Stoma Stories: Recent Episodes
Aileen Valentine
True stories from people who have a stoma because they needed an ileostomy or colostomy, how it happened, whether it is permanent or temporary and how it affects their daily lives.
Mat tells us his story of how at age 9 he had to have a colostomy and then as he got older, suffered from fistulas etc for over 6 years. After 2 years of pushing, he finally got his permanent ileostomy in November 2021 and now he is so relieved, happy and healthy.
Listen to Evelyn as she tells me how it took a while to get a cancer diagnosis and after some treatments which left her with some side effects and then ultimately, having surgery which resulted in her having a permanent colostomy. She is so upbeat about this and wants people to know that life goes on even with a stoma.
An inspiring story from a wonderful young woman. Rachel had her first ileostomy at age 9, which was reversed, then another ileostomy at age 14. And now has a permanent ileostomy. Listen to her story and find out how she is so upfront about it all and as she said 'everyone poop's', it just so happens, she has to poop into a bag.
Even though it has been a hard journey for Jacky, she ran with it and started a small business, initially to support the local Stoma Society but also to make a little money for herself. Here is the link to her shop on Etsy:
https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/stomabuddies?fbclid=IwAR1orcVDmTIEuO9oxRrB6PYEvXDMxbqtPWM_KngsDBzYiF9B3gkN5fgAeIg
Justine tells me her story of how she now has a permanent ileostomy and how it all happened. After everything was all done, Justine also tells me that having a permanent ileostomy, for her, is a blessing.
This is my story of how I ended up with a stoma due to having colon cancer, which I was unware of and how it affected me.