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
It's a start
Pain management after ostomy surgery
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.
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!
Caitlin McGinnis
Building confidence with your ostomy
I recently went on a beach trip with a few of my girl friends. I was a little nervous about this trip only because we’d be in close quarters at the beach for 5 days and a few of the girls weren’t very familiar with my ostomy.
A Bigger Life
Wedding dresses and clothing with a stoma
I recently just got married and for me my stoma was something to consider with my wedding dress. Being an ostomate with an ileostomy we tend to empty our bags often, so to have a big princess dress in a toilet cubicle is not the easiest. I went for a small floaty skirt starting at the waist so it wasn’t affecting the bag at all. I had to consider that it wasn’t too tight over the area of the bag.
Andy Fletcher
What ostomy products do I use, and why?
I’ve had my Stoma for ten years now, and in that time, I have tried multiple products in an attempt to find what works best for me. I thought I’d mention them – just in case there is something you have not thought of. Everyone has different needs, we are all different shapes, sizes – the products I use may not be ideal for you, but hopefully it’ll give you some ideas to help you experiment.
Latest Articles
Clare Mee
What to expect on the day of elective ostomy surgery
I was given a sedative first and it worked a treat, I felt nicely drunk and relaxed. The oxygen mask went on and that was that. Nothing to be scared about if you know what to expect.
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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.
Read More
Caitlin
Building confidence with your ostomy
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 that love you no matter what will help. My friends don’t care about it and if I fart or make a noise, we all just start laughing. Laughing makes me feel better and it lightens the mood.
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Andy
What ostomy products do I use, and why?
I’ve had my Stoma for ten years now, and in that time, I have tried multiple products in an attempt to find what works best for me, and so in this blog, I thought I’d mention them – just in case there is something you have not thought of.
Read More
Bob
Don’t let a mishap stop you from enjoying life with a stoma
My main hobby is walking up hills and down dales in all weathers up to 12 miles on a good day, please try walking it makes you feel good with fresh air in your lungs and you never know what you can find and see.
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A day in the life of a Stoma Care Nurse
A SCN is a very important part of the multi-disciplinary team within your hospital. They will be the one who is able to ensure your surgeon knows your situation and any other important details they might need to know about your journey. He/she will be the liaison between any social workers, physios or occupational therapists, helping to direct you to the appropriate health care professional that can help you with any problems that you might be having.
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Clare Mee
Things I wish I had known about stomas before surgery
These things sound scary and if you are prepared before surgery and join a group and read as much as you can, get yourself into a healthy way, you can overcome this major surgery with knowledge and a positive mind.
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