Pocket meets Poppy - Living with Ulcerative Colitis, re-gaining body confidence post surgery and showing the world positive body diversity.

When Poppy reached out to share her experience of living with Ulcerative Colitis and her recent life changing surgery, we immediately wanted to meet her and help her on her mission to help others. Poppy's mission is to encourage conversation by sharing her own experience to help others re-gain their body confidence and show the world positive body diversity.

Hey! My name is Poppy, I’m 24 years old and currently live in Cardiff. I have always been a fun-loving optimistic person, but a recent life changing experience has taught me the importance of living every day to its fullest. 

In 2016, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, an incurable inflammatory bowel disease. Over the course of 5 years, I tried several different forms of medication alongside often having a take a course of strong steroids during a nasty flare up. At one stage throughout these years, I was told they thought I was in remission. Living with UC brings many challenges and I often missed out on events due to feeling so unwell. Advice I would give to anyone living with UC, is to continue doing what you love as much as you can, take time for yourself and surround yourself with people who support and love you. Exercise and self-care is something that has kept my mind and body positive whilst living with this disease. 

Unfortunately, in December 2021, I experienced an extreme flare and was hospitalised for 4 weeks. Whilst in hospital, I tried several different medications - none of which worked. I was told I had no choice but emergency surgery, leaving me with a stoma. Recovery was hard. I didn’t feel like myself anymore and felt ‘different’ to those around me. One of the most challenging aspects of recovery was dealing with my bag and the alterations I had to make to my daily routine. I was so lucky to have an amazing support system of family and friends around me, who allowed me to express my feelings and emotions. I have learned recovery is not linear. There will always be good and bad days, but as my recovery continues, there are definitely more good than bad. 

When I first came out of hospital, exercise seemed impossible. This was difficult to deal with as I was a very active, fit person. Even having a shower and getting dressed took all my energy. As my body and mind got stronger, I was able to move more. I started walking around my local area, which helped build my stamina back up. I was really reluctant to try any core exercise due to the surgery, but the hospital guided me and I was able to build more strength. 

Swimming became my favourite activity as it allowed my mind to relax whilst my whole body was moving. I have recently re-started running, something I thoroughly enjoy and thought I’d never do again. My stoma doesn’t hold me back from any of these exercises, but I am advised to wear a support belt to prevent future hernias. I am loving my journey back to fitness. I am currently 8 months post-surgery and am excited to see my future progress. 

One of the most challenging aspects of adjusting to life with a stoma, is the stigma attached and lack of knowledge and understanding from others. At first, I hated my bag, I felt embarrassed, uncomfortable, as if I wanted to hide away. I decided that the best way for me to face this hurdle was to be open and honest about it. My bag saved my life, why shouldn’t I show it off? I posted a holiday photo on Instagram, explaining my surgery and what my bag looked like. It was the best thing I could have ever done. I received so much love and admiration. I also received messages explaining that I had helped others on their own recovery journey. So, my advice to anyone facing surgery is please don’t be scared, you are not alone. My bag has given me a new lease of life and I am so grateful. 

The first couple of weeks whilst I was adjusting to my stoma, I felt alone. There was no one I knew who had gone through the same thing. It wasn’t until I found a community of people on social media who showed me just how amazing life can be after surgery. They helped me so much and I hope to do the same for others. My mission is to help others re-gain their body confidence and show the world positive body diversity. 

Lastly, how did you find the fit and feel of the Pocket products that we styled with you during our recent shoot?

The Pocket products made me feel comfortable, confident and secure. I am always slightly conscious of my bag, but the leggings made me feel amazing. They don't rise or slip, perfect for any workout. The material is so soft. Definitely my new favourite sportswear!