the fresh air. For me, moving as much as possible every day is crucial and my new love of running has certainly helped.
For those of you who might be about to start a stoma journey, i would just like to say a few things to you:
- No matter what, your general health should improve significantly when you have your stoma.
- Not all stomas are permanent and, in many cases, they can be reversed.
- I just think of changing my stoma bag as simply a different way of going to the toilet.
- Stoma products and their manufacturers are at the top of their game. New products are being made available all the time and they make our stoma journey infinitely better.
- You are not alone. You are joining an incredible family of awesome people who are there to help and support you. As well as your personal family and friends, the ostomate community is always there for you to talk to and to help
I had my stoma in 2012, and 13 years later, I am definitely living my best life with family and friends, enjoying good health and making the most of every day. If you are starting your own stoma journey, I wish you all the best and remember it is not the end, it’s a new beginning.
