Ben received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same.
Hello, my name is Ben. I reside in Cambridge, Nova Scotia. I am proud a Canadian and Nova Scotian.
I have been using a wheelchair for over half of my life (18 years going fast and strong). I have always been into sports and have been chasing the Paralympics in multiple sports since 2008. I compete in the sport of Para Canoe in the VL1 classification. I race the 200m at the world level and distances up to 20km so far.
Another part of my life is my health - physical and mental. Sport is a big factor in both. My gut health is a huge priority for me. My previous bowel routine was becoming an issue both physically and mentally. After holding off for years on a colostomy, I decided to go through with the surgery in October 2023. Dr. Kelly of Annapolis Valley Regional Health in Kentville, Nova Scotia performed an amazing surgery that has been life-changing for my quality of life. Before guidance from Dr. Kelly and some friends who have ostomies, I was afraid that I would have to give up my Paralympic chase, but now I know that an ostomy doesn’t have to change my lifestyle.
I started using Coloplast ostomy products less than a week post-surgery. Out of all the products I tried, Coloplast has worked the best for me and my active lifestyle. The Coloplast Care team has been fantastic. I push myself and my ostomy products to the limit. We are always working towards improving my wear time and making sure when I'm racing or training, I don't have to think about my bag leaking or lifting off.
Coloplast products have allowed me to focus on my day with minimal worry.
I highly recommend anyone with an ostomy to use their products. The biggest game changer for me is the pre-cut SenSura® Mio 1-Piece Convex Soft. Also, the Brava Protective Ring and Brava Elastic Strip make a huge difference in preventing leaks personally.
The ostomy community is amazing. One of my friends has an ostomy and guided me along the process pre- and post-surgery. He connected me with Coloplast. Another friend connected me with a Facebook chat group.
When I hear other people's stories, it reminds me that I am not alone when it comes to wearing a bag.
For anyone that’s on the fence about surgery like I was, going through struggles with their bowel routines, or trying to make everything work: take the leap with arms wide open.
Understand there will be hurdles and tough days and stay in contact with the Coloplast Care Team and ostomy nurse (NSWOC). At the end of the day, your health matters.
