Mollie Pearce
Media Personality, Content Creator and Disability Advocate
For many, the idea of living with a stoma can feel overwhelming. There are often misconceptions about what life will look like, and much of the conversation is around fear or embarrassment. My experience has been very different.
I have lived with a stoma since I was 18 due to ulcerative colitis, and my stoma, Sid, has given me freedom, confidence and the ability to live life on my own terms.
I named my stoma Sid because humour has always helped me navigate challenges. Giving it a name made it feel less like a medical device and more like a part of me. It also helped me open conversations with other people instead of feeling awkward or embarrassed. I learned to talk about my stoma with confidence.
my stoma has played a huge role in helping me live the life I love
Positives outweigh negatives
Having a stoma has allowed me to do things many people might assume are impossible. I travel as much as I can, exercise, enjoy social events and take on opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone. Before Sid, I would never have been able to do these things due to constant flare-ups and anxiety surrounding where the nearest toilet is.
Of course, there are challenges from time to time, but for me, the positives far outweigh them. Sid gives me the reliability and independence that my condition otherwise wouldn’t. Rather than constantly worrying about my health, I can focus on living my life.
Removing the stigma of bladder and bowel health
One of the most important things I have learned is that there is nothing embarrassing about having a stoma. It is simply something that helps people live healthier and fuller lives. The more we talk openly about bladder and bowel health, the more we empower others to seek support and feel confident in their own experiences.
If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone or less afraid of life with a stoma, then it is worth having these conversations. Sid may not have been part of the plan, but my stoma has played a huge role in helping me live the life I love.
