Chantelle received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same.
For ten years I struggled with stomach issues and after many doctors’ appointments, trial and error with medications, and lots of tears, I was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 34.
My name is Chantelle, and I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario.
My passion for dance started at the early age of four and continues to be a big part of my life. I owned my own dance studio for eighteen years while traveling and performing as a professional dancer. After becoming a mom to three beautiful children, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. This diagnosis, although invisible to others, affected my day-to-day living including my passion to pursue dance.
For ten years I struggled with stomach issues and after many doctors’ appointments, trial and error with medications, and lots of tears, I was finally diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis at the age of 34. I remember lying in the hospital after my colonoscopy and hearing the doctors from a distance confirming this diagnosis. At that moment, I felt relieved, but looking back I had no idea what this disease really was or how it would affect me for the rest of my life.
Prior to my diagnosis, every day was a struggle physically and mentally.
This illness prevented me from attending many important events, from family get-togethers to my children’s sports activities and school trips. I spent many weeks in the hospital away from my family. Some days I couldn’t even get out of bed. (Hence why I was happy to hear a diagnosis – this could ALL BE FIXED, RIGHT?)
After 6 years of different medications and infusions, my body stopped responding and the question of needing surgery became my reality. After a family trip to renew my wedding vows, I was the most sick I’ve ever been and knew something was wrong. I went to the emergency department at our local hospital and what I hoped would be a quick visit became an emergency ileostomy surgery that left me with my ostomy bag.
Not knowing anyone else with this disease or who had an ileostomy, I felt so alone. I knew my quality of life would be better after my surgery but I had new fears of being able to love and accept my new body.
While having an ileostomy comes with its own challenges, being able to experience the small joys of life that were taken from me for so many years made it all worth it.
My ostomy bag does not define me and I share my story in hopes to help others feel less alone, and to inspire them to share their own story.
I was introduced to Coloplast during my hospital stay after having my surgery. Even though it was overwhelming at first, I quickly adjusted to my new normal as the Coloplast products were comfortable and easy to use. I am currently wearing a 2-piece pouch, as well as using Brava® powder and lubricating deodorant daily. Coloplast is the only brand I have used and trust. I love the variety of products offered and appreciate the Coloplast team for being so helpful and supportive.
I would recommend Coloplast products because of the comfort, variety, ease of use and the quality. Coloplast® Care advisors are knowledgeable and always willing to help.
My advice to anyone going through a similar journey would be to share their story out loud without the fear of being judged.
Be brave. Be your own kind of beautiful.
