Your stories

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
The unexpected things about ostomy life

Alisa

I was sick for about a week, tested negative for covid thankfully. I lived on my couch and did nothing, so I had all the time in the world to observe my own symptoms and thoughts.
- 8 Sep 2020
What I look for in an ostomy pouch

Clare Mee

I like my system and I can see through the window part clearly which helps me know that I have placed it properly around the stoma and fistula. So for me, the most important things about a pouching system…
- 7 Sep 2020
Having a stoma does not stop me travelling for a holiday

Andy Fletcher

The most important thing is to always take spare stoma supplies with me wherever I go. For a week away, I always take a minimum of two weeks' worth of supplies ... of everything. Sometimes I take more…
- 25 Aug 2020
Starting a nursing job as an ostomate

Alisa

This summer I got a part time gig as a nursing assistant and I have learned so much! I obviously can’t go into full detail about my job, but the one message I want to deliver is that many things can be…
- 4 Aug 2020
How do you empty your stoma bag when out and about?

Clare Mee

I am thankful that I haven’t had to change my stoma bag in a public toilet ( except my work one but that doesn’t count) as there are often no shelves, no hooks and no mirrors. Does anyone have a different…
- 20 Jul 2020
Navigating events with an ostomy

Alisa

Going to events, such as concerts, weddings, family gatherings or house parties with an ostomy can be a bit scary at first. But with a little bit of preparing anything can be done.
- 6 Jul 2020
Understanding your feelings as a new ostomate

Clare Mee

Having a stoma will not stop you doing anything at all once you are fully recovered and that is very important to understand. It will not shorten your life, nor will it will not stop you eating your favourite…
- 29 Jun 2020
Andy debunks common myths about living with a stoma

Andy Fletcher

Having a stoma will not stop you doing anything at all once you are fully recovered and that is very important to understand. It will not shorten your life, nor will it will not stop you eating your favourite…
- 25 Jun 2020
Life with an ostomy pouch can be much more than you think

Keith Thomas

I raise awareness every day about living with a stoma - a life I know full well that not everyone can accept as I do; but my love is for my life that I now get to live with my loved ones.
- 12 Jun 2020
Choosing the right ostomy products for you

Clare Mee

Clare shares how using the correct ostomy products for your needs is essential in managing your stoma.
- 3 Jun 2020
Aneica shares a message of hope for new ostomates

Aneica Duffy

Aneica shares a little note that will hopefully give people courage, strength, hope and faith who may be facing stoma surgery soon and those who are having trouble with their stoma.
- 3 Jun 2020
Your ostomy community is only one click away

Alisa

Alisa shares how having an ostomy has improved her quality of life and enabled her to have experiences she would never of had without having surgery.
- 1 Jun 2020
Reaching out to an online ostomy community for support

Clare Mee

Clare shares how the ostomy community on and offline has been vital for helping her adjust to living with a stoma.
- 19 May 2020
You, me and my stoma

Alisa

Getting a stoma bag often builds character and shows what truly matters in life.
- 1 May 2020
Me and my stoma - 4 years on

Clare Mee

Clare looks back over the last four years since she had her stoma surgery.
- 10 Apr 2020
Staying in and going online

Alisa

Staying in is the new normal for Alisa with the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s how she is still managing to continue nursing studies and look after her mental health from her home.
- 7 Apr 2020
Using an accessible toilet

Keith Thomas

There has been more awareness in recent years of hidden disabilities, but many ostomates still face hostility when using an accessible toilet. Here’s how Keith handles that situation.
- 23 Mar 2020
Office working with a stoma

Andy Fletcher

Many ostomates can return to work following their surgery. Andy has an office based job and shares his experience of what it’s like working with a stoma.
- 20 Mar 2020
My first year as an ostomate

Alisa

Alisa looks back on her first year with a stoma; embracing the positives and the lessons she has learned.
- 4 Mar 2020
Sharing your experience with others

Keith Thomas

Deciding whether to tell people about your stoma is a personal decision. Keith has found it helpful to share his experience with others, and in doing so has been able to help other ostomates.
- 3 Mar 2020