Keen outdoor swimmer Anne, was one of the first to try our Genii bags two years ago. At 67, she’s more active than many people her age and she isn’t letting the life-changing surgery she had more than 20 years ago stop her from living her life to the full.

Anne underwent stoma surgery when consultants discovered a growth in her colon whilst investigating bowel issues. After having the operation to form a stoma and undergoing a hysterectomy at the same time, Anne spent six months at home recovering. Anne then returned to work as a secondary school teacher, with a renewed passion for life. Resolving that her new ostomy was not going to hold her back, she took up running to keep fit. Just two years later she completed the London marathon, raising money for colon cancer charities.

“Having an ostomy has enriched my life”

After relocating from Somerset to the seaside town of Lyme Regis in Dorset in 2008, Anne started sea swimming regularly. And after being challenged by a friend, Anne now takes to the sea twice a week for a swim – in all seasons!

She tells us how having the ostomy has introduced her to some incredible people in the stoma community, and has enriched her life.

“I’ve had my ostomy for over 20 years, it wasn’t easy in the beginning but I rarely think about it now.  I am lucky mine is what I would call a well behaved ostomy! I’d say it has enriched my life because I am more likely to have a go at things now whereas prior to my surgery, I was a bit reluctant to be adventurous.

“I try to keep fit by going to the gym and doing some running, but my favourite activities involve being in, or on the water.  I love swimming and kayaking and have almost mastered my paddle board, although I usually let my grandchildren have a go first!

“I’ve always been aware that I have a bag on my tummy”

“My stomach is my ‘anxiety centre’ and if I am stressed or worried, it will tense and as a result I can spend a long time in the toilet. Thankfully, I’ve learnt to manage this over the years. I’ve always been aware that I have a bag on my tummy and I’ve never been the most body confident so I used to wear shorts over my swimming costume, but in the last few years I’ve become more comfortable with my shape so I wear a one piece. Occasionally I’ll even wear a bikini. I do try not to let my stoma stop me doing things. For me, being able to have fun in the water with my grandchildren is really important.”

“I try not to let my stoma stop me doing things”

Although she hasn’t let her stoma prevent her from doing the things she loves, Anne says finding the right products can be a struggle for many ostomates and many bags can cause redness and sensitive skin. After using the same make/brand of stoma bags since her surgery. Anne had to look for alternatives after they were discontinued.

Anne was introduced to the Trio Genii™ stoma bag, which she says has been a game changer.

“My skin was very sensitive after the operation and had to be tested for various adhesives to check it wouldn’t hurt my skin. When I started using Genii, I knew it was there, but it just moved with my body so I didn’t feel it at all.

“The very best thing for me is that, after I’ve been in the water, I don’t have to use my fingernails and get rid of all the adhesive residue. I can be totally spontaneous without worrying about taking the glue off. There are no gaps and although you can’t feel it, it sticks incredibly well. The skin on my tummy looks exactly the same as the skin around my stoma, which is fabulous, as having to wear a bag is something I cannot change.”

“For the first time I don’t have to worry about how often I can go in the water”

“I think it’s a real game changer because anyone who does anything where they get a bit hot and sticky, or they take a shower or bath with their bag on, is going to find that it makes a huge  difference.

“For the first time since my surgery, I don’t have to think about how often I go in the water, or how long my bag has been on because I know my skin will not be itchy, red or sore and there won’t be any adhesive residue left on my skin afterwards, which is amazing.”

Proving she doesn’t intend to slow down anytime soon, last year Anne set herself the challenge to swim in the sea at least once a week, and has recently taken up aerial hoop lessons!

About the author: Anne is an active 65-year-old who loves spending time with her grandchildren. We will always do everything we can to help ostomates share their stories. If you’d like to share your experience of Genii™, please get in touch. Request a sample and start your Genii™ experience today!