Living with a stoma is a journey that not everyone can understand, but for Jess Skipper, it has been a transformative experience as well as one that she is determined to share with the world. From battling Ulcerative Colitis to embracing her new reality with confidence, Jess has turned her personal challenges into a source of strength and support for others.

A Journey of Resilience

Jess’s path to stoma surgery was anything but easy. From enduring severe weight loss, chronic pain, and countless trips to the hospital, she finally received a diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis. Despite numerous surgical interventions and treatments, her condition continued to deteriorate. The decision to have an ileostomy was a life-changing one, but one that granted her a newfound sense of freedom.

Before her stoma surgery, Jess’ life was heavily dictated by exhaustion, pain and constant proximity to the nearest bathroom. The simple joys of life, such as dining out or spending quality time with her daughter Evie, were overshadowed by the unpredictable nature of her illness. Once she had the surgery, Jess regained control over her life, allowing her to indulge in her passion for food without fearing what could happen afterwards.

Building an Online Community

When Jess first faced the reality of her new life living with a stoma, she realised just how little awareness existed around it. She hadn’t met or come across anyone with a stoma, nor had she seen much representation about it online. That is when she decided to take matters into her own hands and change this. Through her social media platforms, particularly Instagram, Jess created a safe space where she could document her journey, connect with fellow ostomates, and help educate the wider public about life with a stoma.

Her platform quickly became a beacon of encouragement and support for those in similar situations. Through this, she learned the value of sharing experiences, community and the importance of lifting others up. The ability to connect with those who truly understand what she’s going through has been both reassuring and empowering.

Family, Acceptance, and Education

Throughout her whole journey, Jess has been surrounded by an incredible support system. Her friends and family rallied behind her, eager to understand and learn about what she was going through. While she preferred to process much of it on her own, their unwavering encouragement through a difficult time was invaluable to her. Perhaps one of the most touching aspects of her story is the way that she has involved her daughter Evie.

From accompanying Jess to medical appointments to playfully mimicking her mother by placing a stoma bag on her own belly, Evie has fully embraced this new reality with both an open heart and an open mind. Jess has ensured that her daughter is well-educated about stomas, creating an environment of understanding and acceptance. By openly discussing living with a stoma at home, she has helped to really normalise it within her own family.

Confidence Through Choice

One of the most empowering aspects of Jess’ journey has been finding products that make her feel both confident and comfortable. In particular, our Aurum® Plus black bag has been a game changer for Jess. Having options when it comes to stoma bags has allowed Jess to regain a sense of control over her confidence and her appearance. Whether she is out and about or at the gym, the stylish and discreet design of the bag makes her feel empowered in her own skin.

In addition to aesthetics, the practical design of our Aurum® Plus pouches has significantly improved her experience. Jess said that, unlike previous bags that she has tried and struggled to get to adhere properly to her skin due to her active lifestyle, our pouches offered her a secure fit. This has made living with a stoma much easier and more manageable.

Daily Life and Advice for Others

Jess has established an effective yet simple routine when it comes to managing her stoma. Every morning, Jess changes her bag as it helps her to feel clean and comfortable for the day ahead. Taking the time to let her skin breathe as long as she can, she will then apply her Manuka honey Hyperseal® washers and securing her bag firmly has now become second nature. Through consistency and the right products, she has now developed a seamless process that makes living with a stoma easier.

Jess offers her advice to anyone embarking on a similar journey, and that is to name your stoma. It may seem like a small thing to some, but assigning a name to this new part of her body has helped her to accept it as more of a companion rather than a burden. Acceptance is key to embracing a new normal and finding confidence while living with a stoma.

Jess Skipper’s story is one of education, resilience and empowerment. Through her openness and honesty, Jess continues to break down stigmas and inspire others to live confidently with a stoma. By sharing her journey, she is not only changing her own life but also helping to change the lives of others, one post at a time.

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