James Farnham, son of music legend John Farnham, has used his powerful voice to break down the stigma of living with a colostomy bag one year since his reversal surgery at Cabrini Malvern.

Last week, James took to social media and Channel 7 News to detail his two-year journey with diverticulitis and stoma at Cabrini, while simultaneously advocating for those living with stoma and supporting the destigmatisation of stoma bag use.

A colostomy and ileostomy are surgical procedures that create an opening, or stoma, from the intestines to the abdominal wall. A colostomy bag attaches to a stoma to collect bowel waste.

“Wow, what a difference a year makes,” James said. “12 months ago, I was going in for my third surgery, hoping to finally reverse my colostomy/ileostomy.

“It worked.”

James first presented to Cabrini’s ED two years ago with severe abdominal pain. He needed emergency surgery for a perforated bowel, under the care of colorectal surgeon Martin Chin. He was diagnosed with diverticulitis and woke from surgery with a colostomy bag after the removal of about 60cm of his bowel.

“It was very confronting, and life changing,” James told 7 News. “Your eating pattern is all different, drinking is different, the way you shower, and sleep, is different. Your life is different.

“Two years ago, I couldn’t imagine feeling this way. I was angry, lost, didn’t want to go anywhere or see anyone. Life felt like a dead end. Today, I can finally say, I love my life. I’m genuinely happy. If you’re struggling, just hang in there. Check in on your mates. Be kind to yourself. Life’s weird and unpredictable, but it can surprise you in the best ways.”

Like it does for so many, the mental battle of living with a stoma took its toll on James.

But with the support of Cabrini staff, in particular Stomal Therapy Clinical Nurse Consultant Rebecca Howson, James navigated the difficult journey and celebrates one year since his reversal surgery next month.

“We all got to know James really well,” Rebecca said. “There was a lot of emotional trauma (related to needing a stoma), plus everything else that was going on in his life meant that he was carrying quite a mental load.

“But he got through and everyone who got to work with James is celebrating this milestone with him.”

It’s a joyful time for James, almost 12 months on from his reversal surgery. Last month, he and his partner Tessa welcomed their first baby, Jett John Farnham. James is forever grateful to the Cabrini teams that helped him reach this wonderful milestone.

“Thanks for literally saving my life,” James said. “Especially thanks to my surgeons, doctors, stoma therapist, wound specialist and all the nurses and catering staff.

“And a massive thanks to all of the staff on ward 4 North. Couldn’t have done it without any of them.”