After having her stoma formed following decades of bowel issues, Frances says it’s changed her life for the better. As a vegan, she was pleased to discover Trio’s animal-friendly ostomy products and is keen to share her tips and tricks.

“I was diagnosed with spina bifida as a baby”

When I was born, I was diagnosed with a form of spina bifida, called lumber meningocele, which usually leaves you severely disabled. I only had around a 2% chance of ever walking so I’ve been really lucky to manage so many years of getting around unaided. Unforeseen development mean I have had reduced lower limb mobility since my late 20s, however I still feel very fortunate. Due to my condition, I had bowel issues – my Mum said it was on average 22 days before I’d go to the toilet. At the time, the doctors just dismissed it, but when I was about six years old, I was still having difficulties with severe constipation and abdominal pain. This continued right the way through my teens, but I just thought it was part and parcel of my condition.

“They took out 20 large precancerous polyps”

By the time I left to go to music school things were no better, so I saw several specialists who identified precancerous polyps in my bowel. One recent time I went for a polypectomy they took out around 20 large polyps ranging in size from 2cm to 5cm – as dangerous as they could be! This happened several times, then last year I met with a consultant at Cheltenham hospital who gave me two options: continue as you are or we can take out your whole bowel, anus, rectum, everything and give you a permanent ileostomy. I said, “OK, let’s go for it”.

“My stoma has been life-changing in every way”

I was at the point where I could no longer stand the pain. I couldn’t keep food down and was sick up to ten times per day. I’d already missed almost two years of work due to developments with my spine. I knew that whatever was going to come from having a stoma had to be an improvement. I was a bit worried about the appearance and feel of the stoma, but when it came to surgery day, I was actually really excited because I knew that was the day my life was going to change. I spent eight days in ICU due to my other health conditions, but with the stoma I’ve always been fine. It’s been life changing in every way I’d ever hoped.

“Nobody had ever asked about vegan products”

I was discharged with the standard medical supply kit, but my surgeon knew I was vegan and made me aware that the stoma bag contained pork gelatine in the adhesive. He said nobody had ever asked him about vegan products and this was case when I made calls to several ostomy suppliers. Until I came across Trio. They not only have a vegan stoma bag but also sprays, wipes and seals – products I didn’t know I needed at this point but am so grateful for.

 “Suddenly my skin was protected, I was blown away”

I usually get eczema in late summer and ended up with some nasty patches around my stoma which looked like burnt skin. I tried the Genii™ ostomy seals and suddenly my skin was protected. I was blown away by the changes! My output is quite high which means my stoma pulls slightly when contents come out. So, instead of putting the whole ring around it I sometimes use just half a seal on the sore area which stops it from pulling.

If my stoma is being horrible, I use the Silken® silicone gel. I think it’s just magic – it’s the best thing I’ve ever used on my skin. It really does protect. It’s my favourite thing in the world. I tested some on my hand where I had a burn and didn’t feel it again. If I don’t use it my skin goes bad again. The Elisse® barrier spray is also incredible. Anything with Trio just seems to be so gentle on skin and I love the customer service, it’s so refreshingly good. I wanted to market the whole range!

About the author: Frances @lifewithstoma is a self-employed piano teacher who lives with her partner and two beagles in a converted stable in Cheltenham. She says her stoma doesn’t define her and is keen to share her story to help others. If you’d like to become one of our guest bloggers, please get in touch.