Raimo received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same.
My ostomy journey began in 2004, on a stage in Toronto, Ontario.
I was the lead singer-songwriter of a rock band, playing all the historic venues like El Mocambo, Lee’s Palace, and The Horseshoe Tavern, until I started feeling sick. It was like I had the stomach flu all day, every day, then… it got really bad.
Finally, I went to see my family doctor. He told me I had severe ulcerative colitis - I’d never heard of it before. He said it was so severe that I may need ostomy surgery - I’d never heard of that either. He prescribed me some medication and I went home feeling anxious, confused, and scared.
I quickly did some research and felt the world sinking beneath me. I was a 25-year-old musician, living my rockstar life, and now I may need a…bag? No way. So, against my doctor’s advice, I decided not to get the surgery right away. Instead, for the next ten years, I tried every medication and treatment available, but nothing worked. I quit playing music and fell into a very dark place. I stopped going out, stopped seeing my friends, and was forever on the search for the next bathroom.
I couldn’t live like that anymore and decided to have ileostomy surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital downtown Toronto… it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I was able to go out again, see my friends, and even get back on stage playing acoustic gigs.
Coloplast Care was right there with me from the beginning, and I couldn’t thank them enough.
Even to this day, I receive calls and emails from Care Advisors checking up on me, making sure I have everything I need. They send me samples of new products to try and offer support however I may need it.
I wear a Coloplast 2-piece SenSura® Click pouch with an Assura® baseplate. It’s comfortable, discreet, and most of all… I trust it.
I have tried other ostomy supplies before and my skin had a reaction to the adhesive. Coloplast products fit my body perfectly with no skin irritation.
Not having my ostomy surgery earlier and quitting music has been one of the biggest regrets of my life. I hope my story inspires others to not let fear and anxiety get in the way of following your dreams.
Since my ostomy surgery, I’ve been lucky enough to have written a book titled, With Little Means, about my story with a fictional twist.
I am proud to say that the story has been adapted into a short film, STUCK, which will play at film festivals across North America for the 2024 season. I hope the film helps to spread a positive awareness and represent our community to the fullest.
Click here to visit Raimo's website and learn more about his creative projects.
