Natalie Kameka
Clinical Lead, Nurse Specializing in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care,
Coloplast Canada
Chantelle Leonardo
Ostomy Ambassador,
Coloplast Canada
New advancements in ostomy care are helping Canadians with IBD regain comfort, confidence, and control in their daily lives.
Chantelle Leonardo still remembers the day she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and diarrhea.
“I started having issues at 18 years old,” said Chantelle, 44, who lives in Toronto, Ontario. “The doctor kept telling me it was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Then in my 30s, it got super bad. I was going to the washroom about 20 times a day, had lots of blood, lost a lot of weight, and had lots of pain.”
It was during this time that Chantelle went on a trip to renew her vows with her husband. But the joy of her trip quickly gave way to concern when she began experiencing severe pain on the flight home.
A life-changing diagnosis
Upon landing, Chantelle went straight to the hospital. Not only did she find out she had caught C. Difficile on her trip, but the doctor told her she would need emergency surgery because her digestive system wasn’t functioning properly. For years, Chantelle had been taking many medications to manage her pain, from infusions to injections. However, the medications had become less effective over time and had lowered her immune system, making her more susceptible to infections.
At the hospital, Chantelle was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (UC) at age 34. She underwent an ileostomy, which is when a new opening (stoma) is formed in the lower abdomen.
In Canada, more than 320,000 people are living with IBD, a lifelong condition that can severely impact one’s quality of life. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), which can cause problems with digestion and nutrient absorption, as well as interfere with the body’s ability to properly eliminate waste (stool).1
Facing surgery with UC and IBD
Although medications and changes to diet and lifestyle can help manage symptoms, approximately 20% of people living with UC will require surgery at some point in their life. Some symptoms of UC can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated.2 It is important to visit a healthcare provider or hospital emergency room if symptoms such as major bleeding occur.
After her surgery, Chantelle was given a Coloplast SenSura® Mio ostomy bag, which collects waste from the body. Worn as a pouch against the skin, SenSura Mio bags are made of a special textile material that is designed to be comfortable, discreet, and water repellent. It provides low friction against clothes and is able to be worn in pools and showers.
Embracing a new way of living
Chantelle, a dance teacher and mother of three children, says her ostomy bag has been life-changing. It’s allowed her to be more active with her kids while also giving her the security and comfort she needs to continue teaching dance classes.
“Coloplast works for me,” said Chantelle. “I feel comfortable with the products and I know how they work. There are so many different variations of SenSura Mio ostomy pouches that I was able to try out and see what worked best.”
I feel comfortable with the products and I know how they work. There are so many different variations of SenSura Mio ostomy pouches that I was able to try out and see what worked best.
In addition to her ostomy bag, Chantelle uses supporting products from Coloplast’s Brava range, including the Protective Ring, Powder, Lubricating Deodorant, and Skin Barrier Wipes, designed to help prevent leakage and protect the sensitive skin around the stoma.
“SenSura Mio pouches are designed to minimize odours escaping from the bag,” said Natalie Kameka, Coloplast Clinical Lead and nurse specializing in wound, ostomy, and continence care (NSWOC). “Many people with ostomies are worried about smell when they go out, which is one of the reasons why choosing the right product can make such a big difference.”
Redefining care for people living with ostomies
To support the well-being of people living with ostomies, Coloplast provides personalized services through their Care program that include mental health services through Teladoc Health, lifestyle guidance and reimbursement support. Kameka says these services may help improve self-image and improve quality of life for people with ostomies.
In the early days of her diagnosis, Chantelle didn’t know anyone else with the condition and felt she had no one to turn to. To fill that void, Chantelle was inspired to start her Instagram page, @chantidez, as a way to connect with and support others living with ostomies.
“Be bold, be your own kind of beautiful, because everybody’s got their thing,” she said. “Everybody has insecurities. You may not see them, but everybody has an insecurity—you’re not alone in life.”
Disclaimer: Chantelle Leonardo received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information. Each person’s situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. Please consult your healthcare provider if you think you are experiencing symptoms of IBD, or with any questions or concerns.
Prior to use, refer to product labeling for complete product instructions for use, contraindications, warnings, and precautions.
To learn more about SenSura Mio ostomy products, visit coloplast.ca/sensura-mio.
