Celebrities With A Stoma Bag (ostomy)

A stoma bag, also known as an ostomy pouch, is a medical device that is used to collect bodily waste in people who have had certain types of surgeries that affect their digestive or urinary systems. While having a stoma bag can be a challenging and sometimes stigmatizing experience, there are several celebrities who have spoken publicly about their own experiences with this medical condition, in an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around it.

One notable celebrity who has a stoma bag is former British Prime Minister, Sir John Major. Major underwent surgery in 1993 to remove a large portion of his colon due to a condition called diverticulitis, which caused him severe abdominal pain and required the use of a stoma bag. Despite the challenges he faced, Major continued to serve as Prime Minister for several more years and has been vocal about his experience with a stoma bag.

Another well-known figure who has spoken openly about living with a stoma bag is professional wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Austin underwent multiple surgeries to treat a serious case of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that ultimately resulted in the need for a permanent ileostomy, which involves the creation of a stoma in the abdomen to divert waste. Despite the challenges he faced, Austin continued to work as a wrestler and has become a vocal advocate for ostomy awareness.

Other notable celebrities who have undergone surgery that required the use of a stoma bag include comedian and actor Bob Hope, who had a temporary ileostomy following surgery for an intestinal blockage, and country singer Naomi Judd, who had a temporary colostomy after being diagnosed with colon cancer.

It is important to note that while having a stoma bag can be a challenging and sometimes stigmatizing experience, it is also a relatively common medical condition, with an estimated 750,000 people in the United States alone living with an ostomy. Through greater awareness and education, we can help reduce the stigma around this condition and support those who live with it.

Here are some other notable celebrities who have lived with an ostomy:

1.  Sharon Osbourne - Television personality and wife of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne underwent surgery to treat colon cancer in 2002, which resulted in the need for a temporary ileostomy.

2. Dwight Eisenhower - Former U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower had a temporary ileostomy in 1956 after undergoing surgery to treat Crohn's disease.

3. Fred Astaire - Legendary actor and dancer Fred Astaire had a colostomy in 1958, which he lived with for the rest of his life.

4. Napoléon Bonaparte - Historical figure Napoléon Bonaparte is believed to have had a colostomy following a gunshot wound to his abdomen in 1801.

5. Megan Johnson - Australian Paralympic swimmer Megan Johnson won several medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games while living with a colostomy. She has been an outspoken advocate for ostomy awareness and acceptance.

6. Dave "The Rave" Jacobs - Dave Jacobs is a professional wrestler who has competed with an ileostomy. He has been an advocate for ostomy awareness and has used his platform to educate others about living with a stoma.

7. Jearl Miles-Clark - Jearl Miles-Clark is an Olympic gold medalist in track and field who underwent surgery to treat ulcerative colitis, which resulted in the need for a temporary ileostomy. She was able to return to competition after her surgery and went on to win several more medals.

8. Tony Snow - Tony Snow was a former White House press secretary and journalist who underwent surgery for colon cancer in 2005, which resulted in the need for a temporary colostomy. He was an avid cyclist and continued to compete after his surgery.

9. Amberly Lago - Amberly Lago is a former professional dancer and fitness trainer who underwent several surgeries and ultimately had a permanent ileostomy due to complications from a motorcycle accident. She has continued to lead an active lifestyle and has become an advocate for ostomy awareness and acceptance.

10 Former NFL player Rolf Benirschke, who played for the San Diego Chargers in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1979, Benirschke was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, which required him to undergo surgery and temporarily use a colostomy. He was able to return to football the following season and continued to play for several more years.

11. Jerry Kramer - Jerry Kramer is a former NFL player who played as an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers in the 1950s and 1960s. He had a colostomy as a result of complications from abdominal surgery. Despite his ostomy, Kramer continued to excel in his football career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

12. Al Roker - Al Roker, the beloved weatherman and television host, revealed in 2002 that he had undergone gastric bypass surgery, which ultimately led to him needing a colostomy. Roker has been very open about his journey with an ostomy and has used his platform to raise awareness and educate the public about ostomies and weight loss surgery.

13. Anastacia - Anastacia is a pop singer who has openly shared her experience of living with Crohn's disease and needing a colostomy. She has been an advocate for ostomy awareness and has continued to perform and create music while managing her condition.

14. Amy Van Dyken - Amy Van Dyken is a former Olympic swimmer who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in an ATV accident. As a result of her injury, she had a temporary ileostomy. Van Dyken has been an inspiration to many for her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

15. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother - Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had a colostomy in 1966 due to a cancer diagnosis. Her public disclosure of her condition helped reduce the stigma surrounding ostomies and brought attention to the importance of early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer.

16. Bethany Townsend - Bethany Townsend gained worldwide attention when her vacation photos, proudly displaying her colostomy bag while wearing a bikini, went viral on social media. She has since become an advocate for body positivity and ostomy awareness.

17. Richard Carmona - Richard Carmona, the former Surgeon General of the United States, had a colostomy following injuries sustained during the Vietnam War. His personal experience with an ostomy has influenced his advocacy for veterans and healthcare issues.

18. L. Frank Baum - L. Frank Baum, the author of "The Wizard of Oz," had a colostomy due to health issues in the latter part of his life. His creative legacy continues to inspire generations, and his own experience with an ostomy is a lesser-known aspect of his biography.

19. Brian Davis - Brian Davis is a professional golfer who had a temporary ileostomy as a result of health complications. He returned to professional golf after his surgery and continues to compete at a high level.

20. Dana Elcar - Dana Elcar was an actor best known for his role as Pete Thornton on the TV series "MacGyver." He had a colostomy as a result of cancer and continued to act and raise awareness about ostomies until his passing in 2005.

21. Matthew Perry - Perry underwent this surgery as part of his treatment for gastrointestinal perforation. This information became public around the time of the release of his memoir, where he shared details about his health struggles and his journey through recovery.

Check out these links for more information:

• Famous Figures and Ostomies: A Closer Look (March 17, 2023)
• Opinion on Matthew Perry's Life-Saving Ostomy (December 05, 2022)
• Celebrities with Crohn's & Colitis: Inspiring Stories (May 27, 2011)
• Countdown to Surgery: Fear, Ostomy, and Weight Loss (November 01, 2013)
• Considering an Ostomy: Will it Give Me My Life Back? (January 24, 2011)
• Ostomy's Unexpected Celebration - A Funny Bathroom Mishap! (May 02, 2016)
• Considering Surgery for UC/Crohn's: Need Advice! (June 07, 2022)
• The ostomy-sex question (October 25, 2012)
• Article on Matthew Perry's Offense Towards Ostomates (October 31, 2022)
• Finding Love with an Ostomy: Is it Possible? (October 03, 2010)