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My name is Taylor Mitchell-Ross and I'm in my 30's. I had ostomy surgery due to severe idiopathic constipation and undiagnosed muscle and nerve disorders. I have a loop ileostomy currently but ultimately plan to have an end ileostomy. My ostomy surgery was planned as a last resort for
providing me a chance at a healthier life.
How did you feel before having ostomy surgery?
I was so desperate for relief, I didn't care much about what I was getting or what the surgery entailed. I just wanted it to work. I wanted relief above all else.
How do you feel now after ostomy surgery?
I feel so much better! I'm still undiagnosed, have symptoms, and difficult days but I'm actually able to function most days and participate in my own life again. That is priceless.
Tell us about your hobbies. Any new ones since surgery?
I create custom wooden flower arrangements, do axe throwing, and run my Ostomy and Stuff Instagram.
What do you know now that you wish you knew before having surgery?
I wish I knew that having an ostomy is an ever evolving journey full of trial and error that requires patience.
What are your favorite ostomy products from Convatec?
The Esteem+ 1 pc moldable bag and the Esenta Adhesive Remover spray.
Featured Products
Esteem™ + One-Piece Mouldable Drainable Pouch
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
Travel
Traveling with an Ostomy: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can...
Read more Read more28/06/2026
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with an ostomy
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has neve...
Read more Read more27/11/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater compli...
Read more Read more27/06/2026
Everyday life
Sleeping with an Ostomy
‘Learning’ how to sleep again after ostomy surgery may be odd. But when you have a stoma, your old sleep positions ma...
Read more Read more28/06/2026
Everyday life
Travel
Managing Humidity and Extending Pouch Wear Times
For people living with an ostomy, humid climates and certain situations may cause concern in pouch wear time. The me+...
Read more Read more27/11/2024
Activity
Everyday life
Reducing Risk of Parastomal Hernia
You may have heard about a complication known as a ‘parastomal’ hernia, an abnormal bulge around the stoma. These tip...
Read more Read more27/06/2026
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Taylor
My name is Taylor Mitchell-Ross and I'm in my 30's. I had ostomy surgery due to severe idiopathic constipation and un...
Read more Read more27/06/2026
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Maggie
My name is Maggie and I received my ostomy at the age of 16. Originally, I had gone in for a resection of my terminal...
Read more Read more27/06/2026
me plus Community
me+ Community Stories - Meghan
Instagram Star, Meghan Brown, Shares How Easy Pouch Removal is with ESENTA™
Read more Read more5/03/2025
Relationships & Intimacy
Intimacy with an Ostomy
Tips to enhance intimacy with your partner and answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
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