66: Stoma4Life with Raphaela Reeb - Episode 6666: Stoma4Life with Raphaela Reeb - Episode 66
UK Health Radio Podcast
Nurse and ostomate Emma Hankin shares a candid account of stoma surgery, mental health struggles and discrimination, alongside her hopes for better support. The conversation highlights the need for emotional care, follow-up stoma services and understanding around relationships and body image.
30:49•3 Nov 2026
Life, Stomas and Starting Again: Emma Hankin’s Candid Journey
Episode Overview
- Stoma surgery demands ongoing mental health support, not just physical aftercare.
- Patients often leave hospital without information on support groups, specialist products or follow-up stoma care.
- Workplace discrimination against staff with a stoma can severely affect confidence and career prospects.
- Body image and intimacy concerns are common and need to be talked about openly, rather than ignored after discharge.
- Kindness towards oneself and reaching out for family or community support can make a major difference to long-term recovery.
“Be kind to yourself… it’s not you that’s the problem, it’s what’s happening to you, but you’ll get through it with self and support.”
What emotional and inspiring tales of recovery are out there? This UK Health Radio episode of Stoma4Life zooms in on life with a stoma through the raw, honest story of nurse and ostomate Emma Hankin. Hosted by Raphaela, the conversation picks up from part one and shifts into the emotional fallout: mental health struggles, workplace discrimination, body image, and the impact on relationships.
Emma shares how years of infection, sepsis, pain and repeated surgeries were only half the battle; the other half was the invisible weight of shame, isolation and a system that often overlooks psychological care. She describes patients waking up from emergency surgery, unable to even look at their stoma, and going home “feeling suicidal” without any mental health support or practical guidance.
You’ll hear Emma talk candidly about being discriminated against in a hospital workplace, the fear of losing her nursing registration, and her determination to retrain if necessary because nursing is “a vocation” for her. She stresses how crucial proper discharge planning is – not just bags and supplies, but emotional support, follow-up calls from stoma nurses, and information about support groups and specialist underwear that can help people feel more like themselves.
There’s also a moving discussion about grief, dating with a stoma, hurtful reactions on mainstream dating apps, and the hope she finds in others within colostomy support communities who are building relationships, marrying and becoming parents.
Emma’s core message is simple and powerful: “Be kind to yourself… it’s not you that’s the problem, it’s what’s happening to you.” Her story will speak to anyone living with a stoma, chronic illness, or long-term recovery and wondering if a fulfilling future is still possible. If you’ve ever felt alone after surgery or unheard in the healthcare system, this conversation might be the reminder you need that your journey deserves better support and genuine understanding.
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