By Mr Colitis Stoma, Harvey Gladwell

Hello, my name is Harvey, aka mr colitis stoma on social media. I’m 22 years old and am from the UK, this is a brief overview of my story.

Four and a half years ago, I nearly died and underwent emergency surgery that left me in intensive care for ten days. I had 14 different tubes in me at one time, I couldn’t even lift my phone, and I relied on TPN nutrient supplements to stay alive. I was battling daily pains, pneumonia, sepsis, MRSA as well as other hospital infections, and bilateral kidney stones which kept growing. At that time, I only weighed 35kg (77 lbs.) and was skin and bones. Now that I am healthy, I’m nearly 90kg (198 lbs.). However, this significant change in my weight has left me with some issues around body dysmorphia. I was also on morphine, just wanting to escape the constant pain. My stoma saved my life — but it also changed my life in every possible way.

The truth? I struggled. With pain. With identity. With confidence.

I hated what I saw in the mirror some days.

I felt like no one my age was going through this.

But slowly, I rebuilt. I set challenges for myself. I travelled, I pushed myself. I found my people. And eventually – I found purpose.

I completed an Ironman triathlon on the first anniversary after my surgery.

Since then, living with an ileostomy has been a journey of highs and lows. Traveling around Asia has shown me that my ileostomy doesn’t have to limit my adventures, although there are challenges that go beyond the physical element.

The battle isn’t over as I know that I need another surgery soon. I need a proctectomy, which scares me a lot as many people my age haven’t had this kind of surgery and the risk of complications is high. My ulcerative colitis is still very active and sometimes I just deny that it is the way it is. I know that I should address it but it is just so depressing.

The stigma surrounding having a stoma can be difficult to navigate. The noises it makes causes people to stare and I am reminded that I’m different. Some days, I hate it and wish things were different. Dealing with the daily routine of remembering to take loperamide several times a day and having the sensation of never feeling full are ongoing battles.

Yet, despite these struggles, I know that I wouldn’t be here without my ileostomy. It has given me a second chance at life, and for that, I’m grateful – even on the tough days.

I have now developed a stoma support belt to aid people in sports and fitness as well as to help them with day to day activities.

After surgery, I couldn’t find a stoma belt that worked.

Everything was either stiff, itchy, not adjustable, or was just plain ugly.

Nothing helped with bloating. Nothing gave me confidence. Nothing felt made for real life. So I made my own. I’ve made it my mission to support ostomates everywhere — because no one should feel unsupported in their own skin.

My brand is more than just belts. It’s about changing the way the world sees stomas. It’s about giving people options. It’s about taking control back. It’s about community. It’s about survival, and thriving.

So when you wear one of my belts, know this: You’re not just wearing support. You’re wearing strength.

Website: mrcolitisstoma.com
Follow Harvey on Instagram: mr._colitis_stoma

This story was sourced by Lisa Gausman, Ostomy Canada Senior Editor.

Disclaimer: The information shared by Ostomy Canada Society is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every person’s ostomy experience is unique. Please consult your health care provider with any questions about your condition, care, or treatment plan.