(Picture: Phil Crow/Caters News)

A pole dancer has started dancing with her stoma bag out in a bid to defy the nurse she claims told her she’d never be able to wear pretty bikinis again after surgery.

22-year-old Chloe Wilson was days from death when she had to have her entire colon removed after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease.

Though it was to save her life, she claims a nurse told her that she should ‘rethink her decision’.

She allegedly went on to warn Chloe that she would ‘never be able to wear pretty bikinis like her friends’ as her ileostomy bag would be on show.




After battling crippling stomach cramps since being a teenager, Chloe was only diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and ulcerated, last March.

Chloe decided to have her colon removed in an attempt to stop her pain, as no medication had helped.

(Picture: Phil Crow/Caters News)

Chloe didn’t change her mind despite the nurse’s comments – and it was a good job, as her colon was so heavily diseased she was close to it perforating.

Chloe, from Crowle, Lincolnshire, is now sharing her story to show others that ileostomy bags do not need to hold you back. She’s not only able to wear bikinis, but she can still do pole fitness.

The hairdresser said: ‘I’d been in hospital for five weeks when the nurse came over and asked if I was sure about my decision as I’d never be able to wear a bikini like my friends.

‘I was already upset as I was in so much pain but her comments made things so much worse.

‘It was lucky I hadn’t listened to her as surgeons warned that if I’d left things for much longer that it could have been fatal.

(Picture: Phil Crow/Caters News)

‘I’d been in agony since I was 13 years old but doctors thought I was lactose intolerant.

‘It was only when I collapsed from pain last March that I finally got the answers I desperately needed.

‘I’m so lucky to have survived and I can finally pursue my passion for pole fitness.

‘Before surgery I was too ill to be able to endure high levels of exercise and if I’d not had the surgery when I did, doctors said I wouldn’t be here today.

‘I’m so happy I didn’t listen to the nurse who tried to put me down.

‘I wear pretty bikinis with pride and there’s no reason why I can’t, it’s good to be different.’

Chloe is about to start competing in pole fitness competitions and wants to encourage others to flaunt their stoma bags with pride.

(Picture: Phil Crow/Caters News)

She added: ‘I was nervous the first time I put on a bikini and decided to show the world my bag.



‘But I soon realised that people really don’t care and especially in pole fitness as everyone is just supportive.

‘It was so draining being in agony constantly and before my surgery I was passing blood daily.

‘It was unbearable but as soon as I had the surgery I felt so much more healthier.

‘I have since set up an Instagram page to showcase my pole fitness and colostomy bag journey to help others who might be going through something similar.’

Scunthorpe General Hospital – where Chloe was treated – were contacted, and Tara Filby, chief nurse, responded: ‘We would welcome the opportunity to speak to Chloe directly about her concerns, and would ask that she contacts our PALS team so we can arrange this.’

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