Homer the stoma has given me my life back and I am incredibly proud to have him.
I don’t feel I am the same person now as I was years ago.
My new life with Homer has been a steady progression of exciting new challenges and opportunities in so many aspects of my life.
I am much fitter and healthier than I was for many years, I have become a content creator on social media building up quite a big fan base, and I have met so many lovely people through my ambassador role.
I have always made it my mission to raise awareness about life with a stoma and how I celebrate mine every day.
Reason 1: Confidence
I am proud to live with my stoma because I have gradually regained my confidence, not just in what I do but in who I am.
I am a full-time bus driver, which has given me back my self-esteem. When I was ill with ulcerative colitis, the time I had off work and not earning my full wages left me very depressed. I felt pretty useless and not able to contribute financially to my family as much as I should have.
Now that has all changed.
I am also a proud ambassador for Eakin Healthcare and Respond, and have enjoyed taking part in their events. As well as photoshoots, podcasts and videos, I have given talks and presentations. I honestly never thought I had it in me to do this.
I can travel once again and, as long as I organise my routines and my stoma products, I have enjoyed holidays abroad as well as trips throughout the UK.
As a social media content creator, I have been able to share my stoma story and post about all the things I get up to every day. I hope that my confidence will show others that they can be confident too.
Reason 2: Wellbeing
I am proud to live with my stoma because, thanks to him, I am now fitter and healthier than I have been for many years.
In spite of developing type 2 diabetes, I have been more determined than ever to stay fit. I live in a beautiful area of South Wales, right next to the Millennium Coastal Path in Llanelli, and it has been the perfect place to increase the distances I walk and now run.
My diabetes is kept in check, I have run the Race For Life 5K, and I regularly take my camera with me to capture the stunning scenery and wildlife around me during my walks.
I have even completed a few parkruns when my work shifts have allowed.
As well as all that, I am able to take on DIY projects at home, including installing a new kitchen and creating Mrs T’s dream space by converting part of our garage into a craft room.
It is so satisfying to enjoy life again and feel such a strong sense of achievement.
Reason 3: Gratitude
To me, giving something back has always been a priority.
I have deliberately used my social media platforms to reach out to others and, in my own way, show that having an ileostomy has not been the end of my life but the beginning of something bigger and more exciting than I ever believed possible.
I am proud to live with my stoma because I have been able to offer support and inspiration to many people who have been struggling with theirs.
I try to show that I lead a full and rewarding life with plenty of fun and adventures.
I am lucky that through my job I meet people from all walks of life. Now that I drive the university buses in Swansea, I have a new student following, and that is amazing.
A stoma has truly changed my life
Over the past 14 years I have witnessed stoma awareness increasing through the media. Celebrities have shared their stoma journeys, television dramas have featured characters living with a stoma, and inflammatory bowel disease is no longer the taboo subject it once was.
My son and two of my grandsons are living with IBD. One has ulcerative colitis and the other two have Crohn’s disease. They know they can always come to me to ask questions, discuss problems or simply have a moan.
At the moment they are all managing their conditions with medication, but if the day ever comes when surgery is needed, I hope I have shown them that life is still worth living and that a stoma does not stop you from achieving your goals.
Homer has been a lifesaver in every way.
A stoma is functional, of course, but to me it is an absolute miracle.
Of course I am proud to live with my stoma. It has been truly life-changing, and I feel blessed to be able to do everything I do today because of it.
