Rapidcare Blogs

Meet Sarah, a 34-year-old teacher from Manchester, whose life was forever changed by a medical diagnosis. For years, Sarah lived with Crohn’s disease, battling flare-ups and managing symptoms as best she could. However, as her condition worsened, her doctor proposed a life-altering solution- stoma surgery.

“When my doctor first mentioned the surgery, I felt numb, “Sarah remembers. “I had so many questions running through my mind. What would this mean for my body? My relationships? Would I ever feel ‘normal’ again?”

The surgery happened quickly, and Sarah awoke in the hospital with a stoma bag attached to her abdomen. The first glance in the mirror was difficult. “I didn’t recognise the person looking back at me. It was like I’d lost a part of who I was.”

For weeks, Sarah struggled with her new reality. Every small task, from getting dressed to going outside, felt like a monumental challenge. “I didn’t want to leave the house. I was worried about how people would react, what they would think if they knew.”

It wasn’t until Sarah found an online support group that things started to shift. “I came across group of people who had gone through exactly what I had. They shared their stories openly – the challenges, the embarrassing moments, but also the victories. It was so reassuring to know I wasn’t alone.

Little by little, Sarah began to regain her confidence. One day, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and wear her favorite dress, a floral sundress she hadn’t touched since the surgery. “I was nervous. I kept asking myself, “will people notice?” But then I realised something – my stoma didn’t define me. I was still Sarah.”

She soon learned practical tips, like wearing stoma friendly clothing and using specialised products to make daily more manageable. As her confidence grew, so did her willingness to open to others about her experience. Sarah talked to her closest friends and family, and to her surprise, they were nothing but supportive.

“Once I embraced my stoma as part of my journey, rather than a limitation, I stated to feel like myself again, “Sarah explains. “I realised that strength doesn’t come from pretending everything’s perfect, it comes from accepting what makes you different and moving forward.”

Today, Sarah is an advocate for stoma awareness, often sharing her story with others who are facing similar challenges. “If I could after one piece of advice, its to give yourself grace. Adjusting takes time, but confidence does return. And life after stoma surgery can be just as full and rewarding as before.”

Sarah’s journey is a reminder that while the road may be challenging, confidence and self-acceptance are possible – even after life’s most unexpected turns.

For more details on stoma care, visit our website Rapidcare.co.uk. We work with the NHS to provide free home delivery of prescriptions, making sure you always have what you need at home.