Response to Matthew Perry's "dangerous misinformation" for ostomy community by Sarah Biggart

"You may have read my recent blog post marking my 18-year Stomaversary, for me it was a triumph, and something to be celebrated.

This year, several articles surrounding Matthew Perry's new autobiography were published. As an ostomate, I was truly disappointed in the framing of his ostomy experience.

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Like me, his ostomy saved his life, however the obvious lack of support and education he received clouded that fact. I applaud Matthew Perry for his honesty and transparency and in no way invalidate his feelings.

I do wish that his therapists messaging was different "His impetus to stop taking drugs? "My therapist said, 'The next time you think about taking Oxycontin, just think about having a colostomy bag for the rest of your life,'" Perry recalls. "And a little window opened and I crawled through it and I no longer want Oxycontin anymore."

For so many people living with ostomies, there is no choice, our ostomies are not punishments for behaviors, and they allow us to live life on our own terms. To have a platform and to continue to perpetuate the stigmas our community continually fights against is where my disappointment lies.

No matter how one comes to be a part of this community, my wish for each person is the same, to have access to information, education and support.

I am so proud to be a part of the me+ team at Convatec, each and everyday my colleagues and I are able to provide care and support to the ostomy community. Through our commitment to care our hope is that with the proper support, information, products and services, people just like Matthew & I can live full and happy lives, not in spite of our ostomies, but because of our ostomies." - Sarah Biggart, Ostomysecrets® and Convatec

Have questions about living with an ostomy? Our me+ product specialist and ostomy nurses are waiting to help you, call 1-800-422-8811 and enroll in our free me+ today.