Inspirational Story
Elizabeth’s Story
I have suffered from interstitial cystitis and Hunner’s lesions since I was a toddler. I also have multiple autoimmune diseases, so surgery was a significant risk. However, I had my ostomy placed in August 2024, and I am incredibly thankful for it, as it saved my life! The only downside was that, due to another…
Read MoreKelly’s Story
I had a complete colectomy with an ileostomy in October 2020. I thought my life in every aspect had come to an end! First, there were issues with adhesives, and then the odor… It was the odor that made me never want to leave my house again! If you have an ostomy, you know exactly…
Read MoreMarc’s Story
I’ve always been an adventurous guy. Hiking and exploring the outdoors was my passion, but when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my early 40s, everything changed. My condition worsened, and eventually, my doctors said ostomy surgery was my only option. I was terrified—not of the surgery itself, but of what life would be…
Read MoreElara’s Story
I had always been the picture of health—an avid runner, a dedicated teacher, and a loving mother of two. My life was vibrant and full of promise. But one fateful day, I began experiencing severe abdominal pain and unexpected weight loss. What started as occasional discomfort quickly escalated into debilitating pain that left me bedridden.…
Read MoreShalonda’s Story
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 17 years ago after the birth of my second child. At the time I didn’t realize that I had been having the symptoms of UC for longer than that. At the time of my diagnosis I wasn’t able to afford the treatments to help with my disease so I…
Read MoreJearlean’s Story
Hi my name is Jearlean Taylor. I have been a double ostomate for almost 50 years, since the age of 3 years old. I have been a fashion model for 21 years now. My ostomies helped saved my life, but does not dictate my life. I do, be, and live my life to the fullest.…
Read MoreCarol’s Story
Unlike others, I did not have Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis. I had a touch of Irritable Bowel. No biggie. I simply adjusted my diet. Well one day in April of 2018, I felt “like my belly was on fire.” So after a day of running errands all day long, I thought, I’m going to bed…
Read MoreEmma’s Story
My name is Emma, I’m 20 years old and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at the age of 16. I tried all treatments first steroids , anti inflammatories and then moved onto biologics like azathioprine and mercaptopurine and the infusions drugs but nothing was working for me. I then had my first surgery February…
Read MoreKarron’s Story
I got an emergency ileostomy just before Christmas in 2017. For 6 months prior I had suffered with a persistent C-Diff infection that very nearly took my life. When I awoke after surgery and slowly became aware of what had happened, I was in shock and denial. I was horrified by this “alien” device and…
Read MoreClair’s Story
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2011 and was petrified of needing a stoma as omg how embarrassing. Years went on and I was fine a bit of a Dicky tummy but that was it.. well until 2017 when I wasn’t ok anymore. Had to try every drug going and although I thought I was…
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