Your stories

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
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