Ostomy Association of South Australia Inc.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Today I want you to meet Elsie 🩷⁣
⁣
Elsie is 5 years old and has struggled with her bowels from a very young age. She was eventually diagnosed with slow transit constipation and re**al dyssynergia, and at her worst could go more than two weeks without opening her bowels, despite being on high doses of medication.⁣
⁣
Over the years, she’s been through countless hospital appointments, admissions, bowel washouts, enemas, Botox injections and even procedures under general anaesthetic, all in the hope of helping her bowel function.⁣
⁣
In June 2026, at just five years old, Elsie had a colostomy formed in the hope of finally giving her some relief. And within no time, she had named her stoma Gary!⁣
⁣
Elsie has completely embraced life with Gary. She’s incredibly proud of her stoma, talks about him openly and has adapted to having a bag amazingly well.⁣
⁣
Unfortunately, the journey isn’t over. She still experiences periods of little or no output, pain, bloating and constipation, and her team are now investigating whether there could be a wider bowel motility problem.⁣
⁣
But despite everything, Elsie is an absolute trooper. She’s funny, sassy, creative and incredibly determined. She loves Pokémon, Minecraft, drawing and of course, the beach!⁣
⁣
Most importantly, she never lets her medical journey define her. “She’s just Elsie” says her mum. ⁣
⁣
Let’s show this incredible little girl some love. 🩷⁣
⁣
Much love,⁣
Mesha & Elsie

04/09/2026

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Tanya..⁣
⁣
I always love bumping into people behind this channel, especially a fellow Ostomate! People can end up with a stoma for all sorts of reasons - Tanya told me she got one after suffering with endometriosis - a condition where tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis and can be extremely painful and debilitating. ⁣
⁣
This condition impacts around 1.5 million women in the UK! ⁣
⁣
Thank you for saying hello and keep showing that bag with pride. ⁣
⁣
𝙈𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 ⁣
𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙝𝙖

04/09/2026

There are many different types of stoma and each one can be created for a multitude of different reasons.⁣
⁣
The image above gives you a look at just how varied stomas can be, from those involving the bowel and bladder to stomas that support feeding or breathing. We often hear the word ‘stoma’ and immediately think of an ileostomy or colostomy, but there is so much more to understand.⁣
⁣
I’m interested to know, which of these have you got, or which ones had you already heard of? I personally live with an ileostomy, but I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

04/09/2026

Over the last few days I was absolutely shocked that a man wanted to be euthanised in his 30s if he had to live with a stoma. ⁣
⁣
Now, it’s important to look at this from a few difference perspectives and not just a headline. Although initially I was taken back, I can relate. When I first got told about potentially having a stoma fitted, I literally thought the same thing - how would I cope and do I even want to. ⁣
⁣
But fast forward four years, It’s the best decision I’ve ever made and it changed my life for the better. ⁣
⁣
My thoughts go out to this man, and his family, as far as I’m aware the court order has taken place and his ability to be euthanised has been granted. If anyone is struggling, I’m just a message away. I really wish I could have spoken to him✨⁣
⁣
I know it’s a sensitive subject, but Interested to know what your take on this is...

Much love
Mesha

04/09/2026

03/08/2026

Honored to visit a dedicated healthcare facility today for Stomal Training!

Today, I had the privilege of joining a local aged care facility in Adelaide to educate staff on basic stoma care and managing complications. Their commitment to providing the best possible care for their Ostomates is so pleasing to see. We had an engaging, interactive session filled with questions, shared experiences, and learning.

I love educating and it’s always a pleasure to collaborate with such passionate professionals.