Your stories

Turning 50: My journey of living life to the fullest

Luciana

I’ve decided to live my life to the fullest. As all chronic patients you never know what can happen, one day you are absolutely fine and other you may feel completely rubbish.
- 1 Jun 2021
VIDEO: What comes in your pouch box

Clare Mee

Do you know how to use all the products in your pouch box? I've made a short video on what each product is and how to use them!
- 18 May 2021
VIDEO: My stoma story

Amy - IBD Warrior Princess

I've recently joined A Bigger Life as a blogger and I thought the perfect way to kickstart this journey would be to introduce myself and tell you my stoma story! You can hear all about my battle with Crohn…
- 14 May 2021
Help and guidance from my stoma nurses

Andy Fletcher

In essence, my journey with a stoma has been so much more manageable with my stoma nurses help and guidance. I’d never be able to adequately thank them!
- 12 May 2021
My stoma nurse team inspired me to do nursing

Aneica Duffy

They pick you up and remind you how far you have come and how much you have achieved since having a stoma.
- 12 May 2021
Overcoming the fear of swimming

Luciana

The fear of any embarrassment, caused by a leak or even if the base plate would come off were now overcome and I was ready.
- 11 May 2021
National nurses week – Thank you to my stoma nurse Kate

Clare Mee

Kate made me more confident with my stoma and never pressured me to fully change my bag on my own until I was ready.
- 11 May 2021
Video: What I wish I knew before stoma surgery

Michaela Hayes

I am just over a year into my stoma journey now and there are a couple of things that I wish I knew or I wish I was told before I got my stoma. One being that I didn't know that I would still have the…
- 29 Apr 2021
64 years with a stoma

Barry

Once you find a stoma bag that suites you keep using it. The style of stoma bag l use has been about for the best part of 50+years as they are still producing them.
- 14 Apr 2021
The five stages of grief following ostomy surgery

Luciana

I’ve had many amazing experiences in life, thanks to my ostomy! It has been nearly 5 years since I’ve got a second chance to live and explore the world with quality of life.
- 12 Apr 2021
Living through a pandemic with an underlying health condition

Lauraine Clarke

The pandemic opened up so many wounds for me about how unpredictable life was and the absolute fear of what the future held.
- 8 Apr 2021
My top tips for a bigger life with a stoma

Clare Mee

These top tips I either use myself or have been suggested to me by other ostomates to help manage and live a bigger life with your stoma.
- 31 Mar 2021
Video: Intimacy as an ostomate ️

Michaela Hayes

Being an ostomate should never stop you from experiencing intimacy, however the first time after surgery or with a new partner can still have you feeling worried. Hopefully these tips can help!
- 24 Mar 2021
Telling someone you have a stoma

Aneica Duffy

When I have met someone for the first time, I try to get to know them and for them to get to know me first, I just can’t say ‘oh by the way….’.
- 26 Feb 2021
Video: Winning tips to fashion with an ostomy!

Michaela Hayes

Finding the balance between comfort and style can be difficult as an ostomate, no matter how far into your journey you may be. However, these tips might help.
- 18 Feb 2021
My experience with a partial stoma blockage

Clare Mee

It was like a contraction pain that came in waves. I felt very sick but luckily wasn’t actually sick. My bag was empty which was unusual for me and I knew I had a blockage.
- 3 Feb 2021
The funny side of ostomy life

Clare Mee

We can have some amusing times with our stomas, we have to laugh at ourselves and try and see the funny side.
- 19 Jan 2021
When is the right time to have ostomy surgery?

Clare Mee

The reason surgery is considered a last resort is the fact that recovery can be slow with complications, but I think if surgery was an option sooner then the chances are there would be less complications…
- 4 Jan 2021
Awaiting health appointments during lockdown

Clare Mee

Having chronic ill health and being under multi disciplinary teams, is very difficult during the pandemic. Everything seems to be on hold even to the point that it is difficult to get hold of secretaries…
- 25 Nov 2020
Positive attitude helped me embrace life as an ostomate

Dan Dry Dock Shockley

High waist shorts with longer tops, wraps or flowing tops also disguise your bag and all these things help with confidence if you are unsure whether your bag can be seen. It will partly be in your head…
- 18 Nov 2020
Clothing guide for dressing with a stoma

Clare Mee

High waist shorts with longer tops, wraps or flowing tops also disguise your bag and all these things help with confidence if you are unsure whether your bag can be seen. It will partly be in your head…
- 19 Oct 2020
Things not to do following stoma surgery

Andy Fletcher

Although my doctor signed me off work for 6 months, I really did think I was invincible, and this was my biggest mistake. I thought it would be good to share my errors and problems with you, so that you…
- 13 Oct 2020
Ordering ostomy product samples

Alisa

The ostomy care product world is a crazy jungle, and I have tried at least 7 different types of flange extenders / tapes that go around my wafer, manyrings and a few pouches.
- 2 Oct 2020
Oliver shows having a stoma is not the end of the world

Oliver Kaye

I turned to social media where I discovered a big community of people and organizations who speak out about this invisible condition and who are happy and living a normal life.
- 23 Sep 2020