IT'S A START
Bringing comfort and clarity to the what, why and how of an impending Ostomy surgery.
A stoma shouldn't define you, it's
just a small part of a bigger life.
JOURNEY STAGE
NEW WAY FORWARD
The first 90 days. Helping hand, with you through recovery, adjustment and easing back into being and feeling yourself.
TO A BIGGER LIFE
Settling in. Support, ideas, encouragement and experiences all on offer. Lifetime members welcome!
FEATURED ARTICLES
To a bigger life
Introducing: A Bigger Life Community
We have developed a new ostomy community on abiggerlife.com to create the opportunity to connect with other ostomates, clinical advisors and share experiences about living with a stoma.
A Bigger Life
Video: Living a bigger life with an ostomy
We’re here for anyone around the world whose life has been touched by a stoma, offering support, advice and encouragement. Whether you have impending ostomy surgery or you’ve been an ostomate for 50 years!
Andy
What actually is a stoma, and what is the history behind it?
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…..
ITS A START
Pain management after ostomy surgery
Pain after any surgical procedure is common however it should not be overwhelming, and it should not be uncontrollable. If your having a planned procedure you should have the opportunity to discuss your options for pain management with the anesthetist or with the pain nurse. Sometimes it’s the fear of the unknown that causes the stress and anxiety.
Clare Mee
My experience with dehydration
I heard conflicting views on the subject which was 1.5 litres to 2 litres a day, or much much higher for ostomates. Hydration sachets? ( hate the taste), sports drinks, water and plenty of it. Surely sports drinks are full of sugar? I also heard you can drink too much water, or ordinary water isn’t enough for us? It is a mine field (same as what foods to have) I just try and drink water.
Latest Articles
Understanding stoma problems
Within the world of stoma care there will be lots of words you will come across. So, we would like to give you a definition and understanding of what these words mean.
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Caitlin
Caitlin: Too much sugar can cause me to have a lot of ostomy output
For the month of February, I have decided to cut out some sugar intake. I gave up candy, ice cream, and cookies for this month. I want to see if there is an improvement in my energy and overall clarity.
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Andy
Intimacy with a fellow ostomist
Having a stoma should not detract anyone from having a loving, caring and an intimate level of trust that may have existed prior to the creation of a stoma.
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Effects winter can have on your ostomy
We’re in the season of winter and it got us thinking about what particular problems ostomates may experience in winter, like managing your stoma or how you store your equipment.
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Clare Mee
Getting through stoma surgery with a little help from your friends
I am happy that I managed to get out there and help others. I am glad that I joined the Ileostomy association, I am glad I joined lots of forums, I am glad I write my blog letting the world know about life with a stoma.
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Coping with sleep deprivation
We all love a good night sleep but sometimes we go through a period when we’re not getting enough shut-eye. It is important to work out the reasons why and find ways to help.
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Lauraine Clarke
What exactly is normal?
Even though we cope with these serious body conditions and the aftermath of sometimes mutilating surgery (because we have NO choice but to cope), I still have a desire to dress up, show up because I will never give up
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