Thekidwithabag

07/10/2026

✨So… this happened?✨

It was a real privilege to stand on that red circle at TEDxNHS 2026 and speak about the importance of normalising conversations about our bowel health and bowel conditions. 💩

This event simply would not have been possible without all the volunteering team, the TEDxNHS organising team and all the speaker coaches, especially Louise and Jackie for your support, feedback and encouragement throughout.

And of course listening to the incredible speakers was a powerful reminder of just how much we can learn when people are given the space to speak openly about the things that matter to them. The stories, ideas and messages shared on that red circle will have an impact far beyond the day, shaping conversations, challenging perspectives and, ultimately, influencing the way we think about healthcare and the lives of patients

The whole day was filled with genuine warmth, positivity, important conversations, laughter to tears and HOPE. ❤️

Very grateful for the people I met (too many to mention 😅), the TedxNHS family; all the conversations, hugs and warm-up exercises we had together and everything I learnt along the way.

If you didn’t get the chance to watch the talks live, they’re currently being edited and will be uploaded individually to the TEDx YouTube channel soon 📹. I can’t recommend enough to take the time to watch and listen to them all. I’ll be posting more content over next few weeks 👀

Oliver Kaye

22/08/2026

Living on 4 wheels. Travelling across 3 states. For 2 weeks. On 1 US road trip. 🇺🇸✅

Oliver Kaye

16/07/2026

🚨PAID market research opportunity for ostomates based in England! 🚨

This is to provide your opinion on a new stoma bag design, as someone living with a stoma bag!

Please use “thekidwithabag” in the section: where did you hear about this study 🫡

Do you have a stoma? If so we would like to invite you to share your opinions and feedback on some new stoma designs.

Sessions will be held in London, Birmingham or Manchester and will be a maximum of 60 minutes for which participants shall be paid £100 for their time and opinions.

No selling or promotion shall take place.

If you are interested, please complete the form linked below:
https://eu.panelfox.io/s/NGT016_Ostomates

29/06/2026

Last week I attended the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) LIVE 26’ conference hosted in Liverpool!

This was a wonderful event that I am still trying to fully process - the scale of the healthcare ecosystem, the fantastic presentations, innovative research being translated into clinical practice, new endoscopic technology and ultimately the impact on people’s lives these have! This was a a powerful reminder of how many people dedicate their careers to improving patients’ lives, both across the UK and the world.

I was also incredibly proud to present our research poster based on our recently published paper, which explored TikTok content focused on the dietary management following surgery for ulcerative colitis. Bringing patients lived experiences to a platform like this is a privilege. Thank you to the amazing research team who took me on board! 🙏

Finally, it was fantastic to catch up with familiar faces and meet amazing people who share a passion for improving gastroenterology care. I’m excited to continue contributing to research that centres patient voices, and help shape a better future for people living with IBD, no matter where you live the UK!

I know I haven’t been as active on social media as I usually am (and would like to be)🥺!! I am most importantly, healthy, but have honestly been busy with medical school studies and general life 🙏. I hope you are all doing okay 💜

Oliver Kaye

05/09/2025

Living with IBD is often so much more than what people see on the outside! It’s a journey of ups and downs and with times where you feel completely lost! And it’s a journey that no two people will have the same experience!

IBD diagnosis’s are unfortunately on the rise and with symptoms still too often overlooked and stigmatised, it’s so important we raise awareness and normalise having these conversations!

03/09/2025

5 years ago, my life changed. IBD is now a part of me and has shaped me into the person I am today! Thank you to you ALL for your support 🙏

I’m Ollie and this is my story! 💜

27/08/2025

Forgot the farmer’s or bikini tan lines… I’ve got the stoma support belt’s tan line, visible all the way around my waist 😭☀️

It looks much clearer in person!!!!

I wear a stoma support belt to keep my bag secure while swimming, sitting in the sun or beach etc and it makes me feel more comfortable! The tan line is an added bonus:)

26/08/2025

My top tips for new students with IBD, a stoma bag and/or a chronic illness starting university/college this September:

1. Contact the university disability support team 💻🧑‍💻
2. Don’t feel guilty about saying no to social situations. Prioritise yourself and your health 🚫
3. Know where the local pharmacy is - get to know the new city as best you can before 💊
4. Know your triggers for flares and plan ahead for if you do go into a flare - meds, safe foods/drinks, all contacts you need etc. 📋
5. Having IBD or a stoma doesn’t mean missing out. Enjoy it and good luck!!!!

Let me know your tips and thoughts in the comments! Give this a share, you never who may find this helpful before they start in a couple weeks 💜

24/08/2025

I look at my life now, post surgery, and compare it to my quality of life before surgery, where I was stuck in a cycle of symptoms, physical, mental and social pain, hospitals, and endless endoscopies. Now, I can focus on living, not just surviving!

My stoma has ENABLED me, NOT DISABLED ME!

Post inspired by the incredible 💜

25/07/2025

Having just returned from holiday, I’ve had several messages, questions, concerns and tips about flying with a stoma bag. 🛫🌆🚡🏝️

Travelling and flying with a stoma bag can be daunting, especially that very first time! Will I get stopped? What assistance am I entitled to? What if I can’t explain to security I have a bag because of a language barrier? Will the bag expand and explode on the plane (Spoiler - NO!)

My top tips:
✈️ Apply for a sunflower lanyard.
This is a recognised and discreet symbol that lets airport staff know that you have a hidden disability. I bring this alongside a disability ID card, a travel certificate from Coloplast charter (this explains my condition in multiple languages) and a doctor’s letter too. These allow me to use special assistance at airports as well as other public places.
✈️Supplies
Always bring spare supplies with, more than usual! I always pack my supplies in my hand luggage ensuring to take the liquids, as with any other toiletries out before putting my bag through security; as well as spare in my luggage!
✈️Expect security stops - but don’t panic!
Be prepared to get stopped walking through the security scanners. In my own experiences travelling when I get stopped, I immediately tell the security I have a stoma bag. I’m patted down, then a swab is taken from the bag and I am good to go to duty free! It’s not uncommon to be taken to a private room for further inspection (I’ve never had this personally). Even after several trips, I still find this part stressful, but being prepared really helps.
✈️Stay hydrated!
I bring a dioralyte solution, recommended by my medical team (St Marks Solution/Hydrostomate sachets)

Finally and most importantly, enjoy the holiday, be grateful you’re healthy and able to travel, and that’s something to be proud of. And try not to worry what others think if they see your stoma bag (most won’t even notice)!

There’s so much more I could share about travelling with a stoma so, if you do have any other questions around travelling with a stoma bag or an invisible condition please don’t hesitate to drop me a message or leave a comment below where others may have tips as well!

💜