International Women’s Day

07 March, 2025

March 8th is International Women’s Day and this year we’re highlighting the positive impacts that Jess and Isabel have had on people living with stomas.

Isabel’s story

I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1997 for which I had to have a radical hysterectomy.  I was about to try for a baby which was taken away from me overnight.  After a course of radiotherapy, I recovered well.  Three 3 years later I developed a tumour in my appendix, this was removed and all was well again.  I was then given the all clear in 2005.

In 2010, I got vaginal cancer which resulted in me having major surgery resulting in an ileostomy.  Upon having the ileostomy reversed 15 months later, because of the earlier radiation therapy I’d had, my tissues in the pelvic area were severely damaged therefore I ended up having a permanent colostomy.

Like all ostomates, there are many challenges to overcome.  Changing the bag using public facilities is never easy, having to think about nutrition constantly is always challenging.  Also, when visiting people’s houses and having to change the bag can be embarrassing, particularly the smell and then having to dispose of it.  The worst dread is the bag leaking at a very inconvenient time.  For example, on a train or at a show.   Always knowing where the toilets are in advance is good preparation. I’ve tried and tested a 2-piece colostomy bag which sticks like glue and where I can change just the bag (leaving the flange on the body) which makes it easier to deal with when necessary.  Having to always carry supplies with you wherever you go is hassle but in order to keep my mind positive, I tell myself that there is always somebody worse off than me.

I am a very active person and so was devastated at first to discover that I would end up with a stoma.  The thoughts of not being able to do the sports activities that I enjoyed taking part in was gloomy therefore I continue to run half marathons, ski, practice yoga, travel, climb mountains and take part in wild swimming.  I’ve managed to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and trek to Everest Base Camp.  Neither were easy with a colostomy but my theory is I’ll worry about complications when they happen and not before.

I like to think I support the stoma community by openly talking about it and pretty much telling everybody I meet that I have a colostomy.  The more the public know about stomas the more people are aware of what they are and how they can assist.

Life for me is good.  I’ve had ‘Tomas’ (the name I’ve given to my stoma which is an anagram of stoma) for 15 years.  I continue to stay active, I’m getting married next year and I plan to take part in a triathlon later this year too.  My advice would be don’t think of all the reasons why you can’t take part in anything because you have a stoma but all the reasons why you should continue doing what you can if possible.

Joining Colostomy UK as a helpline volunteer satisfies me greatly.  Giving advice to new ostomates who just need a little bit of reassurance or someone to talk to who has the experience of a colostomy is greatly rewarding.

Jess’s story

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis & it quickly felt like the disease was controlling my life. It impacted my physical health & took a toll on my mental well-being. I found myself constantly cancelling plans & I began to feel like this would be my reality forever. Over the years, I tried many different medications but eventually I became immune to them. Despite this, I held onto hope that there would be one treatment that would finally work for me. I was also told there might eventually be a possibility of needing a stoma bag, the thought of that terrified me. The idea of having a bag attached to me, smelling, losing control & feeling like it would stop me from living my life was my worst nightmare.

Fast forward to November 2023, I was rushed to hospital & there was no other option but to have a stoma to save my life. This was a huge shock & took me to a very dark place. I found it incredibly difficult to accept. I spent nearly 5 weeks in hospital, dealing with complications & I just didn’t know how I would ever come to terms with living with a stoma. My stoma nurse suggested I reach out to Colostomy UK, as they offer support groups & lots of helpful information. Once I contacted them, that’s when the acceptance began.

I attended my nearest support group, which was 18 miles away & they met on a weekday. After the group, I thought how great it would be to have a more local one on a Saturday, that would be open to anyone with a stoma, anyone living with or caring for someone with a stoma, or even those just interested in learning. With the help of Shauna at Colostomy UK, I was able to set up my own local group, which now meets every sixth Saturday. The response has been overwhelming & it’s been incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together.

I’m also planning to contact stoma companies to see if any representatives can attend to provide even more support, advice & information. When I came home after my surgery, I felt so isolated & I would never want anyone to go through that feeling. I have set up a WhatsApp group for the attendees, so they don’t feel disconnected during the six weeks between our meetups.

This year, I also hope to organise a fundraiser. I’ve started an Instagram page called ‘Stomuchlove,’ which shares posts, advice, tips & my own journey. It’s been amazing to connect with others & listen to other ostomates stories. As cliché as it sounds, I truly feel like I’ve been given a new lease on life. I have so much appreciation for my stoma—it saved me & it’s given me the opportunity to feel well again.

Of course, there are still tough days & sometimes things with my stoma are tricky, but every day I’m learning something new. I’ve gone back to yoga, joined a roller derby team, started planning trips & attending networking events through my work. If you’d asked me 14 months ago, where I thought I’d be today, I never would have imagined being in a happy place. Now, I’m more determined than ever to help others going through a similar journey & provide the kind of support I wish I’d had from the start.