Shalonda’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…

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Carol’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…

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Karron’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…

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Clair’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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Jasmine’s Story

Hi, I’m Jasmine. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in March 2019. There was a long battle to get to that diagnosis, almost 7 years in the making, and within those 7 yrs, I’ve lost count in how many surgeries I had. After being diagnosed I was immediately put on infusions and different medications, then…

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Jessica’s Story

As I lay in the sterile hospital room, the beeping machines and the faint whispers of the medical staff filled the air. I was recovering from my ileostomy surgery, a procedure that had fundamentally changed my life. I knew that the road to recovery would be long and challenging, but I was determined to embrace…

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Embracing Life’s Second Chance: A Guide to Thriving with an Ostomy

Life can sometimes take unexpected turns, presenting us with challenges we never imagined we’d face. One such challenge is living with an ostomy. While it may feel like the end of the world when you first hear those words from your doctor, it’s essential to remember that an ostomy is not the end; it’s a…

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Bernie’s Story

Hi, my name is Bernadette, I am 73 years old. I have had an ileostomy for about 8 years. If you have had an ileostomy or colostomy, it is an adjustment…it gets easier and your life will be ok. I swim, I travel, I work in my garden, I do everything I always did…..one exception…

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Managing Day-to-Day Life after Ileostomy or Colostomy Surgery

Undergoing ileostomy or colostomy surgery can significantly impact an individual’s day-to-day life. Adapting to the changes and learning new techniques for managing the stoma and ostomy bag can make a significant difference in comfort and confidence. In this article, we will explore practical tips and strategies to help individuals effectively manage their daily routine after…

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Richard’s Story

I came home from work one evening & like every other day, made myself & my wife some tea. After tea, I settled down with my wife & dog for a normal evening. Little did I know that this would be my last “normal” evening for a long time. Shortly after dinner, I started to…

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