Graeme’s Journey to Skin Protection and Confidence
After his ileostomy surgery, Graeme experienced sore skin around his stoma which negatively impacted his quality of life. Fortunately, he found ostomy products that protect his skin and now leads a confident and active life.
Learn how Graeme overcame red and irritated peristomal skin.
Graeme is in his early 60s and lives in the UK. He has lived with familial polyposis – a hereditary condition that causes polyps in the digestive tract – since early adulthood. At 30, he underwent surgery to remove his large intestine, and for years afterward he managed his health through regular monitoring. Eventually, however, the polyps in his rectum became too severe. About three years ago, he had surgery during which his doctors removed his rectum and anus and formed an ileostomy.
After his surgery, Graeme faced new challenges. He had to learn how to manage his pouch, adapt his diet, and deal with leakage. The pouch leaks weren’t just inconvenient; they damaged his skin and heightened his anxiety. Initially, he thought that the redness and irritation around his stoma was normal, until his stoma nurse explained otherwise. Living with an ostomy didn’t mean he’d have to tolerate peristomal skin issues.
“Having that degree of expertise supporting me was the difference between having a great post-operative experience and having a very poor one,” says Graeme. With the nurse’s help, he experimented with different ostomy products until they found the right combination – and his skin began to heal. “The fear of leaks erodes your confidence,” says Graeme. “But since I began using CeraPlusTM Ostomy Products, I cannot remember the last time I had a leak.”
Today, Graeme enjoys life with his wife Rachel and their four adult children. With healthy and protected skin, he can focus on his family, his passions, and his health without being held back by fear or discomfort. He continues to work closely with his nurse, knowing that stoma care is personal and ever-evolving.
Watch this video to learn more about Graeme's experience and how finding the right ostomy products transformed his life.
People who provided testimonials received compensation from Hollister Incorporated. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the people depicted. These testimonials are representative of their experience, but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each person.