How my stoma changed my life for the better

How my stoma changed my life for the better

Living with a stoma is not just a medical change; it can reshape your outlook on life, open new doors, and lead to unexpected, positive changes. So I wanted to share with you the top five ways my stoma has positively impacted my life, including my journey with Pelican Healthcare and Respond.

Improved Quality of Life

Having a stoma gave me back my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The constant trips to the hospital and the endless cycle of medication are now things of the past. My health is now stable, and I feel a sense of freedom I hadn’t experienced in years. Which now lets me live my life to the fullest. I can now plan holidays without stressing about having a flare up and being able to explore new places. I recently took a last-minute day trip to Milan with one of my friends which I would have never done when I had Ulcerative Colitis (UC), before my stoma!

Becoming an Ambassador for Pelican & Respond

Embracing my stoma and sharing my story on Instagram, led me to become an ambassador for Pelican & Respond. Being part of the Ambassador programme has allowed me to engage in activities I never thought possible and challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. Being part of their photoshoots and campaigns is such an empowering experience. As it is challenging the narrative that “only old people have stomas” and that I am “too young” to have a stoma. Being the face of their brand on all their leaflets/ magazines and social media sites is showing that anyone can have a stoma. For me being an ambassador is so important as every post, event or campaign brings us one step closer to destigmatising stomas.

Meeting New People

Through my Instagram page and attending different events, I have been privileged to meet to many amazing like-minded individuals. Having something so close to us, that we all share as common ground makes it so easy to get along. Being part of this community has given me support and given me a platform to provide support to others who need it most.

Boosted Confidence

Having a stoma actually had the opposite effect and has unexpectedly boosted my self-confidence in many ways. I worry a lot less about other people’s opinions of me and focus more on myself and what makes me happy. I also have more confidence to go out, socialise and be more present without having to worry about where the nearest toilet is.

Becoming a Better Person

Going through the experience of living with UC, to having stoma surgery and now living with a stoma has deepened my empathy and understanding for others. It’s taught me the value of resilience and the strength in being vulnerable. It’s something I hadn’t even realised would be part of my journey but its definitely had a positive impact.

Conclusion

My journey with a stoma has been life-changing in some of the best possible ways. It’s not just about managing a new medical condition; it’s about embracing a new way of life and all the possibilities it comes with. Thanks to Pelican Healthcare & Respond, I’ve been able to turn a challenging situation into something positive.

Summer
@summers_stoma