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
Placing an order for supplies
Whenever you’re managing your stoma, one of the most important things is to order all your supplies at the same time.
Read More
Ruth O’Neil – Pregnancy with and without a stoma
Pregnancy with or without a stoma is different for everyone. My story is a positive one and I hope it can be the same for you too.
Read More
Saleem Juma
Fighting frustration with an ostomy bag
I write a lot of technical articles that have practical advice you can apply to both your Ostomy and having Colitis/Crohns Disease in general to improve your quality of life; but with this one I wanted to take a step back and look at the mental aspects and emotional toughness that it takes to deal with having an Ostomy.
Read More
Andy
What actually is a stoma, and what is the history behind it?
The dictionary definition of a stoma is from the Greek meaning “mouth, or opening” – it is usually created as a result of a Diverticular disease. A stoma is created from part of your intestine whereby an opening on your abdomen is created into which the stoma is then attached.
Read More
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.
Read More
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.
Read More