Jo’s Diary: Diving In

26 May, 2026

By Jo Prance

For the last two editions of the magazine, we’ve followed Tidings’ Fitness Guru, Jo Prance, on her proctectomy journey (a procedure to remove the rectum). Having followed Jo’s experiences both pre-surgery and immediately post-op, Jo uses her third and final instalment to tell us how things are six months on.

I am six months post proctectomy surgery and I am continuing to adjust to the changes in my body since having my rectum removed. Much has happened since my last article, I have undergone allergy patch testing following the post-operative reaction to the surgical glue, celebrated my 50th birthday, fulfilled my aim of getting back on the start blocks and competed in my first swimming race in over a year.

I have also re-booked to climb Kilimanjaro in July 2026, aiming to complete my charity fundraiser for Chameleon Buddies. This time my husband will be joining me on this adventure as we attempt to reach the summit together.

From the outside, it might look like everything has returned to normal and in many ways it has. I’m swimming several times a week, hiking in preparation for our Kilimanjaro trip, back to teaching, and even competing again. Completing my 1500m swim race at the end of March felt like a huge milestone, especially after navigating a few health-related setbacks. I’m proud of how much I’ve been able to get back into.

Of course, the journey isn’t always straightforward and not everything is going swimmingly. Balancing physically demanding goals alongside ongoing health challenges can feel like a paradox, something I know many people can relate to. Yet, what stands out most is how much these experiences have strengthened my resilience and perspective.

Being in the water gives me an incredible sense of freedom, both physically and mentally. It’s a space where I feel at ease in my body and no one is aware of the limitations and challenges I live with, for me it’s the ultimate distraction and I feel normal.

When I’m training, I usually dive into the water, but in the lead-up to this competition I needed to check the fit of my race goggles, so I got out of the water to swap them over. My swimming lane was busy and diving wasn’t an option, so without thinking I jumped in feet first. It was the first time I’d done that since returning to swimming, and it was a sharp reminder that my perineal scar is still there. The impact and rush of water smarted as the water rushed upwards carrying my swimsuit with it.

Most of the time I don’t think about the scar anymore, which feels like real progress. This experience was a helpful reminder to be mindful in different situations, and although it was uncomfortable for a few days, it’s something I can easily manage going forward. Next time it’s busy, I’ll simply ease myself into the water instead.

Another mistake was not ensuring my stoma bag was sat flat properly before pulling up my race suit. Swim race suits are incredibly tight and awkward to put on. In my eagerness to get into the suit, I failed to realise one of the edges of my stoma bag was sitting awkwardly. This only became apparent once I started the race and I was aware of it digging into the top of my thigh. The discomfort I noticed during the swim, was soon overtaken by the sense of achievement and joy at finishing the race.

Since my surgery, my stoma, ‘Anemone’, has yet to return to its previously predictable daytime pattern and is still more active at night. This has meant dealing with increased wind overnight, which can disrupt my sleep. While there’s no obvious reason for the change in my stoma’s behaviour, I’ve been proactive in seeking advice from my stoma nurse and finding practical ways to manage it. Switching to a drainable bag at night has already made a positive difference in helping to release gas more comfortably.

I was advised that I could try irrigating my stoma but for now, as everything is functioning well, I’m choosing to be patient and give my body time to settle. Experience has taught me that recovery is rarely linear and often things improve with time.

Surgery is often undertaken to improve quality of life, and it can bring significant relief from difficult symptoms. At the same time, it’s not without its challenges. Changes to the body can take time to adjust to, and sometimes new issues arise that require patience and ongoing management. It’s a balance of gains and adaptations and part of the journey is learning to navigate both, a situation I am very familiar with.

Proctectomy surgery has freed me from the mucus and rectal spasms I previously experienced, which has been a significant step forward. At the same time, the rectum plays an important role in supporting the surrounding pelvic structures, so its removal naturally changes the balance and positioning within the pelvis.

As a result, the pelvic floor muscles which support the bladder, bowel and other pelvic organs can also be affected. These structural changes may influence muscle coordination, strength, and sensation, sometimes leading to differences in bladder control, urgency, or a feeling of reduced support.

I’m learning to adapt to theses anatomical changes which have impacted my bladder and pelvic floor function. For now, I’m managing these conservatively and focusing on what I can do to support my recovery, pelvic floor and wellbeing.

Whilst I recognise that my surgical journey may not be completely behind me, I’m very much focused on living fully in the present. I’m embracing opportunities to swim and compete where I can and continuing to celebrate this milestone year with more trips and experiences ahead. With our Kilimanjaro adventure now just three months away, I have plenty to look forward to and stay motivated for.

Support From Colostomy UK

We offer a wide range of support for people living with a colostomy, including our free Stoma Helpline, live chat support, and opportunities to connect with others through local and online groups. We also provide trusted information and resources to offer practical advice, reassurance, and the confidence to live well with a stoma: colostomyuk.org/support