Kevin received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same.
When I first shared my story with Coloplast, I had recently undergone ostomy surgery. At the time, I was still adjusting to life with my ostomy and discovering what was possible.
Now, eight years later, I can honestly say the surgery has allowed me to live life on my own terms again.
One of the biggest changes has been becoming involved in the ostomy community. I'm now the Vice President of the Ostomy Support Group of Halton Peel, and helping others has become a big part of my life.
Looking back, connecting with people who already had an ostomy helped me prepare for my own surgery.
I always encourage people to join a support group before surgery if they can. It's a great place to ask questions and talk to people from all walks of life who have gone through similar experiences. Sometimes hearing from someone who's living well with an ostomy can make all the difference.
Over the years, I've also become a bit of an ostomy product enthusiast. Whenever I see a new product, I want to try it.
I think it's important to understand what's available because what works for one person may not work for another.
For me, Coloplast products work the best, but when I'm talking to someone who's struggling, my goal isn't to tell them what to use. It's to help them find what works for them. If I can share my experience and help someone feel more confident in their choices, that's a win.
The biggest difference, though, is the freedom I have today.
Before surgery, I was constantly worried about where the nearest washroom was. I could be working in the garage, out with family, or trying to enjoy the outdoors, and without warning I'd have to drop everything and run to the bathroom.
Now, that anxiety is gone.
I can spend half a day hunting or fishing without thinking about where the nearest washroom is. Those were activities I loved, and there was a time when they became difficult to enjoy. Today, they're part of my life again.
Kevin maple sugaring on his property
Travel is easier too. Before surgery, I always wanted a seat close to the washroom and spent much of my trip worrying about whether I'd be able to get there in time. Now I travel with confidence. I still plan ahead, but I don't let those concerns dictate what I can and can't do.
I've never tried to hide my ostomy. Whether it's going through airport security or talking with people in my community,
I'm open about it because I think the more we talk about ostomies, the less stigma there will be.
As a firefighter, I was proud to be photographed still riding the truck after surgery because I wanted people to see that an ostomy doesn't mean the end of the life you love. In many cases, it means getting that life back.
I've even named my stoma "Stewie." It might sound funny, but it's something we often encourage new ostomates to do. Giving it a name helps you accept it as part of your life instead of something you're fighting against.
If there's one thing I've learned over the past eight years, it's that an ostomy doesn't define you. It's simply a tool that can help you live the life you want to live.
For me, that means spending less time worrying and more time doing the things I enjoy. I can hunt, fish, travel, volunteer, and support others who are beginning their own ostomy journey.
Those are things I don't take for granted.
That's why I continue to share my story. If it helps someone see that life after ostomy surgery can be active, fulfilling, and full of possibilities, then sharing my experience is worth it.
My ostomy isn't what holds me back. It's what helped me move forward.
