Stoma bags are a medical device used to collect waste from the body in people who have had their colon removed. They are typically used by people with bowel disease or bowel cancer, and can help restore independence to someone who would otherwise be reliant on others for support.
There are many different types of stoma bags available, including drainable and closed ostomy pouches. Drainable bags allow waste to pass into a sachet inside the bag, which you can then empty as needed. Closed stoma pouches are designed to be worn for longer periods of time without needing to be emptied or changed.
In addition to choosing between different types of bag, there are also a number of factors to consider when choosing the best stoma bag for you, including size, wear time, and the presence of barriers.
Overall, stoma bags are an important tool for people with bowel disease or cancer, offering support and independence that can significantly improve one’s quality of life. And in addition to the average person, there are many celebrities with a stoma bag as well — which we’ve listed below.
7 Amazing Athletes and Celebrities with a Stoma Bag
Stoma bags are medical devices that help people recover from serious medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These bags allow patients to have a normal life while they undergo treatment for their illnesses.
While there are no exact reasons or pre-requisites on why someone might end up with a stoma bag, there have been plenty of famous people that have lived with them and went on to do some amazing things with their lives. In this section, we will take a look at seven notable names.
Al Geiberger
Comedian Al Geiberger is one of the most famous celebrities with a stoma bag. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in the early 1980s, and he underwent several surgeries to treat his condition. After each surgery, Al had to wear a stoma bag in order to help his body heal and recover.
During his recovery, Al became a celebrity due to his role on the TV show “Match Game.” Medical experts credit the stoma bag with his ability to continue working and living successfully as a comedian, despite having a chronic illness.
Dwight Eisenhower
Another famous individual who had to wear a stoma bag is former President Dwight Eisenhower. He developed colitis – an inflammation of the inner lining of the colon – and underwent surgery that left him with a permanent stoma. Although he regularly needed to change his bag, Dwight continued to live a full and healthy life after leaving the White House.
Loretta Young
American actress Loretta Young also had to wear a stoma bag after developing ulcerative colitis. The surgery that she underwent left her with a temporary colostomy for several years before it was reversed. Loretta later went on to win three Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award for her work as an actress.
Zoey Wright
Zoey Wright is a young tennis player who had to wear a stoma bag while she underwent treatment for Crohn’s disease. The surgery that Zoey needed left her with an ostomy, so she had to wear an appliance on her abdomen. She was able to continue playing competitive tennis while wearing the bag, and she later became a successful model.
Jerry Kramer
Former professional football player Jerry Kramer also wore a stoma bag for several months after his surgery for Crohn’s disease. He played for the Green Bay Packers for 11 years and led the team to several championships. After retiring from football, he wrote a best-selling book about his life with Crohn’s disease.
Nancy Lamott
Another celebrity who had to wear a stoma bag is Nancy Lamott, an American actress and singer who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2003. She underwent surgery that left her with a temporary colostomy, and she wore the bag until her surgery was reversed. Today, Nancy is healthy and continues to work as an actress and singer.
Tip O’Neill
Another famous personality who had to wear a stoma bag is former House Speaker Tip O’Neill. He developed complications from ulcerative colitis that required him to undergo a temporary colostomy. Even though it was only for a short, Tip was able to continue working as the speaker of the House and lead his colleagues in Congress.
Celebrities with a Stoma Bag and Other Health Conditions
As these examples show, many celebrities have had to wear stoma bags at some point in their lives. All of them were able to continue living successful careers after this surgery. If you or someone you know needs to wear a stoma bag, it’s important to remember that life doesn’t have to stop just because of this medical condition. With the right treatment and support, people can continue living happy and productive lives while wearing their stoma bags.
In addition to living with ulcerative colitis and using a stoma bag, many celebrities suffer from a wide range of life altering circumstances. To learn more about each of them, be sure to visit our lists on lipedema, hip dips, hirsium, and buffalo humps.
