In this episode, we meet the vivacious Charlie, a fitness instructor in her 30s with a passion for dancing, walking, gym workouts, and water activities. 

Charlie shares her inspiring journey of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease, and then developing Sweet syndrome. She recounts her experience with emergency ileostomy surgery and how she navigated this challenging period in her marriage. 

Discover how Charlie has regained her life post-surgery and why the procedure has been a game-changer for her. Plus, for those curious about intimacy after surgery, Charlie holds nothing back, offering an honest and unfiltered look at life in the bedroom. Tune in for an episode filled with resilience, recovery, and real talk.

Guest: Charlotte Ryan

https://www.instagram.com/stomabaggirl?igsh=Zjh4dW5ydzBsMnRo

In this week's episode, we meet Tori, a resilient 24-year-old from Minnesota, USA, living with a urostomy, an ileostomy, and a central line. Tori is one of the few people in the world diagnosed with Hereditary Sensory Autonomic Neuropathy (HSAN), a rare and challenging condition.

 Despite facing severe incontinence and the challenges of her bladder and bowel giving up, Tori maintains a positive mental attitude, supported by her faith. 

Tune in as Tori shares her life experiences, promotes positivity and ostomy awareness, and offers invaluable insights on living with medical devices. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation on resilience, hope, and the power of a positive mindset.

Guest: Tori Judson

https://www.instagram.com/toris.medical.journey?igsh=a3F1ejd2bG5vcGFz

In this heartwarming episode, we chat with nine-year-old Jessica and her mum Kim. Jessica has been living with a colostomy since she was four due to dysmotility of the large bowel and chronic constipation. 

Despite these challenges, Jessica thrives, managing her condition with grace and positivity. She's not only an ambassador for a major ostomy company but also a passionate fundraiser for Buttony Bear, a comforting teddy bear given to children facing stoma surgery. 

Join us as we explore Jessica's life as a kid with a stoma, how she navigates school and friendships with a stoma along with her inspiring Instagram page showing that life with a stoma can be filled with joy and possibility.

Guest: Jessica Dowie & Mum Kim

https://www.instagram.com/jessicasstomajourney?igsh=MW4wNDB3NDN5dGF2YQ==

Join us this week as we meet Keith, affectionately known as the Welsh Bus Driver. Keith is a beacon of positivity and humour, sharing his day-to-day life on social media and inspiring many with his infectious spirit.

 After battling ulcerative colitis and undergoing a total proctocolectomy 12 years ago, Keith has not only adapted to life with an ileostomy but thrives at almost 63 years old. In this episode, Keith shares his journey through emergency surgery, the challenges and triumphs of living with a stoma, and how he continues to lead a fulfilling life as a bus driver. 

Tune in for an incredible conversation filled with banter, insights on STOMA life, and a testament to living joyfully despite life's hurdles. Don't miss it!

Guest : Keith Thomas 

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In this week's episode, we sit down with Tom, who was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease at just three weeks old. Having undergone 10 surgeries, including two stomas and reversals, Tom shares his remarkable journey. 

As an advocate for Hirschsprung's disease, Tom uses his platform on Facebook and Instagram to raise awareness and support others. With a background in professional football and cricket, and now working as a sports development planner, Tom discusses how he balances his career with his health challenges. 

Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights resilience, advocacy, and the power of sharing personal stories. Follow Tom's Hirschsprung's podcast to stay connected with his journey.

Guest: Tom Richard

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In this episode, we sit down with Ben, also known as Stoma Diaries on Instagram, to discuss his inspiring journey with Crohn's disease. Ben, a dedicated secondary school biology teacher, has been navigating life with inflammatory bowel disease since his late teens. 

Despite the challenges, including two major surgeries—a subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy and a proctectomy—Ben has emerged stronger and more determined to spread awareness about IBD and stomas. 

Join us as Ben shares candid insights into his life before and after surgery, the realities of being a married man and father of two, and how he's reclaimed his quality of life. Ben's passion for raising awareness and his commitment to staying active, including his love for the gym, offer hope and inspiration to anyone facing similar battles. 

Tune in to hear Ben's remarkable story and learn how he continues to advocate for those with inflammatory bowel disease.

Guest: Ben Raybould

https://www.instagram.com/stomadiaries?igsh=MTZ1YXo5aTJoaXd0aQ==

In this episode, we introduce Beth, a resilient 29-year-old who was diagnosed with slow colon transit in 2014 after years of battling chronic constipation. Despite undergoing biofeedback therapy, using bowel irrigation systems, and adhering to a strict regimen of laxatives and enemas, Beth found no relief. 

By June 2022, her condition worsened, leaving her on a soft liquid diet and in constant pain. Beth's journey took her through four different hospitals until she finally underwent stoma surgery at University College London Hospital in March 2023. 

Beth shares how her stoma surgery has been life-changing, despite some complications and ongoing pain. She continues to thrive, working in healthcare and pursuing her university course, all while maintaining a positive outlook on life. 

Tune in to hear Beth's inspiring story of perseverance, hope, and the transformative impact of her surgery.

Show host: Nicky Kilpatrick

https://www.instagram.com/nickykilpatrickcoach/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D&utm_medium=social&utm_source=heylink.me

Guest: Beth Harris

https://www.instagram.com/palomathestoma?igsh=bDdqdmhicTIzb29y

In this inspiring episode, we meet Jodie, a 20-year-old powerhouse from Belfast. Born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, Jodie navigates life as a full-time wheelchair user and legally blind individual.

Her resilience shines through as she shares her story of overcoming bowel and bladder failure at 14, managing a suprapubic catheter, and enduring the challenges of a failing ACE procedure.

Now, as she awaits stoma surgery, Jodie remains a beacon of positivity, even amidst chronic pain and mental health struggles. As a children's ambassador for Children in Need and an active youth worker, Jodie’s big personality and unbreakable spirit continue to inspire those around her.

Tune in to hear how she stays upbeat, her experiences and her hopes for the future. This is a tale of strength, hope, and unwavering determination.

Guest: Jodie Ireland

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In this inspiring episode, we delve into the incredible story of Chris, a 54-year-old firefighter with 31 years of dedicated service. Seven years ago, Chris faced a life-altering diagnosis: a tumour that led to permanent colostomy surgery. Rather than letting this challenge define him, Chris embraced his new reality with remarkable resilience. From participating in charity events to completing a trek across the Sahara desert, Chris’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Join us as we explore how Chris has turned his stoma into a symbol of courage and determination, proving that obstacles can be the catalyst for extraordinary achievements.

Show Guest: Chris Morrison

https://www.instagram.com/firefighter_with_a_stoma?igsh=aHNleWx4aG54dHMw

In this inspiring episode, we hear from Ayesha, a resilient young woman from Northern Ireland who has battled severe digestive issues since 2008.

Diagnosed with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 11 years later, Ayesha endured numerous treatments, including immunosuppressants and biologics, before undergoing emergency surgery to create a life-saving ileostomy.

Despite the trauma of surgery, Ayesha has refused to let her stoma define her. She passionately raises awareness about the condition and demonstrates that life with a stoma can be vibrant and fulfilling.

Join us as Ayesha shares her journey of perseverance and how she continues to thrive, from hitting the gym to enjoying holidays and social outings.

Guest: Ayesha Duffy

https://www.instagram.com/ayeshaduffy?igsh=NXV6OWo0MnN6NW9i