I had my colostomy over 30 years ago and I had a baby to a year later my child was born❤ congraduation you will be happy no pain no bath room bledind such peace❤
Hi Charlotte, if you are looking to meet someone living with a stoma, there are many ways in which we can facilitate this, such as finding you a local support group, signing you up to our befriending service or getting involved with open days. If you would like to explore any of these, please email hello@colostomyuk.org, we also have our private Facebook support group, simply search for 'Colostomy UK Support Group' on Facebook and answer the joining questions- Emily
I have a stoma I had a problem in the public toilets said I was emptying my bag when I came out this woman gave me a look as though I was doing drugs or something.
Thanks for this video. The PR for stomas is amazing...but there's a whole conversation missing about those who can't accept it, don't like it and its traumatized them. Only hearing "oh thats such a positive step" when you're fresh out of surgery is well-meaning but leaves no space to grieve. I'm going to be making a video soon about this subject ❤️
Great to have more awareness out there but disappointed BBC using incorrect terminology. Not sure where “fitted with a stoma bag” has come from. You don’t get a bag “fitted”. You have a stoma formed or created from a bringing a small piece of bowel through your abdomen (from the small bowel for an ileostomy or the large bowel for a colostomy). The operation involves removing some or all of your bowel (again amount of small bowel/large bowel removed depending on disease/reason the stoma is being created and the type of stoma required) and completely diverting your body’s waste removal system. You wear a stoma bag over the stoma exit to catch the waste products and the bag needs to be emptied/changed regularly. The bag is not permanently fitted. This language matters as it causes a lot of confusion when people are faced with this situation and potentially further distress or anxiety when realising what is really involved.
I completely agree with Matt. I have a permanent ileostomy and I find it really good once you get settled in with it. Every individual is different though - and I respect that we are each on our own journey in life. The toilets in this country are TERRIBLE often. I’ve done bag changes at the back of the car somewhere discreet as it’s cleaner and just easier. I also joke with people to say that they can’t call me an ‘ars*hole’ any time - because I’ve literally not got one (in my backside) lol.
So true about the problems about public toilets. Too many have been closed it makes people with stoma reluctant to go to places sometimes me included which it is handy having our caravette facilities.
Really pleased for Matt that he had such a positive experience and is making a brilliant recovery. I, however, do think that Matt’s choice of words of “it’s not that troublesome and “it’s easy” are actually quite alarming to hear. It’s a significant lifestyle change and not everyone has such a positive experience. If you’re preparing yourself for surgery it is important to understand that it may not be easy (particularly at the start) and if you are struggling your not weak and there is always support available👍
What an inspiration you are. Lovely video to watch. Makes us newbie ileostomy mates feel very fortunate as to what is available today for stoma patients, Thank-you for posting this video, I feel very humbled.
Are you at increased risk for colon cancer I get free text after fifty then every ten years after that if nit free ages lay twenty five dollsr subspecislist gi copsy
What an inspiring story. I was born with Spina Bifida, was given 7 years to live. I have a Urostomy bag (for bladder) for the past 56 years. Was married for 6 years ( husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack). I worked as a receptionist at the Association for the Physically Disabled Greater Johannesburg for 31 years until I no longer could walk. I live in my own batchelors apartment for almost 22 years. Am involved with an amazing English guy 6 years younger than me for 20 years I am Afrkaans). He takes care of me because I became bedridden 4 years ago, although I have the support of my family. I make use of home based care and it is very humiliating as I was very independent apart from the fact that I can't drive. This situation I am in now is very depressing and I can't accept what has happened to me. I don't have children but am the proud mother of 2 beautiful Calico cats (mother and daughter). Some of my family members didn't think I would be productive in live and thought I would land up in a home for people with disabilities but because I was very determined I had to proof them wrong. I'll be celebrating my 59th birthday May 18th next year. From South Africa
It's so refreshing hearing someone talk so openly & honestly about their experience w having a stoma. He is the first person I have heard talk about the mess it made, the embarrassment he felt & how it made him cry. My heart goes out to him & anyone that has had or is having this same experience. May God be w you & give you the strength you need to get through this & for better days.
Had my ileostomy for over forty years, from the start I ate what I liked and used it as a excuse for what I didn’t like. I was told at the start that chocolate was bad for you so I stoped eating it, now I don’t like the taste of it, also lettuce was supposed to be bad for you it sticks to your intestines I do eat it now. Don’t let it change your life live life to the full I have.
