From the early days post-surgery, I faced challenges, but my family's support and my decision to share my stoma journey have been pivotal and I remain proud of my stoma and have educated my grandchildren about it.

I've embraced life with my stoma, consistently using Convatec products, particularly the two-piece system, since the beginning.

Though I briefly experimented with a flexible baseplate, I found it too cumbersome and returned to my trusted Convatec Natura baseplate. I've adopted a routine to enable fewer pouch changes using the two-piece system, and I've been using Amcare with precut products since before the COVID era.

Life post-surgery hasn't hindered me from various activities. I've sensibly skied, enjoy walking, played tennis, run the London Marathon, and driven around Europe in my motorhome. I also lived in Oman for 18 months and then following that Spain for 18 months. My openness about my stoma extends to intimate relationships, emphasising the importance of ensuring everything is okay.

I've made dietary adjustments, avoiding peanuts and being cautious with tomatoes. I enjoy alcohol in moderation and believe in trying different things without letting my stoma restrict my choices.

Reflecting on my journey, I acknowledge the positive impact my stoma has had on my life, giving me the freedom to do things I couldn't before surgery. My advice to others facing a similar situation is clear—don't let fear or stigma hold you back. Respect your stoma, embrace the changes, and get on with living your life. I see my stoma as a transformative change that gave me back my life.