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
New Way Forward
Find your local ostomy support group
We have gathered a list support groups around the globe who hold meetings and events where you can go and meet other people who are in a similar situation as yourself. If we have missed your local group please let us know so we can add it to the list.
A Bigger Life
Busting the myths
Despite improved public awareness of ostomies, there still are many myths around having an ostomy. To help, here are 7 common myths about having a stoma.
New Way Forward
Intimacy for gay men with an ostomy
Having a stoma can affect anyone at anytime, anywhere in the world. The same concerns and anxieties are present in gay or lesbian relationships but the challenges for people who belong to the LBGTQ community may be slightly different to those who are straight.
Aneica Duffy
My emotions have an impact on my stoma
Living life with a stoma is a little different to the “normal life”, but what is normal? Is it just following the crowd and afraid of breaking the mould!! I have broken the mould and wore the t-shirt. Having a stoma is a small part of a bigger life, we are human with emotions and feelings like everyone else.
Saleem Juma
Why you should be honest about your health
So many of us hide our health issues, I know I did for years. All through High School all of my teachers and peers just thought I was a slacker, skipping school for fun. A thug who got in fights and got suspended all the time. Nobody ever bothered to figure out why I did those things, why I was so angry all the time.
Latest Articles
Intimacy for gay men with an ostomy
Having a stoma can affect anyone at anytime, anywhere in the world. The same concerns and anxieties are present in gay or lesbian relationships but the challenges for people who belong to the LBGTQ community may be slightly different to those who are straight.
Read More
Managing a stoma with multiple health conditions
For some people their stoma is only a small part of multiple other health conditions that you might be experiencing. Sarah shares her hints and tips to help you manage your stoma amongst other health problems.
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Louise shares what inspired her to start her own ostomy support show
I came up with The IBD & Ostomy Support show on Youtube. The show came about with the aid of vodka and late night ideas. I then roped in some other lovely ladies, Rachel Jury Stephie Simpson Natalie Gardner & Nic Murray.
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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.
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Caitlin
Going to the gym with an ostomy
I was hesitant about going to the gym at first with my ostomy. I was nervous about sweating too much and decreasing the wear time of my wafer/pouch. I’ve been a few times and I’m already brave enough to rock my sports bra and high waisted pants with my ostomy showing!
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Airport security checks – what you need to know
We recently met with the security team at Belfast International Airport to provide training to the security staff and provide general ostomy awareness on what people are thinking and feeling while travelling.
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How ostomy products have evolved over the years
The science behind the manufacturing of stoma appliances has really developed over the last 10-15 years. History has shown that stoma's had actually been created many years ago, the first recorded stoma formed was back from the battlefields, before the First World War.
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