From Diagnosis to Designing Confidence: My Stoma, Ostomy Journey 💪🌸

Hi, I’m Helinka. Back in 2013, my world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Surgery saved my life, something I’ll forever be grateful for but it also left me with an ileostomy. Suddenly, I wasn’t just adjusting to a bag on my tummy, I was navigating a whole new identity.

That stoma, ostomy wasn’t just a medical change; it shook everything I thought I knew about myself, my body, my confidence, my femininity.

At first, I didn’t just struggle. I felt invisible. I carried grief, anxiety, and stress that no one had really warned me about. People often think it’s “just the surgery” that’s tough but it’s the quiet battles afterwards that can feel the hardest. I didn’t want to only survive with a stoma, ostomy… I wanted to thrive. I wanted to feel strong, beautiful, and seen.

But here’s the truth finding products that reflected that? Nearly impossible. Everything felt medical, clinical, and far away from the confident woman I still wanted to be.

So, I did something bold.

Lingerie & Wraps That Speak Self-Love ✂️💖

I began designing lingerie that felt like me again. Delicate lace, soft silks, wraps that weren’t just functional but empowering. I wanted something elegant, feminine, and yes sexy. Because life with a stoma, ostomy doesn’t mean you stop deserving to feel gorgeous, every single day.

What surprised me most at the start was that nothing like this existed. Sure, there were medical covers and for some, those work. But for me? I needed lingerie and bag wraps that celebrated my body instead of hiding it.

So, I spent two years experimenting, learning, and perfecting designs. I tested fabrics, styles, and fits until I created lingerie that not only supported my stoma, ostomy but also rebuilt my confidence. Eventually, I opened my Etsy shop Unspoken Rosebud, and every piece I make is stitched with purpose, love, and understanding.

It’s more than fabric. It’s a reminder that you’re still you resilient, radiant, and whole.

Shop here https:www.etsy.com/shop/unspokenrosebud

Healing the Mind: Hypnotherapy & Therapy 🌿

But lingerie was only part of the puzzle. Because let’s be real the biggest battles aren’t always the physical ones. They’re the hidden struggles: the anxiety before going out, the grief of losing the body you once knew, the trauma of medical experiences, and the fear of being truly seen again.

That’s why I trained as a clinical hypnotherapist and therapist. With years of experience supporting people through their hardest times, I wanted to combine my personal journey with professional skills. Today, I offer 1-1 sessions, courses, and a membership designed to support people living with a stoma, ostomy in every part of their healing journey mind and body.

Together, we work on:
✨ Calming anxiety and reducing stress
✨ Processing grief and trauma
✨ Rebuilding confidence and self-worth
✨ Learning to talk about your stoma, ostomy with openness and strength
✨ Moving forward with hope and resilience

Because it’s not just about living with a stoma, ostomy it’s about living well.

Drop me a DM for more info https://www.instagram.com/unspokenrosebud

Life Doesn’t Stop. It Transforms 🎉

Here’s what I’ve learned: having a stoma, ostomy doesn’t mean your life is over. It means life is different. And different can be powerful, joyful, sexy, and deeply fulfilling.

I am not saying that I don’t have moments where it hits me

My mission is to break the stigma and tear down the walls of silence. Too many of us hide, when really our lives deserve to be celebrated.

So, if this story sounds a little like yours, know this: you’re not alone. Whether you’re searching for support, looking for lingerie that makes you feel like you again, or needing someone who simply gets it I’m here.

Let’s walk this journey together. 💫