I'm James Bagshaw and my journey with a stoma began in 1984 when I was 37. My stoma story traces back to my battle with ulcerative colitis, leading me to opt for surgery. The support of my surgeon and stoma nurse was crucial, and I decided early on not to let my stoma dictate my life. I maintain a routine, respect my stoma, and continue with my activities.
"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."
James Bagshaw
Not a me+ member yet?
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.
James' Products of Choice
Natura® Two-Piece Drainable Pouch
Natura® Two-Piece Stomahesive® Baseplate
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
me plus Community
Travel
Travelling with a Stoma Bag: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Here’s our tips below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.
Read more04/12/2024
Everyday life
Travel
Road Trips with a Stoma
Now that you have an ostomy, the idea of taking long trips can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Read more11/12/2024
Travel
Stoma Travel Tips
Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Read more12/12/2024
Diet
Everyday life
Living with a Stoma: Hydration
Learn about the importance of hydration when living with a stoma. Our guide provides tips on fluid intake, recognising dehydration symptoms, and more.
Read more12/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion Tips for Men Living with a Stoma
After stoma surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with a stoma.
Read more11/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with a stoma
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Tips for Managing Anxiety After Stoma Surgery
One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had stoma surgery is what other people will think.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Returning to Work with a Stoma
From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery.
Read more22/01/2025
Everyday life
Back to school with a stoma
As your child begins to recover from ostomy surgery, it is normal for them to feel fearful or anxious about their needs when going back to school.
Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, stoma surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more12/12/2024
Everyday life
Bathing or showering with a Stoma
Showering or bathing with a stoma should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with a stoma.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater complications and make for a stress-free experience with your stoma.
Read more