Thekidwithabag

05/09/2025

Living with IBD is often so much more than what people see on the outside! It’s a journey of ups and downs and with times where you feel completely lost! And it’s a journey that no two people will have the same experience!

IBD diagnosis’s are unfortunately on the rise and with symptoms still too often overlooked and stigmatised, it’s so important we raise awareness and normalise having these conversations!

03/09/2025

5 years ago, my life changed. IBD is now a part of me and has shaped me into the person I am today! Thank you to you ALL for your support 🙏

I’m Ollie and this is my story! 💜

27/08/2025

Forgot the farmer’s or bikini tan lines… I’ve got the stoma support belt’s tan line, visible all the way around my waist 😭☀️

It looks much clearer in person!!!!

I wear a stoma support belt to keep my bag secure while swimming, sitting in the sun or beach etc and it makes me feel more comfortable! The tan line is an added bonus:)

26/08/2025

My top tips for new students with IBD, a stoma bag and/or a chronic illness starting university/college this September:

1. Contact the university disability support team 💻🧑‍💻
2. Don’t feel guilty about saying no to social situations. Prioritise yourself and your health 🚫
3. Know where the local pharmacy is - get to know the new city as best you can before 💊
4. Know your triggers for flares and plan ahead for if you do go into a flare - meds, safe foods/drinks, all contacts you need etc. 📋
5. Having IBD or a stoma doesn’t mean missing out. Enjoy it and good luck!!!!

Let me know your tips and thoughts in the comments! Give this a share, you never who may find this helpful before they start in a couple weeks 💜

24/08/2025

I look at my life now, post surgery, and compare it to my quality of life before surgery, where I was stuck in a cycle of symptoms, physical, mental and social pain, hospitals, and endless endoscopies. Now, I can focus on living, not just surviving!

My stoma has ENABLED me, NOT DISABLED ME!

Post inspired by the incredible 💜

25/07/2025

Having just returned from holiday, I’ve had several messages, questions, concerns and tips about flying with a stoma bag. 🛫🌆🚡🏝️

Travelling and flying with a stoma bag can be daunting, especially that very first time! Will I get stopped? What assistance am I entitled to? What if I can’t explain to security I have a bag because of a language barrier? Will the bag expand and explode on the plane (Spoiler - NO!)

My top tips:
✈️ Apply for a sunflower lanyard.
This is a recognised and discreet symbol that lets airport staff know that you have a hidden disability. I bring this alongside a disability ID card, a travel certificate from Coloplast charter (this explains my condition in multiple languages) and a doctor’s letter too. These allow me to use special assistance at airports as well as other public places.
✈️Supplies
Always bring spare supplies with, more than usual! I always pack my supplies in my hand luggage ensuring to take the liquids, as with any other toiletries out before putting my bag through security; as well as spare in my luggage!
✈️Expect security stops - but don’t panic!
Be prepared to get stopped walking through the security scanners. In my own experiences travelling when I get stopped, I immediately tell the security I have a stoma bag. I’m patted down, then a swab is taken from the bag and I am good to go to duty free! It’s not uncommon to be taken to a private room for further inspection (I’ve never had this personally). Even after several trips, I still find this part stressful, but being prepared really helps.
✈️Stay hydrated!
I bring a dioralyte solution, recommended by my medical team (St Marks Solution/Hydrostomate sachets)

Finally and most importantly, enjoy the holiday, be grateful you’re healthy and able to travel, and that’s something to be proud of. And try not to worry what others think if they see your stoma bag (most won’t even notice)!

There’s so much more I could share about travelling with a stoma so, if you do have any other questions around travelling with a stoma bag or an invisible condition please don’t hesitate to drop me a message or leave a comment below where others may have tips as well!

💜

24/07/2025

09/07/2025

🚨PAID market research opportunity for ostomates - being held in London🚨

Use the link attached to see more information and to sign up to see if you’re eligible for the study! This study is looking for people living with an ostomy bag, to support the design of a new ConvaTec bag:)

Sessions will be a maximum of 60 minutes for which you shall be paid £100 for taking part 🤩

Intelligent Fieldwork

https://eu.panelfox.io/s/XLM005_Urostomy

09/07/2025

Which colour bag are you picking 🤔 the grey or the black .uk bag?

Since the launch of the Coloplast black bag, I’ve loved having the choice to pick which colour bag I want to wear!

🖤In the black corner - I prefer to wear the black bag if I am heading out that evening - it looks sleek, cool, less discreet and feels less like a medical product! I also wear the black bag when I play sport as it blends nicely with my black support belt!

🩶In the grey corner - The grey bag is great when I wear lighter clothes, especially shirts where the bag (as long as it’s not too full) won’t show through my clothes!

Let me know what colour bag you prefer? Do you have a favourite? Or do you alternate days like I do? Let me know your thoughts:) ⬇️

29/06/2025

- Behind the Scenes: Making the Invisible, Visible - here we come! 🎬💚

This year’s theme, Behind the Scenes, shines a light on the reality of living with an invisible illness and to help people better understand the daily challenges we face. Just because someone looks healthy doesn’t mean they aren’t living with pain, fatigue, or with a hidden disability - you never know what someone is going through. So often, people with invisible conditions face judgement, disbelief, or are simply overlooked, especially in my own experience as a young person! By sharing our stories online, we can break down the stigma and normalise conversations, encourage others to seek medical help without shame, and empower those living with invisible illnesses to feel seen and supported.

For me, what people don’t always see is: worrying about my stoma bag leaking, is it buldging through my clothes? Are people going to be able to see it? Being uncomfortable asking to use accessible facilities, in fear of being judged. Always keeping on top of my hydration as I more easily get dehydrated. Questioning every food I eat, will it give me a blockage, pain? Hernias? The physical and mental toll that comes with living with a chronic and invisible condition, the visits, long stays in hospitals, surgeries and the impact not just physically but on every aspect of my life: socially, mentally, on family, financially etc. We all face silent battles - ones no one sees unless we choose to open up.

This community is incredible, bravely raising awareness for invisible conditions and bowel disease, alongside inspiring those in similar situations that they’re not alone and don’t deserve to suffer in silence! Which unfortunately is the reality for many!

Thank you for all the work you do! I am so proud to have been part in shaping the 2025 campaign 💚

21/06/2025

Today marks 1 year since I had my protectomy and a permanent ileostomy recreation surgery! 🥳

Looking back at how I felt before this surgery and in the early weeks of recovery, that were very tough both physically and mentally, I’m honestly amazed at how far I’ve come! Firstly to my medical team, my family and friends (you know who you are), and to all of you in this incredible online community — thank you! Your messages and support, encouraged me and helped me get through this surgery. I have no regrets about having this surgery - it gave me my life and health back!

How do I feel now, 1 year post-op? I’m physically stronger than I have ever been! Since the op I have gained at least a stone in weight - probably more. I’ve regained my strength and fitness, returning to playing sport, running etc. I’m eating well (and not having to rush to the loo all the time); I’m sleeping through most nights and feel a lot more energised than before the surgery - being drained by the constant UC symptoms!

As some of you may know, I had pelvic infection shortly after my operation, which complicated my recovery (and more painful!!) but my wounds now have all fully healed and I am in no pain! And I am off all medications! The stoma itself has been well behaved (so far). I had a few blockages, especially early-on, in the first few months, but they’ve now become much less common. As the weather gets warmer, the skin under my the stoma can get more irritated than usual and I’ve got to be extra careful about getting easily dehydrated - this is manageable for me and has become part of my routine!

I’m currently working towards my second year medical school exams then, looking forward to (hopefully) enjoying a hospital-free summer (as a patient) and feeling healthy!

For anyone in a similar situation to myself, please, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions! I’m more than happy to answer questions, share my thoughts/experiences or just to chat! You are not alone and no one deserves to suffer in silence!!

💜