#auguts hard to talk about
People think ‘I don’t want a stoma’, but actually, I can do everything now that I could do before.
I was feeling in good shape when I noticed some bleeding. I thought it was piles. Then I watched ‘GPs Behind Closed Doors’ on TV and they recommended always getting haemorrhoids checked out. I went to the GP who sent me to see a specialist at the hospital, and then I found out I had a malignant tumour. I was in shock.
From then on it was non-stop testing and followed by a major operation which meant I would need a stoma. I didn’t know anything about stomas. After the surgery, they said the cancer had spread into my lymph nodes and required chemotherapy. The chemo was over 48 hours every fortnight and I had a tough six months.
I feel lucky that I’m still here. It was such a surprise, to not have had any warning that I was ill in any way. But gradually over the years, it gets easier because you get used to living with the stoma and it’s much simpler than I had anticipated. I change my bag in the morning when I get up, once or twice during the day, and then before I go to bed, so it’s no different from going to the toilet regularly. It’s not noticeable with what you’re wearing. I teach art and the worst part is it makes funny noises. When you’re teaching people, their heads are at your stomach level and you’ve got this strange noise going on!
People don’t like talking about their bowels and they certainly don’t like talking about poo. There’s definitely a stigma around stomas. People think, “I don’t want to have a stoma, I’d rather die”. But actually, it’s a different quality of life, but it’s still a quality of life. I can do everything now that I could do before.
When I first started to recover, I got involved with an exercise programme, helping to come up with exercises that people with stomas could do. Because I used to work as an illustrator, I was able to make illustrations for the booklet. I’ve done lots about nutrition, too. The more you help with research, the more knowledge you have yourself and the more you’re able to help other people.
Everyone’s story is different, but we’re all going through this and we can all help one another. That way someone who’s just finding out about it is not going to be alone.
You could help our researchers make the breakthroughs that leads to life-saving and life-changing treatments.
Donate nowGut health is unique to you, so hear from experts, people with lived experience and the community to find out ways they manage their gut health. Scientists believe that, from birth, the gut microbiome is linked to virtually every aspect of our health. There is still much more to discover but take your first step here.
In 2005 I had a c-section with twins and after that I struggled with abdominal pain and some incontinence for years afterwards. This was diagnosed as IBS. In 2016 the incontinence got worse but this time with bleeding. I went to my GP and was referred for tests within three weeks.
Rebecca shares her story from diagnosis with IBD to Bowel Cancer and the importance of research. A keen allotment grower, Rebecca joined the charity at the debut of the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024.
Sid Hill and Chris Hull, created, the Bowel Research UK Microbiome Garden, an edible meadow focussing on the connection between the ecological health of the landscape, it’s soil and the health of our own gut microbiome.
Join the #auguts campaign by sharing your own recipes, tips and stories via video or the written word!
Your video or written story will appear on our website and be shared on our social media channels. Please include your social media handles if you feel comfortable with us tagging you when we share your story. Submissions may be edited slightly, for example by adding captions or putting several videos together, or adding our logo.
Take a look at this guide for some tips on filming video on your phone. If you have any questions, email hello@bowelresearchuk.org
By completing this form you are agreeing to enter our newsletter database to receive additional email updates from Bowel Research UK about research, patient information and fundraising. Access our privacy policy at the bottom of the page.
Welcome to our #auguts campaign. This year we are focussing on the MicrobioME because gut health is unique to you. Discover our recipes, share your tips and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Watch the video