menuShadow
Help & advice

Returning to normal life

Following stoma surgery, it's natural to have a lot of questions and concerns. The guidance below will help you adapt to living with your new stoma.

The information below is general and some of it may not apply to you but the with support from your stoma care nurse and practical tips on living with a stoma you will soon be back to doing all the things you’ve always done. 

During the first few days, weeks and months after stoma surgery you will be going through a period of significant change where you will be adapting to a new way of life. This new way of life will take time and adjustment.

Exercise is good for everyone but taking up exercise again following surgery should be a gradual process. Our tips will help you start slowly.

We have gathered a list stoma 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.

Diet is one of the main concerns people have and talk about following surgery. These tips help guide you on what to eat and drink following stoma surgery.

If you are wondering what is included in the box when you order your stoma pouches, then this video should help.

A basic ostomy terminology guide, based around different pouching systems/products and common stoma problems that you may encounter.

One of the most common complaints that people discover early on after ostomy surgery is that if your rectum hasn’t been removed you can still produce some mucus from your rectum.

Top tips for a good night's sleep. Sleep plays an important role in your physical and emotional health, so it's important to get a good night's sleep.

You don’t need to tell anybody if you don’t want to. However, it might be easier to share with your close inner circle of family and friends.

There are various ways of obtaining your stoma supplies after you are settled on your prescription for your appliances.

Self-managing your stoma is really important, but how do you know what is normal and when to seek help? This handy guide should help keep you right.

Emotions following stoma surgery

During the first few days, weeks and months after stoma surgery you will be going through a period of significant change where you will be adapting to a new way of life. This new way of life will take time and adjustment.

Exercise

Exercise is good for everyone but taking up exercise again following surgery should be a gradual process. Our tips will help you start slowly.

Find local stoma support services

We have gathered a list stoma 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.

Food and drink

Diet is one of the main concerns people have and talk about following surgery. These tips help guide you on what to eat and drink following stoma surgery.

Guide to what comes in the box along with your stoma pouches

If you are wondering what is included in the box when you order your stoma pouches, then this video should help.

Learning the lingo

A basic ostomy terminology guide, based around different pouching systems/products and common stoma problems that you may encounter.

Managing rectal mucus following ostomy surgery

One of the most common complaints that people discover early on after ostomy surgery is that if your rectum hasn’t been removed you can still produce some mucus from your rectum.

Sleeping

Top tips for a good night's sleep. Sleep plays an important role in your physical and emotional health, so it's important to get a good night's sleep.

Telling others

You don’t need to tell anybody if you don’t want to. However, it might be easier to share with your close inner circle of family and friends.

Ways to obtain your stoma supplies

There are various ways of obtaining your stoma supplies after you are settled on your prescription for your appliances.

What's normal with your stoma and when to seek help

Self-managing your stoma is really important, but how do you know what is normal and when to seek help? This handy guide should help keep you right.

Introducing: A Bigger Life

A safe and welcoming space for ostomates, friends, family and caregivers to talk about a wide range of topics related to living with a stoma.