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
Vitamin B12 with an ostomy
It probably isn’t something you automatically think is a problem for you, and the reason for that is your liver stores vitamin B12 for a number of years, but it is important to remember it is a potential problem in 2-3 years after your initial surgery.
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Lauraine Clarke
Lauraine Clarke: My journy of living with an ileostomy and fistula
Life has changed for us but I too am changing and trying to embrace my ‘new normal'. My second grandchild is due shortly, I will not let this win. Life is just too precious.
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Caitlin
What’s on the menu?
Everyone is different even if we all have the same organ gone. Experimenting with different foods will help you find what you like and what you can tolerate. Smoothies are a great way to get veggies and protein in that your body can absorb better. Taking Imodium daily helps slow down my output during the day as well which is helpful for my busy lifestyle.
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Clare Mee
Holiday abroad with a stoma and perineal sinus tract
Some people stared at me on the beach when I had my bag/ Tomas cover out. I am quite a strong person so it didn’t really bother me that much, but when I don’t want the attention I wear high waisted bikinis or shorts to feel ‘normal’.
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Andy
Andy shares his funny stoma stories
When I say they are funny, they weren’t at the time, but looking back, I still giggle just thinking about them ….
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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.
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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.
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