The Little Black Stoma Bag – My New Wardrobe Essential!

After life-changing surgery and dealing with the challenges of living with a stoma, Natalie regained confidence by using a sleek black ostomy bag that helped her feel secure, stylish, and empowered. Her story illustrates the importance of comfort, dignity, and self-expression in recovery, and in everyday life.

Find out how a little black bag helped boost Natalie’s self-esteem.

In February 2019, after a year of worsening health, Natalie was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer at age 36. Although she knew that something was seriously wrong, the possibility of cancer had never crossed her mind. She was a dancer and dance teacher; she maintained a fit and active lifestyle and followed a healthy diet. However, her body gradually became weaker, to the point where it felt as though it was shutting down. Due to the cancer, Natalie's bowel had completely stopped functioning and she needed a permanent colostomy.

Managing an ostomy and experiencing leakage

The surgery happened quickly, giving Natalie little time to process the situation. She had only a vague understanding of what a stoma was, and when she woke up after the operation she was stunned to see a part of her intestine on the outside of her body. Fortunately, she received excellent post-operative support from her stoma nurse and adapted quickly. It didn’t take long for her to begin managing her ostomy independently.

For a long time after her surgery, Natalie continued wearing a stoma bag that was not working well for her because she liked the fact that it was available in a variety of colours. She found that she was wearing a black stoma bag most often because it felt more normal and less like wearing a pouch; it seemed like it was part of her outfit. “But I experienced so many leaks, and there were times when I was conscious of the odour,” says Natalie. “It really knocked my confidence and stopped me joining in with the activities I love; it also hugely impacted my self-esteem."

Finding a stoma pouch that provided security and protected skin health

Natalie chose to prioritise her dignity and wellbeing over aesthetics by selecting an ostomy pouching system that fit her body comfortably and securely: Dansac NovaLife TRE™. She regained her confidence knowing that her skin barrier would stay attached, with no fluid or odour escaping. “The bag remains secure all day, even with the intense body movements and sweating that come with dancing,” says Nathalie. “I'm also a passionate sea swimmer, and I've had no issues with the barriers peeling off no matter how long I spend in the water – which wasn't the case with other products."

Natalie also noticed a remarkable improvement in her skin condition. Previously, she often experienced a visible red ring on her peristomal skin where the barrier adhered. Since switching to NovaLife TRE™ products, the skin around her stoma now looks identical to the rest of her body.

A new option: NovaLife TRE^TM Black Pouches

Natalie recalls that there was only one thing she would have changed about her stoma bag. “ I wished I had the option of a colour other than the standard beige,” she recalls. “I was honestly overjoyed when I found out that my TRE^TM bags would be coming out in black fabric!" Dansac now offers several NovaLife TRE^TM Black Pouch options.

“Having a black bag makes me so much less self-conscious if part of it shows above my clothing, which it often does when I'm dancing or swimming,” says Natalie. She wants everyone to know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with showing your stoma bag. “But for those of us who would rather not show it,” she says, “Having a bag that looks a bit sleeker and fashionable is so much more preferable.”

Returning to a confident, active, and full life

Natalie’s newfound confidence has been transformative for her – not only physically, but emotionally. With an ostomy bag that fits securely and helps keep her skin healthy, she can focus on living her life to the fullest without worrying about leaks or skin irritation. And the black color fits her style, blends into her wardrobe, and gives her a sense of normalcy. “Having the choice of a black bag is a game changer; the combination of a barrier that adheres well and protects my skin with a new coloured pouch makes me feel less like I'm wearing a medical appliance,” she says. “That brings me great comfort, and I know many of my ostomate friends will feel the same."

Natalie has found joy in returning to the activities she loves and building a life rich with experiences and connection. “There are good days and bad days of course, but anything I can do to feel more confident and really take part in life is so important to me,” she says. “Having a bag I completely trust makes me feel more confident in myself – it truly means the world and makes all the difference."

People who provided testimonials received compensation from Hollister Incorporated. The testimonials, statements, and opinions presented are applicable to the people depicted. These testimonials are representative of their experience, but the exact results and experience will be unique and individual to each person.