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INSPIRING OSTOMATE FEATURE! 😍🤩


Here's AJ's story!

I became an ostomate originally in 2009 with a colostomy bag, after a bowel perforation from an ulcer in my transverse colon. After a failed reversal and needing a wound vac to heal my third resection from severe re**al bleeding, my entire large intestine and re**um was removed and I now have a permanent Ileostomy since 2011.

I have had my ostomy now for 11 years. It is a permanent end ileostomy

What gets me through my harder days are the thoughts and memories of what I was going through and how far I came. Also thinking about my kids needing me to be strong and healthy as well as getting a good pump in the gym in.

A struggle I have overcame as an ostomate would be the negative emotions I overcame. I had such a lack of confidence, insecurity, depression and anxiety that hindered my process and now I am an emotional warrior breaking down any emotional obstacles I face.

I would say to them that it really does get easier and better. Just have to have faith and set goals for your health to work towards. I would say keep yourself busy doing things that make you happy and just give yourself time.

Thank you again for reaching out to me you guys are awesome! 🙏🏽💪🏽

- AJ Barbosa


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INSPIRING OSTOMATE FEATURE! 😍🤩

Backcountry Ostomy

Hey, my name is Charlotte! I’m 32 and live in Alaska, USA.

What is something positive you would like other newer ostomates to know?

It can take a while to adapt to life with an ostomy. I kept my story very quiet for the first few years because I was figuring out who I was again and what it meant to live life with an ostomy. But one day it all clicked.

Life can be very good with an ostomy. It can also be very challenging. Find a support system, whether it’s friends, family, or other ostomates, and don’t be afraid to let them help you as you figure out what you want your life to look like!

- Charlotte Foley

You can also read more on our Ostomy Community Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ostomymobb/

Thank you so much .ostomylife for being a platform for spreading awareness and inspiration

INSPIRING OSTOMATE FEATURE! 😍🤩
Backcountry Ostomy

Hey, here's my story:

Story of becoming an ostomate or at least

Hey, my name is Charlotte! I’m 32 and live in Alaska, USA.

My journey to life with a permanent ostomy was a long one. I was originally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2007. After less than 9 months with UC, I had my colon removed and underwent a 2-step jpouch surgery. For years, I suffered with chronic pouchitis and my diagnosis changed to Crohn’s Disease. I was then told that an ostomy was the best bet to improve my quality of life, but I didn’t want one at the time. I wasn’t mentally prepared for it. So I continued to struggle along with my jpouch and incontinence. Finally, in 2013, after doing plenty of research and being sick of being sick, I talked to my surgeon about going through with ostomy surgery. I was prepared and ready, and I’ve had my ileostomy ever since. It was the best decision I could have made. It truly gave me my life back and has allowed me to feel strong and confident in myself again!

- Charlotte Foley

You can also read more on our Ostomy Community Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ostomymobb/

Thank you so much .ostomylife for being a platform for spreading awareness and inspiration