Home Blog Resources Matthew Perry Ostomy Experience Matthew Perry Ostomy Experience November 1, 2022 • By Fight CRC Resources Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn Share on Twitter Copy this URL Share via Email While Matthew Perry's recent negative comments about ostomies caused some controversy and sparked outrage, it's important to remember that ostomies are not foes but friends. Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) unequivocally believes that all ostomies are lifesaving friends. Friends’ actor Matthew Perry, famously known as Chandler Bing, created ostomy awareness when he shared his unfortunate personal ostomy experience in a GQ interview. The Matthew Perry ostomy comments are attracting national headlines. At Fight CRC, we salute and support our relentless champions of hope who currently have or in the past have had lifesaving ostomies in their fight against colorectal cancer. Use These Ostomy Resources to Avoid Friends' Actor's Frustrations While we understand the Friends' Actor’s ostomy bag leaks were frustrating, it's crucial to recognize the impact his comments can have on individuals who may be hesitant to seek screening or treatment for colorectal cancer. By addressing ostomy-related challenges openly and positively, we can help dispel the fears that some may have about ostomy surgery and encourage early detection and treatment. Ostomy care shouldn’t be shameful or embarrassing. Fight CRC isn’t just fighting colorectal cancer. We’re fighting the stigma, confusion, and fear surrounding it. For additional ostomy resources, be sure to check out United Ostomy Association of America, Inc., who provide support and comprehensive details for all-things ostomy. Colorectal Cancer Survivor and Ostomate Speaks Out Kimberly Coleman is a stage II colorectal cancer survivor. She received an ostomy during emergency surgery, and she credits her ostomy for saving her life. “Many people view ostomies as an end to their ‘normal’ lives, socially, physically, etc. And yes, your life will be altered with this medical device. However, with a good support system and time, we can learn to work through the challenge My life was saved with an emergency surgery during my stage II colorectal cancer treatments. With the help of my ostomy/side buddy Toodles, I’ve been able to be a part of and have learned so much from both the Fight Colorectal Cancer Organization and United Ostomy Association of America, UOAA communities. One of the main reasons I am #OstomyProud is being able to experience seven more years with my hubby, kiddos, family, and friends. Lastly, having an ostomy has helped to strengthen my voice and purpose, and to be a stronger advocate for myself and those I love.” Kimberly Coleman (@kimberlyhcoleman), stage II colon cancer survivor Kimberly Coleman, stage II colon cancer survivor Fight CRC Resources No one fights alone in the fight against colorectal cancer. Fight CRC is here for you with educational patient resources and our toll-free helpline: 1.877.427.2111. We are walking alongside you. We are locking arms with you in this fight. Share Your #OstomyProud Moment Do you have an ostomy story or experience you would like to share? Create a reel or video telling us about it. Tag us at @FightCRC, on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. 8 thoughts on “Matthew Perry Ostomy Experience” As someone who had no idea what an ostomy was and woke up with one after emergency surgery, I was frustrated and terrified. I went through the same challenges he went through. I looked at him as another member in my virtual support group when I read his story. We all have different perspectives. Ostomies save lives. Some can be temporary, some will need to be in place forever. I don’t see the need to single him out negatively just because his situation was temporary and he complained. I’m sure all of us with ostomies complained several times about them. I bitched all the time. It saved my life. It served it’s purpose and I’m grateful.. But I’m even more grateful that I was able to get it reversed. I have a relative who has colon cancer. I’m grateful that her colostomy is going to keep her around a lot longer. I bet even Matthew Perry was grateful too. One thing I liked about my ostomy support group is that we all had our one story and we all had are own perspectives. But very rarely did anyone judge or come down on folks for having a hard time living with them. I just learned that Matthew Perry passed away. Let’s give him a break so he can rest in peace 🙂 Hi Robert, Thank you for your comment. This blog was written almost a full year ago, after the release of Matthew Perry’s heavily promoted book where he spoke about his ostomy in a negative light. For people with colorectal cancer — and other reasons as well — ostomies are a necessary and lifesaving. They are not disgusting or horrifying. They are a means to life for some people. We are also very saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing. May he rest in peace. I have Crohn’s disease, I had a illeostomy last March. All the large bowel removed and have a bag, and it’s changed my life for the better. I’m having my first colonoscopy this month. I don’t expect any problems, but if there were any, I’d do whatever it took to stay alive with my family that I love so much. That said, I read MP’s book and really all he asked was for device manufacturers to create a bag that wouldn’t break. Seems reasonable that anyone would want that, especially if it’s a common problem for people with this device. I had both a colostomy and an ileostomy over the course of 22 months. It was the most horrendous emotionally, physically and mentally draining time of my life. I spent the majority of those 22 months in and out of the hospital mostly in due to many major medical issues that they caused me to have. I understand there are people who have bags that are permanent but mine was not and I truly think God for that. I pray every single day that I never have to have an ostomy bag again. The thought of having another bag scares me to death. I’m now 18 months reversed and have a new normal life. In my opinion and only my opinion not having to have an Ostomy bag is what truly saved my life. During the 22 months that I did have the bag I didn’t care whether I lived or died. I agree with Matthew Perry and how he feels. Hi April, Thank you for sharing your story and ostomy experience. My husband had an ileostomy, and he did not want it, and he couldn’t wait until his reversal surgery. He felt as you mentioned “emotionally, physically, and mentally” drained. But without his ileostomy, he would have died.Without his ostomy, our family wouldn’t have had four more years of celebrations with him. His ostomy has given our family a tremendous gift of more time. It is so important for people to be screened for colorectal cancer, especially if they are at higher risk, for example family history. People with signs and symptoms need to be screened. We don’t want people to be afraid to be screened or treated for colorectal cancer because treatment may involve surgery and an ostomy pouch, which as you pointed out is a very valid fear and concern. The United Ostomy Association of America, Inc., provides support and resources, for people with temporary or permanent ostomies to educate and inform, so that they can live their best quality of life. Thank you so much for sharing your opinion and experience with us. We appreciate your view and that you took the time to read our blog and respond. 💙 Theresa – Caregiver I have an ileostomy! It saved my life. I had rectal Cancer and radiation destroyed my colon. I suffered with obstructions all the time. I became very sick. I lost a lot of weight. Finally, I was rushed to the hospital and had emergency life saving surgery. I survived once again thanks to my ileostomy bag. That was 2007. I no longer live in pain and my bag allows me to do anything! Don’t fear having an ostomy! They are lifesavers! I’m still here and remarried to an awesome man just 6 years ago. I’m 60 years old. I am a Survivor! I got rectal Cancer when I was only 36 years old. It’s been a tough road at times, but I’m here to enjoy my beautiful daughter, my family, my Husband. Thank you 💗 Hi Jean-Marie: Thank you so much for your sharing your story. You are a survivor! We are so inspired by you! Thank you for your positivity and gratitude. Comments are closed.
As someone who had no idea what an ostomy was and woke up with one after emergency surgery, I was frustrated and terrified. I went through the same challenges he went through. I looked at him as another member in my virtual support group when I read his story. We all have different perspectives. Ostomies save lives. Some can be temporary, some will need to be in place forever. I don’t see the need to single him out negatively just because his situation was temporary and he complained. I’m sure all of us with ostomies complained several times about them. I bitched all the time. It saved my life. It served it’s purpose and I’m grateful.. But I’m even more grateful that I was able to get it reversed. I have a relative who has colon cancer. I’m grateful that her colostomy is going to keep her around a lot longer. I bet even Matthew Perry was grateful too. One thing I liked about my ostomy support group is that we all had our one story and we all had are own perspectives. But very rarely did anyone judge or come down on folks for having a hard time living with them. I just learned that Matthew Perry passed away. Let’s give him a break so he can rest in peace 🙂
Hi Robert, Thank you for your comment. This blog was written almost a full year ago, after the release of Matthew Perry’s heavily promoted book where he spoke about his ostomy in a negative light. For people with colorectal cancer — and other reasons as well — ostomies are a necessary and lifesaving. They are not disgusting or horrifying. They are a means to life for some people. We are also very saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing. May he rest in peace.
I have Crohn’s disease, I had a illeostomy last March. All the large bowel removed and have a bag, and it’s changed my life for the better.
I’m having my first colonoscopy this month. I don’t expect any problems, but if there were any, I’d do whatever it took to stay alive with my family that I love so much. That said, I read MP’s book and really all he asked was for device manufacturers to create a bag that wouldn’t break. Seems reasonable that anyone would want that, especially if it’s a common problem for people with this device.
I had both a colostomy and an ileostomy over the course of 22 months. It was the most horrendous emotionally, physically and mentally draining time of my life. I spent the majority of those 22 months in and out of the hospital mostly in due to many major medical issues that they caused me to have. I understand there are people who have bags that are permanent but mine was not and I truly think God for that. I pray every single day that I never have to have an ostomy bag again. The thought of having another bag scares me to death. I’m now 18 months reversed and have a new normal life. In my opinion and only my opinion not having to have an Ostomy bag is what truly saved my life. During the 22 months that I did have the bag I didn’t care whether I lived or died. I agree with Matthew Perry and how he feels.
Hi April, Thank you for sharing your story and ostomy experience. My husband had an ileostomy, and he did not want it, and he couldn’t wait until his reversal surgery. He felt as you mentioned “emotionally, physically, and mentally” drained. But without his ileostomy, he would have died.Without his ostomy, our family wouldn’t have had four more years of celebrations with him. His ostomy has given our family a tremendous gift of more time. It is so important for people to be screened for colorectal cancer, especially if they are at higher risk, for example family history. People with signs and symptoms need to be screened. We don’t want people to be afraid to be screened or treated for colorectal cancer because treatment may involve surgery and an ostomy pouch, which as you pointed out is a very valid fear and concern. The United Ostomy Association of America, Inc., provides support and resources, for people with temporary or permanent ostomies to educate and inform, so that they can live their best quality of life. Thank you so much for sharing your opinion and experience with us. We appreciate your view and that you took the time to read our blog and respond. 💙 Theresa – Caregiver
I have an ileostomy! It saved my life. I had rectal Cancer and radiation destroyed my colon. I suffered with obstructions all the time. I became very sick. I lost a lot of weight. Finally, I was rushed to the hospital and had emergency life saving surgery. I survived once again thanks to my ileostomy bag. That was 2007. I no longer live in pain and my bag allows me to do anything! Don’t fear having an ostomy! They are lifesavers! I’m still here and remarried to an awesome man just 6 years ago. I’m 60 years old. I am a Survivor! I got rectal Cancer when I was only 36 years old. It’s been a tough road at times, but I’m here to enjoy my beautiful daughter, my family, my Husband. Thank you 💗
Hi Jean-Marie: Thank you so much for your sharing your story. You are a survivor! We are so inspired by you! Thank you for your positivity and gratitude.