Stoma Mythbusters: Ruth Beaney, Living Beyond the Myths

16 September, 2025

From Silence to Diagnosis

Ruth’s journey with bowel disease began while she was a student, living in halls of residence. She suffered horrendous bleeding and other painful symptoms for two years without telling anyone. Eventually, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

“For years, I went through a cycle of decline, hospital admissions, heavy steroid treatment, then release—only for it all to begin again.”

The medications took their toll, swelling her from a size 8 to a size 16 in months.

Facing Surgery

By her late 20s, nothing was working. At 29, Ruth had her first stoma and an ileoanal pouch, which she was told would be temporary.

“My mindset was completely different then. I couldn’t look at it, couldn’t change it myself. I was in a very dark, depressed place.”

After six months, her stoma was reversed, but she was quickly re-diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

A New Challenge: Cancer

For six years Ruth lived with continual illness, regular infusions of immunosuppressant drugs, and low energy. Then came another blow: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chemotherapy meant stopping all Crohn’s treatment, and she became dangerously unwell.

At St Mark’s specialist centre, Professor Sue Clark advised that Ruth needed a permanent stoma. At the same time, Ruth was undergoing IVF treatment, but ongoing infections meant pregnancy wasn’t possible.

Choosing a Permanent Stoma

Seven to eight years ago, Ruth agreed to a permanent stoma.

“It gave me my life back.”

Since then she has been largely healthy and medication-free, though she has undergone additional surgeries linked to endometriosis and IVF.

“I live a full life now. I exercise, I travel, I take part in events people think aren’t possible with a stoma. Most people would never know I had one—unless I tell them, which I often do.”

Busting the Myths

Myth: A stoma stops you from being active

Reality: Ruth has completed the gruelling Wolf Run, open water swimming in freezing lakes, gym workouts, and even clubbing—proudly showing her bag in photos.

Myth: You can’t live a normal social life

Reality: Ruth wears high-waisted bikinis on holiday, gets changed openly at the gym, and encourages people to ask questions instead of staring.

Myth: A stoma is something to hide

Reality: Ruth carries her change kit, demonstrates how it works to friends, and sees openness as the best way to break stigma.

Myth: Stomas are only about the bag

Reality: Simple changes in facilities make a huge difference—mirrors, shelves, and hooks in toilets. Ruth has worked with pubs, hotels, and campaigns like “Need the Loo” in Coventry to improve stoma-friendly facilities nationwide.

Myth: Having a stoma means your life is over

Reality: Ruth is proof that it’s life-giving.

“Yes, there are tough days, but overall it’s given me my health and freedom back.”

Advocate, Volunteer, MythBuster

Ruth now volunteers on the Colostomy UK helpline, supporting callers—some of whom are in very dark places. Her lived experience helps others see beyond the fear and stigma. She also campaigns for better public awareness and stoma-friendly spaces, working with charities, councils, and businesses to create change.

“I want people to see that life with a stoma can be full, active, and joyful. The more open we are, the more stigma disappears.”

How You Can Get Involved

• Share the myths you’ve heard about stomas—and help us spread the truth that busts them.

• Become a MythBusters case study like Ruth—show others what’s possible with lived experience.

• Spread the word locally—help distribute MythBusters packs and flyers to challenge stigma in your community.