Hiya, I’m Amy & I’m 21 years old. I have a permanent Ileostomy.
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 7, going on to have a diagnosis of Severe Crohn’s Colitis (Crohn’s of the large intestine/colon instead of Crohn’s, as it is typically known, in the small intestine) aged 17.
I underwent Panproctocolectomy Surgery August 2011 –>Permanent Ileostomy formed – ‘Stacey Stoma!’ 😀 During my surgery, they discovered a large mass on my Transverse Colon, which left me within inches of my life and meant that surgery took longer. If I hadn’t had my surgery then, chances are it would have burst and done some serious, threatening damage. I am SO lucky to be here! 🙂
I am currently studying my A Levels via a distance learning college to get the grades I need to go to University in 2014 to hopefully study Medical Biology or Bio-medical Science. It gets me down sometimes that I was too ill to complete my A Levels at school but then I just feel lucky now that I do have the second chance to complete them again 🙂
I enjoy going out for meals, seeing friends, spending time with my family, shopping, singing, photography, doing my hair and make up :D, going to concerts & gigs, blogging, music, studying, going for walks, evening walks on the beach, kicking Crohn’s Disease in the backside 😀 and helping other people.
This blog is about my experiences living with my stoma & also covers general things as well about my life & my interests. Questions about IBD and my life in general as a young person with an ileostomy are welcome, as well as comments you have about my blog, but please be constructive! 🙂
If you would like to get in touch with me, please feel free to e-mail me: amyrobson09@googlemail.com.
Thanks! 🙂
Everything you see on this site, is owned or copyright to me, unless stated otherwise, thanks! 🙂
Living with Stacey Stoma. 
Hi
I discovered your blog today and I’ve realt enjoyed reading it. I have so many questions regarding a stoma. Is it possible for u to contact me via email please. Would really appreciate it and I won’t ask too many questions. Thanks x
Of course! 🙂 ask away: amyrobson09@googlemail.com 🙂 x
Hi Amy. I have just discovered your amazing blog today and would like to ask if I may include a link to it on my own blog?
Hi there! Of course, that would be great! 🙂
Aw thanks 🙂 Will let you know when I get it done. Thanks again and take good care of yourself.
Thanks again for your kind permission. That’s your sooper dooper mention, links and otherwise, now posted to my blog 🙂 Take care. x
Wow, thank you! 🙂 x
Hey girl, really inspiring story. Been having a couple of bad days but your page & blog stories have proved me to get back involved in my blog. My e-mail address is ‘raiseawarenessibd@hotmail.com’ if you’d like to write to me:) I don’t have an ostomy but were both young, so lets share stories! X
Hey there, thank you! I love your blog! I will drop you a message, I am glad you have found my blog useful! 🙂 Keep your chip up 🙂 x
HI Stacy,
Your story sounds very similar to mine. I was 17 though and 35 when I finally decided it was time to have surgery after an unsuccessful rectal-vaginal fistula repair. I to have had a complete removal of my colon, rectum and anus. It took several months to get the hang of it all but I did and never looked back. There was even a point when I wonder why it took so long to do it. I knew I was ok at that point. Thanks for sharing and best wishes always.
Monica
Wow Stacey – you are amazing – as is your blog.
I’m looking for ways to help my Mum who, as of September 27th, will be living with a colostomy bag….
How can I support her? Help her? Help her find peace with this?
She’s still recovering from surgery – and due to a fever and severe this cramping this morning, she was readmitted to the hospital.
I just feel helpless….. If you have any suggestions/ideas/recommendations, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
Once again, thank you,
Terina
Terina, I’m willing to help in any way possible!
Drop me an e-mail on: amyrobson09@googlemail.com, and we can chat!
Also, feel free to join a Facebook group if you have Facebook, called ‘My Bag & I’. My friend and I run it, it is a stoma support group. You can ask away on the group and say what you need as it is all private. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/300190663338906/ x
I love your blog. So honest and optimistic. There needs to be more people in the world like you! Keep doing what you’re doing. x
Aw thank you Daisy! 🙂 How nice.
Hello Amy,
I discovered your wonderful and inspirational writing online today on your website, and decided to feature you on our Facebook page today. You can find it by searching “Stoma Stifler” on Facebook.
I like your “Ostomism not Pessimism” quote. Keep up the great work of being such an inspiration to new and veteran ostomates alike.
After all you have been through, have you been able to connect with other young ileostomates? Are you a member of online communities our community groups that support ostomates?
Absolutely all the best to you.
Sincerely,
Andrea Bain
BEAMM LLC
http://www.stomastifler.com
Facebook: Stoma Stifler
You really are an inspiration, I myself have a permanent Ileostomy. I nearly died on 4 different occasions have had 29 operations and god knows how many tests an medications I’ve had its been 16 years for me. I currently take 32 medications and have no large colon and only half my small intestines. I can only eat baby portions which doesnt give much option and I usually am violently vomit. I have hardly any clothes cause don’t feel comfy. I have several other conditions including being left infertile because of adhesion’s and cant cope with working so I am scrapping through uni (only just). what advice would you give me?
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your comment!
Wow you certainly are a brave lady! I can only really give you an opinion from the experiences I have had so the best piece of advice I could give you is to take every day at a time and be proud of even the littlest things you achieve, NEVER be too hard on yourself 🙂 The fact you are keeping on with Uni is an inspiration in itself, it must be so hard for you!
Have you tried wearing floaty tops or looser clothes? I find the tops that are fitted around the bust but are floaty underneath that are fab for giving you a bit of extra confidence. I wear them with leggings usually 🙂
x
Hi, jst discovered ur blog nd I’m loving it. So useful.
I’m 21 too with an ileostomy.. Was sooo hard adjusting to everythng and accepting the 2nd chance I got thru ths surgery.
:)so good to see that I’m nt alone nd there are people my age going thru similar things..
Take care, u myt hav jst inspired me to mayb start my own blog too.
You’re welcome, thank you for reading 🙂 x
I just came across your blog and love it…I’m a 31yr. old female with CD and the story is almost identical. For so long my stoma was a gift and a curse…but now I wouldn’t have it any other way. Your and inspiration and brave
Aw thank you! 🙂
Aww thank you! Hugs to you 🙂
Thanks. I have had my ileostomy for a month. I have enjoyed reading your past post. They have been very informative and helpful. Thank you again and I look forward to more info. You are an inspiration to me.
You’re welcome! Thank you for your comment 🙂 I’m glad you enjoy reading