Stories

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Clare shares how using the correct ostomy products for your needs is essential in managing your stoma.

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.

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.

Clare shares how the ostomy community on and offline has been vital for helping her adjust to living with a stoma.

Getting a stoma bag often builds character and shows what truly matters in life.

Clare looks back over the last four years since she had her stoma surgery.

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.

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.

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.

Alisa looks back on her first year with a stoma; embracing the positives and the lessons she has learned.

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.

Keith shares his experience of going back to work after stoma surgery and how a change in career has changed his life.