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, Kevin, 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.mum
Louise: @crohnsfighting

Follow Ru: @ru.talks.ibd

💜 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

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.mum
Louise: @crohnsfighting

Follow Angelina: @thebaglife_

💜 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

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.mum
Louise: @crohnsfighting

Follow Natalie-Amber: @natalie_amber1

💜 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

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.mum
Louise: @crohnsfighting

Follow Kevin: @thestomaguy

💜 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