Life as a Fitness Instructor with a Stoma: Emma’s Story

Life as a Fitness Instructor with a Stoma 

Emma is a fitness instructor and swimming coach who has lived with serious bowel complications for nearly 20 years. In 2024, she underwent surgery for a loop ileostomy – a decision that reshaped her life physically, mentally and emotionally. 

A lifelong advocate for movement and wellbeing, Emma has worked hard to adapt to life with a stoma while continuing in the career she loves. Now, she’s sharing her journey – from years of misdiagnosis and major surgeries, to recovery, and rebuilding confidence – to help others feel less alone and empowered to find themselves again. 

Emma’s Story 

I’ve always been fit, healthy, and driven by a love for movement. From a young age, I was a competitive swimmer, and that passion became a career as a PE teacher and later as a fitness instructor and swimming coach. I rarely got ill – not even a cold – so I never imagined chronic illness would become part of my story. For nearly two decades, I’ve lived with serious bowel complications, and in early 2024, I had to make a life-altering decision: to have a stoma.  

That moment was devastating but I knew I had two choices – to take control and own the stoma, or to let it control me. 

How It All Began 

It started with stomach pain and constipation, which escalated over time to crippling pain, bloating, nausea and constant discomfort. For nearly 10 years, I was misdiagnosed with IBS. I tried everything suggested – dietary changes, medication, different exercises, hypnosis, I was even taught how to do self-administered colonic irrigation – but nothing worked. One specialist told me it was all in my head and I had to live with it. That crushed me. Deep down though, I knew it wasn’t, and I refused to give up. 

Eventually, I found a specialist at Manchester Royal Infirmary who listened and took my symptoms seriously. After thorough tests, I finally had an answer: a prolapsed bowel. The relief of a diagnosis was mixed with fear of what lay ahead. 

The Journey So Far 

What followed were several major operations, including open and laparoscopic bowel resections. Recovery from each was tough, both physically and emotionally, but for a while my symptoms improved, I had more good days than bad. Sadly, my symptoms returned – constipation, bloating, and pain became relentless again, I was physically and mentally exhausted. My only real option was a loop ileostomy. Without it – and the vast quantities of laxatives I relied on – there was a real risk of bowel perforation. 

By the time I got a cancellation date for surgery, I had less than two weeks to prepare, see stoma nurses, and organise work. In some ways, having little time to think was a blessing, but I was still scared. The surgery went well. I wasn’t in too much pain on waking, but I was too afraid to look at my stoma at first. It felt surreal – like this couldn’t be my new reality. 

Life with a Stoma 

Adjusting to life with a stoma has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’ve worked very hard to get physically fitter and mentally stronger. My role as a fitness instructor became my driving force through recovery — it gave me purpose, routine, and something to fight for. I am proud of how far ive come physically, mentally and emotionally. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the close friends and family who’ve stood by me, creating a safe space to talk openly and helping me feel like myself through it all. Their support has meant everything.  

I’ve never wanted this condition to define me — and I won’t let it. There have been moments where I’ve lost confidence, times when parts of my identity felt distant, but I’ve fought hard to hold onto who I am. Working in a public-facing, high-energy role has meant learning to show up and stay “okay,” even on the days when I don’t feel it. Ironically though, it’s also that same job that’s helped keep me going — keeping me focused, helping my body recover, and grounding me mentally when I’ve needed it most 

Fitness with a Stoma 

I was so worried whether I’d be able to continue to do the job I love. I’d like to reassure people though that having a stoma will not mean you can no longer fully participate in exercise, nor will you have to stop doing everything that you enjoy!  With some adaptations and adjustments you will find your way. I’m now back to teaching everything from HIIT, spin and weights to Pilates and swimming. I do worry a lot about my bag, but I know this is normal and over time it will become more manageable. I believe that you have to work on staying mentally strong to be able to get physically well – exercise of any description can help massively with this. 

One Year On 

I’ve just celebrated my first Stomaversary – this was a big milestone for me. I marked it in a happy and positive way with a close friend. I’m now awaiting a possible reversal due to an increasingly high output and pain. I know I still have a long journey ahead and there are no guarantees, but I’m hopeful. For now, I take things one day at a time and remain grateful for how far I’ve come and the support that I have had. 

Until now, I’ve only shared my Stoma journey with close friends and some family. One thing I promised myself though is that I’d use my experience to help others – to offer support, tips, reassurance and encouragement. 

Fitness and wellbeing are lifesaving, not just physically but emotionally too. I want people to know they’re not alone – and that life with a stoma can still be full, active and meaningful. 

My Advice 

My journey so far and adjusting to stoma life has been, and still is, one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. There is no day off, it impacts everything… but it has taken me down paths I never would have considered, so there is a lot to be grateful for too.  

• Listen to your body – don’t be afraid to ask for help, you know you best.
• Give yourself time – acceptance doesn’t happen overnight.
• Healing is physical, emotional and mental, sometimes a messy mix of all three!
• Be open with your “safe people” – encourage them to ask questions too! 
• Always be prepared, carry spare supplies, have them everywhere! 
• Find things that help you.
• Expect setbacks, there will be disasters and wins – learn and grow from both.
• The loneliness and isolation that can be felt is part of the healing process – you will get through it.

Final Thoughts 

Everything I have done post stoma has been a new, scary and challenging.… but, I have no regrets. Believe in yourself, celebrate the good days and remember: ‘Stoma life’ does not mean ‘no life’. 

It is vital that we break the stigma and raise awareness around bowel disease. Knowledge saves lives. It is crucially important to support charities like Bowel Research UK who fund essential research to improve the lives of people like me. Without the advances they’ve made, my journey could have looked very different. For that, I will always be grateful.