Me And My Stoma

Do you have a Stoma, or are you about to have one? – are you inquisitive what a stoma is, or know someone who has one?

We are a dedicated close-knit community from across the world who shares this common subject. A stoma is nothing to be ashamed about and certainly nothing to be embarrassed about.

Everyone needs help or advice at some stage in their lives, and this very site is where you will find the best of what is on offer. Read how actual Ostomists have solved their problems, have shared their experiences, and read their advice on difficult situations.

Being part of our community means we are available for advice, help, or maybe just a friendly email or two. Joining is free, and your details are never passed on without your permission.

See you inside! – come visit www.abiggerlife.com

My name is Jean, and I live in the south west of England.  I have had two stomas since 1995 -

a colostomy and a urostomy - amongst other multi-complex and complicated medical conditions.

Counselling Directory is a confidential service that encourages those in distress to seek help. The directory contains information on many different types of distress, as well as articles, news, and events. To ensure the professionalism of our website, all counsellors have provided us with qualifications and insurance cover or proof of membership with a professional body.

IA, the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (formerly known as the Ileostomy Association of Great Britain and Ireland), is a mutual support group which has the primary aim of helping people who have had their colon removed.

Crohn's and Colitis UK is a nationwide charity established in 1979. Our mission is to work with all those affected by inflammatory bowel diseases, in particular Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, to achieve a better quality of life, improve services, and ultimately find a cure. We raise awareness, provide information and support, fund crucial research, and campaign and speak up for change.

Here in the UK we have a National Health system whereby we pay a fixed rate for medical drugs and supplies. Sometimes this works to your advantage with costs.

As an example, the contribution you pay may be £8 per item, but the actual cost would be £30. However, I (and many others) are "medically exempt" meaning we do not pay for our prescriptions at all.

The NHS drug tarrif shows you the real cost of each item. Open the page, and click on the enter button.

Ostomy Covers by Linda are beautifully, handcrafted covers made to fit every size of Ostomy Bag/Pouch following surgery resulting in a Stoma. i.e. Ileostomy, Colostomy or Urostomy. The covers come in a wide range of fabrics and are specifically tailored to fit each individual stoma bag therefore making them perfect for men, women and child ostomates alike.

I have purchased from here before, and can thoroughly recommend.

Ostomy Lifestyle is a UK charity that was established in 2007. We provide support, advice and information to anyone affected by stoma surgery on their bowel or urinary system.

The medical conditions that lead to stoma surgery can affect people of any age, gender, profession or race. We seek to empower people, enabling them to make informed choices and to communicate frankly about all aspects of stoma surgery, and we are working to raise awareness of ostomy issues, amongst both the medical profession and the general public.

Singles With Stomas is the brainchild of the charismatic and dynamic Sandra Shepherd Smith. She wanted to form a group where single people with stomas could join, chat, make friends and eventually move onto a loving relationship. She herself recognised that being single and having a stoma, she would feel more at ease when with a similar person. She researched singles sites and found that they charge a fortune when a simple Facebook page was all that was needed. So Singles With Stomas was formed.

To quote Sandra “To see peoples confidence grow when they join is priceless and wonderful"

A blog by Jo-Ann L. Tremblay, She joins in with fellow ostomates, their caregivers, medical experts and people in general, with a mix of humour, inspiration, and a large dollop of empathy, in celebration of 2nd chances at creating and living a joyous quality of life, in spite of it all.