Building confidence in everyday moments

Being part of the community has been a catalyst for Josh’s confidence since surgery. Through learning to adapt, connecting with others, and finding the right product in Confidence BE®, Josh is now using his voice to support others – with his signature humour and honesty leading the way.

Looking back, how did you feel about confidence before your surgery?

I wouldn’t say I’ve ever been a confident person. Since my operation though, it’s fair to say I haven’t cared for other people’s opinions. I like the idea of putting myself out there and helping others. Because sometimes, shit happens!

What were the biggest hurdles for you in building confidence after your surgery?

Being able to adapt to certain situations. If I eat a certain food and my output is high, my bag might come off. I’ve had to learn and adapt to how I’m going to cope with that. Since I’ve been a part of the advocate team, I’ve felt confident to reach out to the Birmingham IA to work alongside them. I wouldn’t have done that before my surgery. I’ve even recently been discussing keeping my surgery permanently — if you’d asked me that six months ago, I wouldn’t have even considered it, but now I feel confident to keep my bag.

Can you pin point a moment where you started to feel a lot more confident? What was it that helped you?

After the Brunch with Salts event in November, I realised that this isn’t a disease that picks and chooses — it affects more people than I ever realised. Looking at the young children at the event and all the other advocates was amazing. Having the chance to sit down and have open conversations about why people had their stomas, what type of stoma it is, and just explore some really amazing stories. The Salts team and advocate family are a fantastic community that have helped me adjust to stoma life. My dad is ex-military, and I saw a much more sympathetic side to him. My mum is a nurse, and I know it’s harder to care for your own son than patients. All of this bought us much closer together as a family. I’ve grown in confidence and in knowledge. Someone using a disabled space or disabled toilet may not have anything visible you can see. Take the time to be kind.

What everyday moments make you feel strong and in control of your life?

I know it might sound small but having a shower and being able to take my bag off gives me that little bit of normality. I can stand, relaxed and forget about it for five minutes. Just to enjoy the moment and be grateful for it. As a young adult, I’m able to go out and work, earn money, build a life and do everyday things. I realise it doesn’t stop me from doing what I want or achieving things.

How has being part of a community helped you and supported you on your journey, including confidence building?

It been a vital part of getting through a chronic illness for me. There are some fantastic people out there, but you’ve got to be careful with what you see online. If you’re not sure, go to Crohns & Colitis UK, Birmingham IA or Colostomy UK and fact check. A lot of people with lived experience, know what they are talking about but always be safe. The first person I spoke to when I came out of hospital was brilliant and really helped me.

Has Confidence BE® played a role in helping you feel more confident day to day?

Definitely. Confidence BE® doesn’t come off my skin, and that gives me a lot of peace of mind. Of course, no product is perfect, and there are still moments when things happen – but having something that feels secure really helps. It’s one less thing to worry about, especially in situations where I’m out or trying to get on with my day. That kind of reassurance makes a massive difference in building confidence.

What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with their confidence right now?

Surround yourself with the right people, know that you’re not alone and take it day by day. You don’t have to jump into the deep end and expect to do everything all at once. Take something you used to do – something as simple as slowly introducing some of your favourite foods again. Something as simple as that can feel really reassuring. Going out for the first time can feel very daunting, but do it – go and meet some friends, go to the park or the shops and take people with you, people you’re comfortable with. Make them aware of your concerns. Take it step by step, but make sure you’re going out and getting fresh air and vitamin D!

If you could go back and tell pre-stoma Josh one thing, what would it be?

It’s not going to be as bad as you think it will. It will change things – but it’ll change things for good. I’m positive, that whoever else is going through surgery they will get through the other side better than when they went in.

Order a sample of Confidence BE® today!

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Our Confidence BE^® sample packs come in either mixed colour packs (black, white and stone) or transparent/stone packs, giving you the opportunity to try the bag in all three colours. Please note that the mixed colour packs are NOT available on prescription they are for sampling purposes only. To see the full Confidence BE^® range that is available on NHS prescription, please download the full product code listing sheet.

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Samples currently only available to people living with a stoma in UK and Ireland. If you are not currently using a soft convex product, please speak to your Stoma Care Nurse before ordering a sample.

Flat Closed Mini Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BM13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Large	B1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		B13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BLT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Standard	BL1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BLT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Closed Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BL13MIX	Add to Order
Convex Closed Mini Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBM1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Mini Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBM1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB21MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB1352MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB25MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB28MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB32MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB35MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 38mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB38MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Standard Bag 41mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XB41MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBLT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Stone Transparent	XBLT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Stone Transparent/Overlap	XBLT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Closed Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBL1352MIX		Add to Order
Flat Drainable Mini Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BDM13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BDT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Large	BD1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BDT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Standard Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BD13MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent	Large	BDLT1375ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-75mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed	Standard	BDL1375MIX	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent Stone/Transparent		BDLT13ST	Add to Order
Flat Drainable Large Bag 13-55mm Starter hole* Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BDL13MIX	Add to Order
Convex Drainable Mini Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDM1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Mini Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDM1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD21MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD1352MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD25MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD28MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD32MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD35MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 38mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD38MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Standard Bag 41mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBD41MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1325ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1325MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1338ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1338MIX		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone/Transparent	XBDLT1352ST		Add to Order
Convex Drainable Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed	XBDL1352MIX		Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Stone		BUT13STSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BU13MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Stone		BUL13MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Flat Urostomy Standard Bag 13mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		BULT13STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 21mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU21MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1325STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1325MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1338STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1338MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBUT1352STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU1352MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 25mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU25MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 28mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU28MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 32mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU32MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Standard Bag 35mm Pre-cut hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBU35MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1325STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-25mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1325MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1338STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-38mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1338MIXSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent Stone		XBULT1352STSAMP	Add to Order
Convex Urostomy Large Bag 13-52mm Starter hole Transparent/Overlap Mixed		XBUL1352MIXSAMP	Add to Order

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