IT'S A START
Bringing comfort and clarity to the what, why and how of an impending ostomy surgery.
JOURNEY STAGE
NEW WAY FORWARD
The first 90 days. A Helping hand with you through recovery, adjustment, getting familiar with your stoma care routine and easing back into being and feeling yourself.
TO A BIGGER LIFE
Settling in. Support, ideas, encouragement and experiences to help you live a bigger life. Advice on returning to work, travel and getting back to your hobbies and interests.
FEATURED ARTICLES
To a bigger life
Podcast Series - Behind the Pouch
Behind the Pouch is a new podcast from A Bigger Life and delivers a fortnightly dose of unscripted, unfettered chat with an ostomate from anywhere in the world. We believe that everyone has a story to tell and that a podcast can provide a platform for a whole new audience of ostomates to hear what ‘a bigger life’ means to someone else.
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!
Alisa
Nursing school with an ostomy
Alisa has just started Nursing School in Finland, a year after getting “Stevie.” She says “I have been through multiple surgeries and done some serious mental gymnastics to get where I am today, and I am beyond excited to hopefully help someone else in the future.”
Aneica
Quitters never win
This blog is for all new, future and those like me who have a stoma for quite some time, that you can still achieve anything that you want to with a stoma. It makes it an extra bit special that you’ve hit a huge milestone with your friend by your side. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, nothing to be embarrassed about. You would be on the other side of the phone for someone in your position.
Keith
Winning with a stoma
Six years ago, when I was fully recovered from my surgery and into a regular routine, I responded to a newspaper advertisement and applied to First Cymru buses (national bus company for Wales) to become a full-time service bus driver. I was successful (obviously!) but when I was leaving to take up my new post, my employer said to me, "Go and be the best bus driver you can be."
Latest Articles
Podcast Series – Behind the Pouch
Behind the Pouch is a new podcast from A Bigger Life and delivers a fortnightly dose of unscripted, unfettered chat with an ostomate from anywhere in the world.
Read More
Top 10 Netflix box sets
The Bigger Life team have put together a list of their top 10 box sets on Netflix for you to enjoy during your recovery.
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The psychology of happiness- flow
Flow’ involves both an activity and a state of mind. When you’re in a ‘flow state of mind’ you’re not consciously thinking about yourself–in other words, you’re totally un-self-conscious. Get tips to help you identify your flow activities to build your happiness and resilience.
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Alisa
You, me and my stoma
Getting a stoma bag often builds character and shows what truly matters in life.
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10 finger gratitude exercise
This is a very quick daily exercise which will have a powerful effect on your day.
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Intimacy for older people
Your age or your ostomy don't have to stop you from enjoying and fulfilling sexual intimacy. Check out our tips for intimacy with your partner.
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Clare Mee
Me and my stoma – 4 years on
Clare looks back over the last four years since she had her stoma surgery. It’s not quite how she had planned to spend her stomaversary!
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