Ostomy Bags Don’t Hold Back Lifestyle

If you were to hear the phrase ‘body positivity’ on its own, your mind would likely jump to some obvious places: stories of plus-sized models being used in designer fashion ads, dialogues around the negative impact of fat-shaming, and openly discussing different body types. Not often does the discussion seem to flow over to the idea of body positivity being a discussion of the differently-abled, like those who live with the unfortunate stigma of ostomy bags.

Too often, ostomy bags seem to be the punchline of a joke or a hushed conversational exchange if one is noticed in public, when really, there should be no shame ascribed to that particular circumstance. People do not choose to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, so why are people treating these medical solutions with disgust and shame rather than empathy as one would to someone who has lost their hair to chemotherapy?

Just because someone is differently-abled and requires something to be attached to their bodies to help regulate bodily functions does not mean that life has to be over. Many well-known public figures have spoken out about this stigma and have been taking steps to redress it, like British model Blake Beckford, who showcases his ileostomy bag prominently in ads. We have found the best way to reduce stigma is to speak openly about ostomy bags and help educate people – the more information that gets out to the public, the less power the taboo has over people.

Essentially, ostomy bags are necessary after a surgery on the bowel – this could come from an infection, a tumor, or a traumatic injury to the intestine. The surgeon will re-route the intestines to an opening in the abdomen called a ‘stoma’ which is then fitted with the ostomy bag to collect the waste that comes out of the intestines. The stigma comes from human beings’ aversion to thinking about excrement – but think of it this way: if you had an infection, tumor, or injury in your bowel, could you possibly ask for a cleaner, more effective solution?

Ostomy bags are comprised of multiple components that make up a sealed, discreet bag that will assist in collecting waste. Potentially the most important part of the ostomy bag is the hydrocolloid component that attaches to the stoma and adheres to the skin around it. These parts must be sterile, flexible, and strong to keep the bag attached and working properly. Only the highest quality materials that have been laboratory-tested should be used for these components, as they can assist someone with a stoma not only to have their bodily functions restored, but allow them to continue living their life as normal. Having a durable and reliable ostomy bag lets you live your life as easily as you would without one, eating the same foods and engaging in the same activities (with the potential exception of high-intensity contact sports).

Living with an ostomy bag shouldn’t be a life-long sentence to stigma and disgust. We want to do our part in discussing the importance of ostomy bags and how they work – and we encourage you to continue this important discussion.