What the heck is a stoma? (showing you my ileostomy) | Hannah Witton

I've had some questions about what a stoma actually is - so here's mine (aka #MonaTheStoma). Forgot to mention this in the video but a stoma/ostomy is basically an artificial opening. Mine is specifically an ILEOSTOMY. There are different types of ostomies depending on what part of the body it is e.g. colostomy (colon), ureostomy (for urine if you have your bladder removed).

Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoyed the video!

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End music: Thursday and Snow (Reprise) by Blank & Kytt

[ArchieBC]

That was 14 minutes of straight up courage. I can’t imagine how many people you’ve helped by making this one video and being openly yourself.

[MewWolf]

Not everyone would be comfortable showing this to people. I appreciate your willingness to educate us.

[kenlyon]

Thank you so much. I am a 78-year-old man that just got the bag a couple of weeks ago. I have all of the things happening to me that you do. It is comforting to know I'm not alone.

[peterjennings]

Thank you Hannah, I am a 72 year old man and I've been diagnosed with cancer of the prostate, bowel and lung, the prostate is being treated (if you can call it that) by killing the Testosterone to take away what the cancer is feeding on and the lung cancer is now suspect and may be benign but the bowel cancer is pretty bad and i'm due under the knife in 16 days. Despite seeing the Stoma nurse I was still unsure about a lot of stuff which is why I looked on YouTube in the first place, as you probably did, I have been supplied with a kit to familiarise myself with changing bags and so on but there was this 'red door stop' which I took to be an artificial Stoma and I was horrified at the size of it!!! I imagined this inch high lump sticking out of my abdomen and causing all sorts of discomfort, now I have seen Mona I understand so thank you. The mucus business is the first I've heard anything about but as a male i'll be happy to sit on the toilet and read, like normal. Like you, my mind is my biggest enemy and i'm having trouble with not feeling unclean and, as you say, is it all now a part of me or an attachment? Overall Hannah you have helped me immensely so as I have said thank you and good luck!

[Dr_Sheeda]

I am a medical student and while studying about stomas i was wondering what one looks like. Your video has helped me a lot in understanding patient experiences which will hopefully help me manage my patients better and empathize with them. your attitude regarding your ailment is remarkable, you are a very brave and strong person. I wish the best for you and hope you get better physically and your mood gets better. All the best !!!!

[chrisriddles]

I have an ileostomy and I have had it 37 years. I am 73 years old and I am pretty fit, regularly cycle 50 miles twice a week. So Hannah Witton, well done you for the video, you will keep getting stronger and stay positive which going by your beautiful personality on screen should not be too difficult.

[drew_]

My dad has had a stoma bag for nearly 12 years now. It has never stopped him doing anything and life is normal. Keep doing what your doing Hannah :) let nothing stand in your way. Your an inspiration

[EmiliaTomaszewski]

I am facing an Ileostomy in about 6 weeks where they are going to remove my colon. I am blown away at how confident you are and how comfortable you are with your "friend". I am still dealing a bit with the unknown but the worst part for me is the psychological part, I just can't seem to wrap my head around having this stoma and all that goes with it for the rest of my life. I applaud your bravery,

[frankiemillard]

I change mine everyday purely for personal preference and very sensitive skin! So glad you shared this video - I’m still not brave enough to bare all so will be sharing so people I know who are really interested can see exactly what I have on my stomach!

[shelaghsalisbury]

I love that you named her... and gave her a gender! What a wonderful way to have a positive body image.

[andreahernaiz]

My grandpa was once told that he might have to get this surgery and we all saw it as something so terrible, then when you got it I looked up pictures on the internet and thought it was so uncomfortable to see. But seeing you talk about it and show it on a video is like seeing it in a whole new light. Thank you for educating us more and giving us a glimpse into your life after your surgery, it has been truly interesting I love your channel so much!

[carlel]

My mom was just told that she has a blockage in her colon and that she will need surgery. We are in a hospital now. I was looking for information on these stomas and I am glad I found your videos. They give me courage to continue. You are awesome. Thank you.

[maximusironthumper]

I had one for 10 months and it absolutely crushed my self confidence at the time. You are clearly coping much better! People told me how brave I was but they were wrong - it's not like I had a choice - just had to cope. What you're doing is brave - much respect to you!

[yvonejude]

Im a 6th year med student, but never been so emotional to see a patient before. Im kind of shocked. Your vid will definitely not only encourage people suffering UC, but also influence our health workers to be more caring and considerating.

[CathLawler]

But imagine if you did have a 9-5 job where you were told what to do, you wouldn't be going to work right now! You're still recovering, so give yourself that and don't stress yourself out - your body is telling you to keep taking it slow and give yourself the time to feel better. You're doing amazingly! Thanks for a really insightful and informative video!

[handsfree]

What a brave young woman you are Hannah. You say you can only do small things, but this video can hardly be described as small. It’s really big. Power to you Hannah

[sarcastic_fish]

I hope you realise how much you're helping normalise stoma's! to me anyways

[jessicalawson]

As someone with GI issues, I am really happy you are being so public and open about your health struggle. I don't think people give enough attention to their GI tract and how vital it is to see a gastroenterologist and make sure everything is working correctly. The Gut can kill you if you don't pay attention to it.

[bethanydunne]

I'm a student nurse and found this so fascinating from a patients perspective!also considering all the psycho-social impacts of having the surgery

[hitmandahl]

I admire you’re courage to show the Internet this, even tho it is “natural” it isn’t easy to be open about. Both of my in-laws have stomas so I’m used to see it. But it can’t be easy to live with.
Keep it up and I’m glad to see someone who is not afraid!