Active Ostomates: Staying Strong, Staying Active: Carol’s Journey With a Stoma

26 November, 2025

At sixty-nine, Carol Brennan radiates the kind of energy that inspires everyone around her. A retired consultant who still works occasionally and volunteers in her community, Carol embodies resilience, positivity, and a deep commitment to staying active – both physically and socially.

In December 2018, Carol was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Just a month later, in January 2019, she underwent stoma surgery. Instead of letting this life-altering moment slow her down, she chose a different path: one that led to strength, courage, and new forms of movement.

Life Before Surgery: A Foundation of Activity

Before her diagnosis, Carol enjoyed regular movement – swimming once a week, long weekend walks, and staying physically active at work by climbing up and down multiple flights of stairs. Activity was already woven into her life, and retirement offered the promise of even more time to embrace it.

That’s why, after surgery and treatment, she was determined not to lose the active lifestyle she valued.

Discovering Active Ostomates: A Turning Point

“When the Active Ostomates programme started, I signed up straight away,” Carol says. Having regained strength after chemotherapy, she returned to swimming and walking with family and friends – but she was eager for more structured support tailored to ostomates.

Yoga was her first class, quickly becoming a favourite. Dancing wasn’t quite her style, but when Pilates launched, she joined immediately – and found the perfect combination of movement, mindfulness, and community.

A Community That Moves Together

Carol currently takes part in mat yoga and Pilates, and both sessions have become anchors in her weekly routine.

Mat Yoga with Lisa

Carol speaks warmly of Lisa, the mat yoga instructor:

• “Lisa has a warm, gentle voice that is perfect for yoga.”
• “She explains everything clearly, challenges us just enough, and always brings new ideas to keep the classes interesting.”

Over time, the group has formed a close-knit community of regulars, with new people joining every cycle. For Carol, this sense of connection is a highlight.

Pilates with Heather

Pilates offers Carol a slightly more challenging session – one she says has been invaluable for core strength, posture, balance, and overall stoma health, especially in reducing hernia risk.

She praises Heather for her energy, knowledge, and supportive teaching style:

• “Heather reminds us to work at our own pace, and she makes the classes fun.”

The Pilates community even shares updates and encouragement via a WhatsApp group, adding another layer of support.

Why Carol Recommends Active Ostomates

Carol is unequivocal: both yoga and Pilates have improved her mobility, mood, flexibility, balance, and core strength.

She says:

• “I always feel good after yoga, and the instructor is excellent.”
• “Pilates has strong health benefits, especially for strengthening your core and reducing hernia risk.”

Most importantly, both classes foster a warm, understanding environment among people who share similar experiences.

Rediscovering Movement After Surgery

Carol took a gentle, patient approach to getting active again:

• Immediately post-surgery: she began with short daily walks, gradually increasing distance.
• Post-chemotherapy: she returned to swimming, eventually working up to 30–40 lengths several times a week.
• Joining Active Ostomates: she embraced yoga, dancing, and Pilates to explore safe, structured exercise options.

Her biggest early challenge was coping with the cold during chemotherapy, but she adapted by wrapping up well and pacing herself.

Returning to swimming also required some adjustments, but irrigating beforehand resolved her concerns and allowed her to enjoy the water with confidence.

Mind & Body: The Benefits of Staying Active

Emotional and Social Wellbeing

Carol is naturally positive and social, and staying active has helped her stay connected:

• Walking with friends keeps her engaged and grounded.
• Chatting with regular swimmers adds joy to her routine.
• Connecting with yoga and Pilates groups online has built strong networks of support.

Physical Strength and Recovery

Carol feels stronger, fitter, and more confident physically – benefits she credits for her excellent recovery during her second bowel cancer surgery.

The Rewards: Family, Freedom, and Joy

Perhaps the most rewarding part of her journey is the ability to fully engage in life with her granddaughter, now almost three years old.

“I can take her to the park and keep up with her. Staying active has given me that.”

Advice for Others: Start Small, Stay Steady

Carol encourages anyone with a stoma who feels unsure about being active to begin gently and gradually:

• Walk a little every day – starting with short distances and building confidence.
• Bring a friend in the early days for company and support.
• Ease back into swimming by alternating short swims with water walking.
• Most importantly: join the Active Ostomates classes.

“They are incredibly valuable, and being able to do them online makes it so convenient.”

She also wishes she’d known earlier about online support groups for ostomates – something she believes would have helped her prepare mentally and physically before surgery.

Looking Ahead: More Movement, More Learning

Carol plans to continue with yoga, Pilates, swimming, and walking. She’s even curious about trying chair yoga in the future. And outside of physical activity, she has taken up learning guitar – an online ostomates class for that, she jokes, would be wonderful.

The Impact: A Stronger Body, A Brighter Outlook

For Carol, Active Ostomates has been life-enhancing:

• Strengthening her body
• Increasing flexibility
• Improving balance
• Boosting her mood
• Deepening her sense of community and connection

“The impact has been excellent,” she says. “My wellbeing has improved and I’ve learned so much. I feel stronger and more flexible, and the communities we’ve built are incredibly supportive.”