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
What does the ostomy term proctectomy mean?
A term you might hear in relation to stoma forming surgery is proctectomy, this is when the surgeon removes your rectum and anus. Sarah shares what thismeans and the reasons for needing proctectomy surgery.
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!
Laura Zappulla
Where would we be without stoma nurses?
Seriously? I don’t think I would have gotten through my surgery without mine! Stomal therapy nurses play a pivotal role in our lives pre and post-surgery.
A Bigger Life
Exercise and fitness tips
If you took part in physical activity before surgery there is absolutely no reason why you can’t get back to that again. If you have never taken part in physical exercise before it is important to start off slowly. A gentle walk or swimming are both very easy on your abdominal muscles. Ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Take your time and don’t overdo yourself. Enjoy getting back to exercising.
Aneica Duffy
Difference between my planned and emergency ostomy surgeries
My recent surgery was planned unlike the other two. I personally think having a planned surgery gives your mind more time to go into overtime, thinking about every little detail whereas before I just went along and didn’t ask many questions. Everyone’s journey is different, like I lived life to the full and still continually do.
Latest Articles
A day in the life of a Stoma Care Nurse
A SCN is a very important part of the multi-disciplinary team within your hospital. They will be the one who is able to ensure your surgeon knows your situation and any other important details they might need to know about your journey. He/she will be the liaison between any social workers, physios or occupational therapists, helping to direct you to the appropriate health care professional that can help you with any problems that you might be having.
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Clare Mee
Things I wish I had known about stomas before surgery
These things sound scary and if you are prepared before surgery and join a group and read as much as you can, get yourself into a healthy way, you can overcome this major surgery with knowledge and a positive mind.
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Caitlin
Living with chronic pain
Dealing with chronic pain is exhausting physically and mentally. My neck and upper back pain have been so bad lately that it’s starting to impact my quality of life and my daily activities. Self-care is so important.
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Andy
The power of acceptance in recovery from ostomy surgery
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. There are ten items, one for each year of my new life.
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Aneica
Bowel tests with a stoma
When you have a stoma as a result of having your large bowel and rectum removed, things are slightly trickier. I had to get a MRI of my small bowel as results were showing inflammation.
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Saleem Juma
Things I wish I knew as a new ostomate in the early stages of my journey
There’s a lot of things I wish I had known when I first got my ostomy.. BUT! Now that I’ve dealt with those things I can pass my knowledge on to you dear readers :).
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Reasons for needing ostomy surgery
The word stoma is a short name for the three different stoma types, colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. There is many different reasons for needing ostomy surgery and the type of stoma required.
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