Today is October 6th and also World Ostomy Day. In raising awareness of stomas and working to reduce some of the stigma, days like this can be vitally important.
Last year focused more on ‘Colostomy Day’, which I also did a post for here, but as many of you may know, colostomy is only one type of stoma. I have an ileostomy, but there are also urostomies, and so ‘Ostomy’ is more fitting.
5 Things I’d Like To Raise Awareness Of :
- There are numerous reasons for someone to have a stoma. It is not just for IBD, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s. Other conditions or issues may result in the need for a stoma, be that temporary or permanent, from cancer and pelvic floor problems, to lack of peristalsis in the bowel and even accidents/trauma to the abdomen.
- A stoma may be temporary (ie. ‘reversible’) or permanent.
- It’s hard to say what life with a stoma is like because it’s a unique experience & will be different for everyone. For some, it may give them their lives back, not negatively impact their day-to-day lives, & they face minimal problems. For others, there may be regular problems, from obstructions to skin problems, and a stoma could affect what they do, what they eat, their self-esteem etc. I would imagine the majority probably fall in the middle of the extremes, myself included.
- Many with a stoma will also have other health conditions which impact their lives. In itself, a stoma isn’t a barrier to life. Travel, intimacy, sports and swimming are all still possible. There are adjustments that can be made (ie. hernia support). But that’s not to say that everyone with a stoma is well enough to travel the world and go sky diving; it doesn’t work that way. Many of us still struggle with other conditions, and many may struggle with the impact on self-esteem that a stoma has too.
- A person with a stoma is still a person, that never changes. They are more than just a bag.
My Experience Of Ostomy Life
I have now had 5 surgeries at the time of writing this, 3 of which were for my stoma. The first to make the original ileostomy, the second for a colectomy (remove the large bowel) and the third more recently to ‘refashion’ the stoma. I’ve had a quite a few trips over my time with the stoma to A&E due to tightening/twisting/obstruction of the end of the small bowel, various other challenges with bags, leaks and my skin, and less severe obstructions that sometimes can be catheterised at home. It’s had a knock-on effect to my confidence but it’s also affected in a more positive light the way I see health and my ability to better prioritise the need for self-care and appreciation of my body, rather than just focusing on appearances.
I also know that this was a last-ditch option for me; without the stoma, I wouldn’t be here. The same is true for many of those with stomas. I still get angry about the reasons I have a stoma. I still get the ‘what if’ and resentment and wishing to turn back time. Acceptance doesn’t always happen quickly or easily, if ever at all for some.
I have days where get on okay with my Prada bag and can be thankful for the life it’s allowed me to lead. I also have days when I’m totally frustrated and utterly disheartened. Days when other issues, like fibromyalgia, migraines, utter exhaustion, makes me want to hide away. But you keep going, day by day, step by step.
Live Your Best Life, With Or Without An Ostomy
Having a stoma is not a life sentence. There’s no guarantee how things will go, but that’s true for anything in life. We make the best of what we can. What I can say with certainty is that it’s helping me to grow, to learn more about myself, to realise I can be more adaptable and resilient than I thought. Having a stoma generally means adapting your life, your thoughts, your priorities, and finding new avenues to live your best life.
A stoma saves lives. It is not something to be ashamed of. Be proud of your body & who you are.
I’m more than the bag and more than any illness I may have. And so are you.
Read More :
- Coming to terms with stoma life
- Sun, sea & stomas – First proper holiday & first bikini
- An intro to stoma pants & support wear, and a few items I’ve used & reviewed
Caz ♥
16 comments
I can’t imagine, but you have sure helped others in similar situations. I thank you for that.
Have a fabulous weekend. ♥
I hope it’s a cycle that can be repeated, as others have given me the confidence that I can perhaps do the same for someone else. Thank you for the comment – I hope the rest of the week treats you well! 🙂
A wonderful post, Caz; you sure are a great poster girl for a great attitude!
I luv all the images, though I must say, the image of the bikini and the matching life saving accessory speaks volumes in terms of self confidence and enjoying life to our best…
You rock! 🙂
xoxoxo
First time I’ve ever been called a poster girl!! That’s very sweet of you and thank you so much for the wonderful comment, it gives me the courage I need to keep going with trying to raise awareness so it means a lot to me. I hope the rest of the week is kind to you, Carolyn.xx
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A great post Caz…I have tweeted and pinned….
That’s very kind, thank you so much! I hope you’re keeping well and having a good week =]
You are a true inspiration and well done for what you do to raise awareness.
I’m honoured that you think so, thank you! Hopefully with more awareness comes better lives for those with stomas, a better future for anyone who may need one, more compassion, and more understanding. Have a great rest of your week =]
xx
what a wonderful spirit you have, dear Caz — I for one am so glad you’re here, stoma & all <3
That’s so lovely of you to say, thank you!! 🙂
I hope the rest of the week treats you well xx
Caz,
Thank you for the information and personal experience. Bringing awareness to what stomas are to people that don’t know is a great start to understanding the condition.
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, raising awareness of stomas and life with one were things I’d wanted to do from the start with this blog so I’m privileged to be able to do so and to have such great readers like yourself! Take care and have a good rest of the week 🙂
I love everything about this post, Caz. My father had colon cancer a few years ago and now has a colostomy. He’s a lawyer and has always been one of the most confident people I know, but he struggles to come to terms with his situation. This post is nothing short of brave.
Amazing! ‘I am more than a bag.’ You truly are! Thank you for the post, so informative. I have Chiari 1 Malformation and an invisible illness is what describes it so well! But you’re absolutely right, we keep going, day by day, step by step. Great post! And by the way, love love love the hair – looks amazing on you!