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!
Aneica
Difference between my planned and emergency ostomy surgeries
After 3 years of living with Ulcerative Colitis my body decided to reject every medication available to me at the time, in 2014 I was told I needed surgery one day and a few days later... I was giving my consent for the operation and wearing the trendy blue gown to be wheeled down to theatre.
ITS A START
How can ostomy surgery affect mental health?
When you get a new stoma formed there are various factors that impact on how you recover from a physical, mental and emotional level. Everyone is different and surgery can affect everyone in different ways. If you have a history of mental illness before you have stoma forming surgery, you are at greater risk of developing some further complications in relation to your mental health.
CLARE
My experience with dehydration
My husband regularly said that I wasn’t drinking enough even before my admission to hospital for fluids, but I was sure I was ok. I had my stoma for two years so far with no hydration issues but totally didn’t realise the impact of the very hot weather we have been having that has lasted a long while for the British climate. I was probably plodding along on the brink of dehydration for a long while.
Latest Articles
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Caitlin
Travelling – my tips for packing stoma supplies
I absolutely love travelling and having a stoma has never stopped me. The key is to remember that more is best. Always bring more supplies than not.
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Keeping you and your stoma healthy over summer
With summer on it's way, it's important to be equipped with some advice on how to keep you and your stoma healthy during summer weather.
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Aneica
My experience wearing stoma support wear
As the latest trend is all about getting fit and being involved in exercise, support garments for those living with a stoma are so important
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