My Husband, Mark, had an ileostomy in 2020, in the middle of the covid crisis. He was diagnosed in 2008 with ulcerative colitis and managed the illness through diet and dedication. He didn’t drink alcohol, ate only gluten free and kept hydrated.

After a horrendous flare up in October 2020 he was admitted to hospital. He couldn’t keep any food in and was drastically losing weight. He was exhausted, going to the bathroom every 15 minutes.

The doctors said he needed his bowel removed and after 2 weeks of hell, he had an ileostomy and a stoma. He hoped at this point he could one day have a reversal, as at 43 years, he was not sure of wearing a bag for the rest of his life.

In 2022 we got married, but soon after he was still bleeding from the smallest bit of bowel that was left connecting to his rectum. It was at this point that he decided to make his stoma permanent and have another big op (protectomy) to remove everything that was left.

He now is much healthier and happier. Sometimes it’s a bit uncomfortable for him, but he’s now off all the meds, eating gluten and having a more normal life. The ‘bag’ is just part of his routine. He’s had to reconsider his style and has to think about his toilet visits, but on the whole he’s had few complications. I’m just thankful to the wonderful surgeons, stoma nurses, his family & friends as well as his online support network for getting him through these times!