Beyond the Pouch

Ballooning? Pancaking? Hernias? Not sure what’s normal?In this episode, Lucy, former stoma nurse and clinical advisor, answers your most common questions about stoma issues.We cover causes, symptoms, and tips to manage everything from blockages to sore skin, plus her essential advice for anyone new to life with a stoma.Disclaimer: If you are experiencing any ongoing issues with your stoma, please contact your Stoma Care Nurse for advice and support. Follow us for more:Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltdFollow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

How do you rebuild confidence after stoma surgery? What does personal style look like now? And how do you feel comfortable in your body again?In this episode, Amy (@ibdwarriorprincess) joins us for an honest conversation about fashion, body confidence, and self-love while living with a stoma. From getting dressed after surgery to showing up confidently at events, in the gym, or on holiday, she shares how she’s redefined confidence on her own terms.We also get into the emotional side — navigating negative self-talk and the pressure of comparison culture.Follow us for more:Instagram: @eakinostomy & @respondltdFollow our hosts Ant & Rachel: @ibdlife & @gutsy.mum

There are many different things women navigate throughout their lives - from periods and contraception to pregnancy and beyond. When you add a stoma into the mix, it brings even more complexity and unique challenges.This International Women’s Day, we’re putting a spotlight on women’s health with our special spin-off episode, Beyond the Pouch: International Women’s Day Special with the amazing Rachel, Poppy, Ayesha and Jo. 

In this final episode of our Men’s Health Takeover series, we’re talking about life after stoma surgery through the lens of food, drink, and getting back to exercise. Join Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris as they share honest experiences about rebuilding strength and confidence after surgery, and navigating a new relationship with food, hydration, and movement.

Intimacy and relationships after stoma surgery can feel challenging, but you’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris dive into the realities of dating, communicating with partners, and rebuilding confidence in your body and your relationships.

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, we’re tackling a topic that’s often overlooked: mental health for men living with a stoma. Surgery and recovery can be tough, but the mental and emotional journey is just as important — and sometimes even more challenging.Join Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris as they open up about the struggles and the strength that comes from speaking out.This episode is a reminder that your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone — help and support are available.If you need to talk to someone, you can contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK & ROI), or visit samaritans.org for confidential support 24/7.You can also reach out to Mind, the mental health charity, for information and support at mind.org.uk or by calling 0300 123 3393.

Welcome to a special edition of Beyond the Pouch – shining a light on men’s health and life with a stoma for Men’s Health Awareness Month.In this episode, Ant, Keith, Mohammad, and Chris sit down for an honest, open chat about something that doesn’t get talked about enough: what it’s really like to be a man living with a stoma.

In this episode, Ru shares his stoma journey after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and experiencing a bowel perforation following chemotherapy, which led to his ileostomy. He also discusses his approach to raising awareness and advocating for stomas within the online community. Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTsSvvOtI7Y 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Ru: @ru.talks.ibd💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

 In this episode, Angelina shares her experience of being diagnosed at just 12 years old after enduring debilitating symptoms. She also opens up about her recent pregnancy journey with a stoma and how she navigates motherhood while looking after her health. Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTsSvvOtI7Y 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Angelina: @thebaglife_💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions on eating disorders, which some listeners may find distressing.In this episode, Natalie-Amber shares her journey with Crohn's disease, her experience of living with a stoma, and undergoing a reversal. She reflects on her emotional journey toward accepting her scar and her dedication to breaking down stigmas while promoting body acceptance. Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTsSvvOtI7Y 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Natalie-Amber: @natalie_amber1💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

 In this episode, Kevin discusses the challenges he faced with his mental health after getting a stoma. He shares how he adjusted to this major life change and came to terms with living with a bag. Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTsSvvOtI7Y 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Kevin: @thestomaguy💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussions about miscarriage, which some listeners may find distressing.In this episode, Jennie shares her inspiring journey of navigating pregnancy with a stoma, managing the challenges of Crohn’s flare-ups, and advocating for herself throughout her stoma experience.Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dTsSvvOtI7Y 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Jennie: @ostomummy💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Poppy shares her journey with Ulcerative Colitis, from her diagnosis to her emergency stoma surgery. She talks about the setbacks she faced, her shift in outlook, and the new life she’s embraced with a stoma.Content disclaimer:The views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEYgl78mt-U 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Poppy: @stoma_scene 💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Anna shares her story of being diagnosed with Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) as a newborn to undergoing emergency surgery for an ileostomy, then navigating a reversal and returning to life with a stoma. Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Anna: @what_happened_nec.t💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Nikki shares her journey of adjusting to life as a new ostomate, discussing her challenges with mental health and the process of coming to terms with her stoma.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Nikki: @jonesvscrohns💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Chris opens up about mental health struggles and overcoming emotional challenges with a stoma. Not only this, Chris' wife, Rachel, makes a special feature as she shares her experience taking care of a loved one with a stoma.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Chris: @sydneystoma💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Jeremy Eakin, former CEO of Eakin Healthcare, shares the story of Eakin and how it started as a family-owned business. Alongside this, he also talks about the development of the first Cohesive® seal.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfighting💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Summer shares her experience of being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, undergoing stoma surgery, and Barbie butt surgery, all within a span of three years. She also talks about coping with relationships and body confidence with a stoma. Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Summer: @summers_stoma💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Keith shares how he maintains a positive attitude while living with ulcerative colitis and a stoma, his keenness for raising awareness and his experience being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Keith: @keiththom2014💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/Instagram: @eakin_ostomyFacebook: TGEakinTwitter: @TGEakinRecording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Natalie opens up about her experience with undiagnosed Crohn's during pregnancy, the challenges she faced with contraceptives while having a stoma, experiencing a Crohn's flare in the vagina, dealing with heavy periods and much more. Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Natalie: @thespooniemummy💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/ Instagram: @eakin_ostomy Facebook: TGEakin Twitter: @TGEakin Recording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Ant opens up about being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis during university, how he manages a prolapsed stoma and adapting to stoma life while maintaining a positive energy throughout.  Ant also touches on how he doesn't let his stoma hold him back — from becoming a ambassador for the ostomy community, to running his first London marathon with a stoma.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Ant: @ibdlife 💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/ Instagram: @eakin_ostomy Facebook: TGEakin Twitter: @TGEakin Recording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Mohammad opens up about his battle with colon cancer, along with having emergency stoma surgery after the tumour in his abdomen grew to the size of a watermelon. Mohammad also shares his passion for being an advocate for the cancer and stoma community, as well as raising awareness for ethnic minority groups in the stoma and medical field. Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support. 📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Mohammad: @colon_cancer_and_me💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/ Instagram: @eakin_ostomy Facebook: TGEakin Twitter: @TGEakin Recording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode of Beyond the Pouch, Phillipa opens up about almost losing her life due to multiple organ failure whilst she was in a coma, as well as having sepsis, C.difficile and a perforation of her bowel. A month before this, Phillipa had a stoma formed after being diagnosed with both Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, but unfortunately due to the perforation of her bowel, she had to spend two and a half months in hospital – learning to walk and sit up again.Coming out the other end, Phillipa has spent a lot of time travelling and embracing her body with a stoma. In this episode, she also talks about her experience flying with a stoma, doing a bag change at 38,000 feet in the air, and how she feels confident in her body on holidays.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support. 📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise:Rachel: @gutsy.mumLouise: @crohnsfightingFollow Phillipa: @phillipakayx💜 Pelican Healthcare:Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/Instagram: @pelicanhealthcareFacebook: PelicanHealthcareLtdTwitter: @PelicanHealth💚 Respond Healthcare:Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/Instagram: @respondltdFacebook: respondltdTwitter: @respondltd🤍 Eakin Healthcare:Website: https://www.eakin.eu/ Instagram: @eakin_ostomy Facebook: TGEakin Twitter: @TGEakin Recording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk

In this episode, Rachel and Louise open up about their stoma stories, including navigating the ups and downs of life with an ostomy. Rachel discusses both her and her son living life with a stoma as a result of Hirschsprung's Disease, while Louise opens up about her Crohn's journey, along with waking up to her first stoma as a result of a C-section.Content disclaimerThe views, opinions and experiences expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and should not be taken as clinical advice. Please contact your local stoma care nurse for advice and support.📽️ Click here to watch the full episode on YouTube 📽️ 🎙️ Follow Rachel & Louise: Rachel: @gutsy.mum Louise: @crohnsfighting 💜 Pelican Healthcare: Website: https://www.pelicanhealthcare.co.uk/ Instagram: @pelicanhealthcare Facebook: PelicanHealthcareLtd Twitter: @PelicanHealth 💚 Respond Healthcare: Website: https://www.respond.co.uk/ Instagram: @respondltd Facebook: respondltd Twitter: @respondltd 🤍 Eakin Healthcare: Website: https://www.eakin.eu/ Instagram: @eakin_ostomy Facebook: TGEakin Twitter: @TGEakin Recording and editing by Hoot Studios | @hootstudiosuk