Max Henrich
ONGWEDIVA- At 25, Jenefa Kangumbe is learning to embrace life after colostomy surgery, drawing strength from her faith and using her experience to encourage others living with a stoma.
A colostomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the large intestine is brought to an opening in the abdomen, called a stoma, allowing waste to leave the body into a pouch.
Originally from Rundu and currently based in Windhoek, Kangumbe’s health struggles began in 2018 when she started experiencing persistent constipation, which eventually led to internal and external haemorrhoids.
By the end of 2024, the pain had become unbearable. She experienced bleeding whenever she went to the toilet, and sometimes her body would shake. Although her haemorrhoids were eventually removed, her bowel problems continued, leaving her dependent on laxatives.
“It felt like a never-ending cycle. I was physically exhausted and emotionally drained,” she said.
After years of struggling, Kangumbe eventually underwent a colostomy. She admitted that the decision was frightening, as she had many questions and did not know what life after surgery would look like. She searched online for someone living with a stoma but could not find anyone with whom she could relate.
“Last year was one of the hardest years of my life, prayer and faith helped me confront my fears and accept my new circumstances”, she said.
Adjusting to life with a colostomy also meant learning to manage gas passing through the stoma and identifying foods that triggered it. She discovered that dairy products increased the problem and has since become more mindful of her diet.
Despite these challenges, Kangumbe continues to work, study, spend time with friends and pursue her ambitions. She said that the understanding of her employer, family and friends has made her adjustment easier.
“Although I have not experienced stigma or major difficulties accessing supplies, I recognise that others may face different challenges. She stressed that stoma bags and related products are essential for daily living, comfort and dignity,” she said.
Motivated by her own search for someone who understood her experience, Kangumbe is developing Blossom & Branch, an initiative aimed at connecting people living with a stoma so they can share experiences, encourage one another and build confidence.
She hopes to help those who feel alone or are struggling to adjust after surgery.
“My worth is not determined by my body or my circumstances. I am still the same person, with dreams, goals and a future,” she said.
Kangumbe encourages people who have recently undergone stoma surgery to give themselves time to adjust, reminding them that life can still be filled with meaningful relationships, ambitions and happiness.
The post Beyond the stoma: Kangumbe’s journey of courage and acceptance appeared first on New Era.