Lucy’s Active Ostomate Journey: Building Strength One Step at a Time

26 February, 2026

By Lucy Marsh

Meet Lucy

My name is Lucy. I’m from Kent, live in Dorset, and was diagnosed with Crohn’s in 2014. After lots of hospital admissions, I had a period of managing my disease with azathioprine. Unfortunately, this didn’t last and after two biologics didn’t work, I opted for stoma surgery in 2024.

I have a permanent ileostomy and it’s given me a new lease of life!

Life Before Surgery & Movement

I’ve always been a pretty active person, but I struggled with Crohn’s symptoms impacting my ability to participate, motivation, and energy levels. I’ve always enjoyed yoga, pilates, swimming, water sports, and the occasional run.

Finding Active Ostomates

I wanted a way to build strength in a setting that understood my physical concerns or limitations. That’s what motivated me to get involved in the Active Ostomates programme.

Classes I’ve Tried

I really enjoyed the pilates and yoga sessions.

What I Loved Most

I could take things at my own pace online with people in similar situations.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! It’s a great opportunity to participate in movement that has low pressure, where you can listen to your body and decide how much you want to do.

How I Found Out

Through the Colostomy UK newsletter and website.

A Little Shout-Out

Doing sessions online gives flexibility, which is especially handy when recovering from surgery.

Your Active Journey

Activities I Enjoy Now

Swimming, paddleboarding, yoga, pilates, and running.

Getting Active After Surgery

Slow and steady – always slow and steady. I started with short walks and strength-building programmes from my stoma nurses. It was about slowly building confidence and listening to what my body needed and was ready to do.

Challenges Along the Way

I wanted to be stronger quicker. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. I had to take the rehabilitation period much slower than I expected. I reminded myself to be kind to myself, to recognise how far I’d come and what a huge thing I’d been through.

I’m impatient, and this was a real lesson in patience alongside recovery.

Mind & Body Benefits

Confidence & Mental Wellbeing

Being able to leave the house and move my body increased my confidence massively. After surgery, I felt very stuck indoors and it’s easy to see how mood can dip. Being in nature and moving my body has always been important for my mental wellbeing, and this was especially true after surgery.

Physical Changes

I’ve grown in confidence moving my body in new ways now I’ve got my stoma. I’ve realised I can continue doing the activities I enjoy, with adaptations if needed.

Most Rewarding Part

Finally feeling well. Even though I get bag leaks occasionally, that takes up far less headspace than worrying about daily incontinence before surgery.

Building strength, motivation, and stamina through exercise has been incredibly rewarding – proof that my body can recover and still do everything it did before.

Inspiring Others

Advice for New Ostomates

Take it slowly. Don’t set goals too far ahead. Slow and steady isn’t a failure – it’s building at your own pace.

Seek advice from stoma nurses and medical professionals who are qualified to give advice. There are plenty of influencers and gym-goers who think they know what’s right for you, but having a stoma is a medical adaptation they may not have considered.

Small Steps for Beginners

Small goals. Walk to the end of the driveway. Walk to that tree. Walk to the end of the street. Do five minutes of hospital strength exercises.

If it hurts, stop. Rest. Always, always rest.

What I Wish I’d Known Earlier

How long recovery really takes – and how impatient I am! I know now that taking things slowly isn’t a sign of failure.

The Impact of Active Ostomates

It helped me build confidence and gave me a safe way to attend exercise classes designed with my needs in mind. It’s been a springboard to finding in-person classes where I live, and to embarking on more daring feats like my current travel adventure.

To join our Active Ostomates at home for February 2026, sign up here: Register now!