How a stoma changed the way I see my body | by Angelina
When I was first told that I would be living with a stoma, I was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. I worried about how my body would look, how others may react to it and if I would ever accept it. What I didn’t realise then was that this experience would fundamentally change how I see my body; not as something to be judged, but as something to be deeply proud of.
The beginning was very hard, especially as I was only 13 years old. My reflection felt unfamiliar, I didn’t like seeing myself in the mirror. I was afraid to leave the house, constantly worried about leaks or noises. Emotionally, I felt vulnerable, like everyone could see that I had a stoma. But over time, I began to understand something powerful: my stoma was not a sign of weakness. It was proof that my body had fought to keep me here!
Instead of viewing my stoma as something that took away from me, I started to see what it had given back, freedom from pain, the ability to eat what I wanted and the chance to live a full life again (and be the 13 year old child that’s carefree). This shift in perspective didn’t happen overnight. It came from small acts of acceptance and lots of support from family and friends.
Support was also crucial. Connecting with others who live with a stoma helped me feel seen and understood. Hearing their stories, not just of struggle, but of joy, adventures, relationships, even humour, showed me that having a stoma does not limit a person’s ability to live fully.
Body confidence is still a journey, but I’ve learned that confidence is less about ‘perfection’ and more about acceptance. My body may not look the way it used to, but it tells a story of survival.
If you are adjusting to life with a stoma, please know this: you are still whole. You are still worthy of love, intimacy, and joy. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But with each day, you will grow stronger, not in spite of your stoma, but because you have learned to live fearlessly with it.
Your body is not your enemy.
Thanks for reading,
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