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  • Your stories

    Speaking with others who have been through the same surgery as you can be invaluable but keeping in mind that everyone’s experience is different. You can help others by joining our community and sharing your personal stories and experience.
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  • The five stages of grief following ostomy surgery

    Luciana
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 and quicker recovery times.
    • 4 Jan 2021
  • Awaiting health appointments during lockdown

    Clare Mee
    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 and Doctors
    • 25 Nov 2020
  • Positive attitude helped me embrace life as an ostomate

    Dan Dry Dock Shockley
    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 that people can see but in reality they can’t, when I see other ostomates I never notice so therefore no one probably notices mine.
    • 18 Nov 2020
  • Clothing guide for dressing with a stoma

    Clare Mee
    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 that people can see but in reality they can’t, when I see other ostomates I never notice so therefore no one probably notices mine.
    • 19 Oct 2020
  • Things not to do following stoma surgery

    Andy Fletcher
    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 don’t make the same mistakes I made
    • 13 Oct 2020
  • Ordering ostomy product samples

    Alisa
    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
    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
    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
    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 is comfort and leak free.
    • 7 Sep 2020
  • Having a stoma does not stop me travelling for a holiday

    Andy Fletcher
    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. I figure I would rather take too much than not have enough, and any leftover will just come home with me. It's more important however to remember to take them with you.
    • 25 Aug 2020
  • Starting a nursing job as an ostomate

    Alisa
    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 done as an ostomate too!
    • 4 Aug 2020
  • How do you empty your stoma bag when out and about?

    Clare Mee
    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 way of emptying their bag? Or any tips to help make things easier?
    • 20 Jul 2020
  • Navigating events with an ostomy

    Alisa
    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
    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 food.
    • 29 Jun 2020
  • Andy debunks common myths about living with a stoma

    Andy Fletcher
    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 food.
    • 25 Jun 2020
  • Life with an ostomy pouch can be much more than you think

    Keith Thomas
    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 Mee
    Clare shares how using the correct ostomy products for your needs is essential in managing your stoma.
    • 3 Jun 2020
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