Jackie is from Bristol and has had her permanent ileostomy since September 2015
This gave me my life back
After two years of struggle following a temporary ileostomy and a second cancer which led to a short colon and severely restricted diet and pain, I agreed to a permanent ileostomy in September 2015. This gave me my life back! There was a little difficulty at first with leakage due to scarring from my first ileostomy but the stoma care nurses were brilliant and soon sorted me out. I was used to changing the bag from my previous experience so that was never a problem.
I no longer feel a nuisance dining out… I can eat almost anything
I was now able to go to social events including the Christmas meal at the pub with my church which I had had to miss out on before. I no longer felt a nuisance if being entertained with a meal by friends as I sometimes had not been able to eat much of what they were preparing. I have found now that I can eat almost anything I want, although I avoid things like nuts and sweetcorn.
Also, some vegetables can be a bit smelly but you discover these things through trial and error – everybody is different.
I’m careful what I eat during a round of golf
I play golf a couple of times a week. I am careful what I eat during a round in case the bag fills before I reach the 19th hole but it hasn't been a problem and I can still hit the ball well (ish!) without having to worry. We go on long walks with pub meals halfway and if I wait for a short while to use the 'ladies' before we set off again, I am fine. I have obtained a radar key and a plastic card saying I am entitled to use an accessible toilet in case I am challenged (as I look so well!), but so far have not had to show the card. My husband and I are venturing abroad this year for the first time after my operation but I have no concerns about managing.