ITV's This Morning viewers were left deeply moved as a guest bravely demonstrated changing his stoma bag live on air to raise awareness of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mesha Moinirad, known as Mr Colitis Crohn's on social media, appeared on the show hosted by Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley to share his personal journey and demystify the procedure.
Mesha's Emotional Story
Mesha fell seriously ill during his university years, becoming so unwell that he nearly died. After extensive tests, he was diagnosed with IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and colitis. He ultimately decided to have a stoma, a surgically created opening in the abdomen for waste elimination.
During the live segment, Mesha removed his shirt and his stoma bag, then showed viewers how he cleans the area and fits a new bag. He explained that before his diagnosis, doctors were baffled by his condition. "I had to go down into theatre for eight hours a day for two weeks. They would take all my organs out, they would wash them beside me and then vac-pack them," he said. "So I was in a coma for over two and a half weeks, which obviously was really touch and go. I nearly died at that point." Afterward, he had to relearn how to walk and eat, describing it as a "scary time."
Hosts and Viewers React
Presenter Ben Shephard called the demonstration "just extraordinary" and added, "Thank you for doing that. Demystifying all of it." Viewers took to social media to share their reactions. One wrote on X: "An emotional watch." Another said: "Lots of love to him amazing man!" A third commented: "Despite being a controversial demo... Great awareness right there. What a man to discuss and demonstrate what he and thousands of people of all ages are living with." Others praised his bravery, with one viewer posting: "Aww bless him so brave of him, lovely man." Another remarked: "Well done to this man for being so open and informative about this!"
The segment aimed to normalize stoma bags and reduce stigma. One viewer expressed: "Love this so much This Morning thanks for bringing awareness and making it some what normal to have a stoma bag without the judgement!" This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
