The Toll It Took

No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get into a routine.
I’d sit on the toilet for an hour every morning, hoping to avoid accidents, but even not eating didn’t stop them. These weren’t just small mishaps—I was having full bowel accidents, making going out impossible.

At 47, it was always on my mind:
"If I go out, am I going to have an accident?"

I cancelled two holidays, terrified about what would happen if it happened on a plane.

I used to be easy-going, always up for anything. But that version of me? Gone.

It hit my daughter the hardest. Instead of taking her places, I was stuck at home. I lost weight—dropped to 10 stone before I got the stoma.

Considering a Stoma

For years, my carer Joanne told me to look into a stoma, but I kept putting it off. There’s so much stigma—“they smell,” “people will see them through your shirt”—all nonsense.

Still, I hesitated.
"Do I really need it? Will it actually help?"

Finally Making the Change

After 7 or 8 years, I went private at Spire Manchester and had the stoma surgery—18 months ago now. Everything changed. I put on 2 stone, I started going out again—trains, Liverpool, holidays. Fuerteventura for two weeks without worrying about accidents.

Things that used to make me anxious—hospital appointments, supermarkets, trips—aren’t a problem anymore. 

One thing that really helps with my confidence is knowing I can trust in my stoma bag. I’ve got the Natura system from Convatec, and it’s brilliant. Comfortable, secure, no leaks—I don’t even have to think about it. It just works.

The Difference It Made

Looking back, I should’ve listened to Joanne sooner.

Now, I’d tell anyone with bowel issues—don’t wait, get the stoma done.

I’ve got a mate who’s paraplegic, and if someone has a spinal injury, I’d say get a stoma straight away. They’re life changing.

Now I can get in the car, take my daughter to Liverpool, go out without stressing.

Even my skin irritation is sorted—all thanks to Angela, who’s brilliant. She knows exactly what she’s doing—she took one look at my skin, prescribed a cream, and now the irritation just disappears. She’s fantastic at her job, always knows what I need before I even ask.

Looking Forward

I get everything I need from Amcare by Convatec—always on time, reliable. That’s all I really need from my stoma supplier.

Next year, I’m taking my daughter to Florida—two weeks, her first time there. I’d go tomorrow. I’d fly around the world now.

The stoma didn’t take anything away from me—it gave me my life back. Simple.

If you’ve been inspired by Leon's story and would like us to pass a message on, simply email meplus@convatec.com or if you’d like to contribute your own stoma story, just get in touch the same way.  

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