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My name is Taylor Mitchell-Ross and I'm in my 30's. I had stoma surgery due to severe idiopathic constipation and undiagnosed muscle and nerve disorders. I have a loop ileostomy currently but ultimately plan to have an end ileostomy. My stoma surgery was planned as a last resort for providing me a chance at a healthier life.
How did you feel before having stoma surgery?
I was so desperate for relief, I didn't care much about what I was getting or what the surgery entailed. I just wanted it to work. I wanted relief above all else.
How do you feel now after stoma surgery?
I feel so much better! I'm still undiagnosed, have symptoms, and difficult days but I'm actually able to function most days and participate in my own life again. That is priceless.
Tell us about your hobbies. Any new ones since surgery?
I create custom wooden flower arrangements, do axe throwing, and run my Ostomy and Stuff Instagram.
What do you know now that you wish you knew before having surgery?
I wish I knew that having a stoma is an ever evolving journey full of trial and error that requires patience.
What are your favourite stoma products from Convatec?
The Esteem+ 1 pc mouldable bag and the Esenta Adhesive Remover spray.
Featured Products
Esteem™+ Mouldable Drainable Pouch with InvisiClose®and Lock-it Pocket™
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...
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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, yo...
Read more 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 un...
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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 neve...
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Activity
Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, ostomy surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Exercising With a Stoma: Dos and Don’ts
Exercising after ostomy surgery is about patience and doing what feels right. It’s important to take your time and kn...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Can You Swim with a Stoma Bag?
Having an ostomy should not prevent you from swimming. Here are some helpful tips to get you feeling confident in the...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
Diet
Stoma Diet and Hydration Advice
There is no specific ‘ostomy diet’ but there are important considerations as you discover the foods that work best fo...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
Diet
Why Hydration Matters with an Ileostomy
On average, a person loses around 2.5 litres of fluid per day through sweat, urine, breath and faeces. Stoma bag wear...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Harrison
Hi, my name is Harrison Kefford and I live in Melbourne, Australia. I have been living with an ostomy since February ...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Renee
I had moderate to severe Crohn's disease for 25+ years which ended up with me getting the surgery to have an ileostom...
Read more Read more11/12/2024
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Taylor
My name is Taylor Mitchell-Ross and I'm in my 30's. I had ostomy surgery due to severe idiopathic constipation and un...
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