Your stories

Lauraine Clarke: My journy of living with an ileostomy and fistula

Lauraine Clarke

Life has changed for us but I too am changing and trying to embrace my ‘new normal‘. My second grandchild is due shortly, I will not let this win. Life is just too precious.
- 4 Jul 2018
What’s on the menu?

Caitlin McGinnis

Everyone is different even if we all have the same organ gone. Experimenting with different foods will help you find what you like and what you can tolerate.
- 2 Jul 2018
Holiday abroad with a stoma and perineal sinus tract

Clare Mee

Some people stared at me on the beach when I had my bag/ Tomas cover out. I am quite a strong person so it didn’t really bother me that much.
- 25 Jun 2018
Andy shares his funny stoma stories

Andy Fletcher

When I say they are funny, they weren’t at the time, but looking back, I still giggle just thinking about them ….
- 20 Jun 2018
Fighting frustration with an ostomy bag

Saleem Juma

We say that our lives won’t change, and we’ll be able to do the exact same things as we could before. While that’s a very important goal to strive for, we must also remember to take it easy on ourselves…
- 8 Jun 2018
What actually is a stoma, and what is the history behind it?

Andy Fletcher

Although the creation of a stoma via an operation sounds a medical miracle, it has in fact been around for a lot longer than you will appreciate…..
- 8 Jun 2018
What to expect on the day of elective ostomy surgery

Clare Mee

I got called and was told to take the pillow off the bed and off we went down the corridor, this was quite nerve wracking, but the nurses tried small talk and the odd joke.
- 21 May 2018
Building confidence with your ostomy

Laura - A Bigger Life Community Manager

I recently went on a beach trip with a few of my girl friends. There were 4 of us in total and we stayed at a really cute studio condo right across from the beach. I was a little nervous about this trip…
- 15 May 2018
Building confidence with your ostomy

Caitlin McGinnis

I feel like I spend a lot of time talking to other ostomates about feeling confident. It usually takes time to feel that way and you may not always feel good. Surrounding yourself with friends and family…
- 8 May 2018
What ostomy products do I use, and why?

Andy Fletcher

Everyone has different needs, we are all different shapes, sizes, (and so are our stoma’s!) – the products I use may not be ideal for you, but hopefully it’ll give you some ideas to help you experiment…
- 30 Apr 2018
Don't let a mishap stop you from enjoying life with a stoma

Bob

I had my operation in 2004 and have never looked back, my wife Hazel said it has changed our lives. Within 12 months of my operation we toured the U.S.A /Canada and have had several holidays since.
- 24 Apr 2018
Things I wish I had known about stomas before surgery

Clare Mee

There are many types of bags available, not just the ones you get given in hospital, I never understood the procedure for trying them out, so was pleased to find that you could ring up for samples.
- 12 Apr 2018
Living with chronic pain

Caitlin McGinnis

I do yoga to stretch and strengthen my muscles. I’ve started using essential oils as there is a lot of research behind oils helping with chronic pain and gastrointestinal issues.
- 30 Mar 2018
The power of acceptance in recovery from ostomy surgery

Andy Fletcher

The biggest piece of advice I can offer a new ostomate is to speak to others who have gone through the same thing you are facing!
- 28 Mar 2018
Bowel tests with a stoma

Anecia Duffy

It’s a weird sensation and seeing the camera being pulled out of your stoma it is definitely different but my consultant and the nurses in Altnagelvin Endoscopic unit were amazing!!
- 23 Mar 2018
Things I wish I knew as a new ostomate in the early stages of my journey

Saleem Juma

Just prepare for any and all possible situations before you go out and you’ll have the most important thing, peace of mind.
- 21 Mar 2018
Home delivery of ostomy supplies

Clare Mee

I do feel very lucky to get free prescriptions here in the UK as I know other countries are via insurance companies, and you may not get full cover or only allowed a certain number of bags per month for…
- 13 Mar 2018
Tips on showering with an ostomy

Saleem Juma

You can (and should) still take the time to take a comfy, warm shower when you’re doing a change though, it’ll help clean everything and you get some comfy time in a warm shower.
- 26 Feb 2018
Difference between my planned and emergency ostomy surgeries

Anecia Duffy

My recent surgery was planned unlike the other two. I personally think having a planned surgery gives your mind more time to go into overtime, thinking about every little detail whereas before I just went…
- 21 Feb 2018
My thoughts just before and after emergency stoma surgery

Clare Mee

A stoma nurse was soon at my side with leaflets and a marker pen to mark where my stoma would be. That was so scary as I didn’t have long to come to terms with it all.
- 8 Feb 2018
Obtaining ostomy supplies

Andy Fletcher

In the UK we have several ways of obtaining stoma supplies – these include either picking them up from a local pharmacist, or having them delivered to your home/workplace by a delivery company.
- 1 Feb 2018
My experience of a stoma leak

Anecia Duffy

A leak affects you mentally as well as physically. I am now aware when I feel like a leak is going to happen.
- 26 Jan 2018
My best advice for new ostomates

Andrew Browne

You have so much new information to take in at the start it is very overwhelming. Learning how to manage and change the bag is difficult but I found after a lot of trail, error and perseverance I got there…
- 23 Jan 2018
Caitlin: Most days I think of the positives but can have bad days too

Caitlin McGinnis

I am blessed to be alive and “cured” from Ulcerative Colitis. On the other hand, I also think it is okay to have self-pity (at times).
- 17 Jan 2018