Ostomy

Not doubting Tomas: learning to laugh after challenging surgery

Clare Mee looks back on the complications, predicaments and valuable lessons she has shared with Tomas, her stoma

Bags for life: a remarkable recovery

Laura MacKenzie recalls the frightening illness that led to a rapid and successful recovery and two healthy stomas

The Bowel Cancer Recovery Toolkit: an extract

Sarah Russell presents the introduction to her new book on how to recover faster with activity, exercise and lifestyle

Back in the driver’s seat: returning to work after surgery

Keith Thomas recalls how his stoma has allowed him to do the job he loves

A stoma speaks

Tomas the Stoma has composed a few lines on what it is like to live with Clare Mee

Stomas nicknames: to name or not to name

Stoma care nurses Jane Cook and Jackie Hatton discuss the results of their survey on the names that people give to their stomas

Model mama

Rachael Kin describes how she got back up after a bolt from the blue and proved she could still be a model and take care of her daughter

Loving Lola

Alannah-Jayne Simpson talks about how she learned to live with, and eventually love, her stoma

Showing your stoma: why it’s time to stop hiding

Jessica Grossman recalls how she learned to stop worrying about having her pouch on show

Crossing continents: travelling the world with a stoma

Crohn’s disease and a stoma needn't get in the way of globe-hopping family adventures, according to Luciana Podschun

Back in the sack: sex with a stoma

How to make the most of romantic relationships and rekindle your sex life after stoma surgery

Troubleshooting your stoma

Stomas are a life saver, but at times they can also be troublesome, and it’s important to know how to spot and sort any problems

Preventing pouch leaks

Leaks are a common issue for people with a stoma, but handling them right can keep them from happening again

Stoma reversal: what to expect after

When it comes to stoma reversal, going ‘back to normal’ can be anything but that; however, knowing what to expect and how to address issues will make...