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!
Clare
Living with a stoma: Is it a good life or just a different life?
I am all for saying my stoma saved my life, and it did. But I would prefer not to have it at all and be well. That is not going to happen so I accept my life and live it to the best I can.
NEW WAY FORWARD
Ways to look after your mental health following ostomy surgery
We share some tips on how to ensure that you keep as mentally well as possible following ostomy surgery. Whenever somebody asks, “How you feel?” your automatic reaction is “I’m fine.” But really, you need to talk to people and tell people if you’re not fine. Having major surgery is a difficult thing and it does take time to recover. We would really encourage you to take to others, be honest.
ANDY
The power of acceptance in recovery from ostomy surgery
The biggest piece of advice I can offer a new ostomate is to speak to others who have gone through the same thing you are facing! My ileostomy was created just over ten years ago on the 18th March 2008, so in this blog I thought I would share with you the acceptance, problems and recovery during that time, and so as such, it is designed for the newer ostomate.
Latest Articles
Disposing of your stoma appliances
When you are learning to manage your stoma, one of the first questions you will ask is “How do I dispose of my appliance?”
Read More
Is there a reason why people have different size stomas?
Just like everybody is an individual, there is no one shape or size of stoma. Whenever you look online or if your nurse goes through your pre-op booklet and you’ll see an image of a stoma, there is no guarantee that your stoma will look like that
Read More
Ostomy pouch won’t stick: Possible causes and solutions
There are many reasons why people visit their stoma care nurse, a common reason would be that their ostomy pouch won’t stick. We have listed a few reasons why this might happen.
Read More
Lauraine Clarke
Explaining your stoma to the children in your life
The children are a huge part of my life and have helped me recover. My ileostomy gave me my life back and I’m still here and enjoying life with my family and those precious little people.
Read More
Clare Mee
Your life in their hands
Having a surgical team you trust is really important, it makes going to sleep under anaesthetic just that little bit more reassuring.
Read More
Must have items for your stoma travel kit
We have created a handy guide of items you should consider packing with you in your stoma travel kit, ensuring you have a relaxing holiday without stressing over your stoma supplies.
Read More
Andy
Ileostomy food tips for a good output
All of us will at some point or another suffer somewhat. Following or tailoring these tips may hopefully help you enjoy your day better!
Read More