It’s hard to believe that it’s been 4 years since I was wheeled down to theatre to have my large bowel removed.
It feels like a lifetime ago and like it was yesterday all at the same time but what a crazy 4 years it has been.
Living with a stoma has taught me SO MANY THINGS and I am continuing to learn every day.
So, as I celebrate 4 years with a stoma, I thought I’d write a little post about some of the things I’ve learnt.
Don’t be afraid to try new foods
Some of the first conversations I had when ostomy surgery was actually going to happen was about FOOD.
I couldn’t eat prior to surgery so food was at the forefront of my mind.
I was told about all the foods I probably couldn’t eat and given a leaflet of how different foods affect your bag. I was so confused about what I could and couldn’t eat and terrified of things getting stuck.
Now I eat just about anything (including mushrooms ?) and if I have a small blockage, I know it’s not the end of the world.
Your shower’s don’t have to be difficult; you can do it (including a bag change) in 15 minutes
I remember reading about showering and there were so many different ideas of the best way to shower.
So many people talk about showering with the bag off but for me, that took way too much effort and planning!
I have my shower routine DOWN now and can be in and out within 15 minutes (if everything goes to plan!).
Stoma nurses are amazing BUT you don’t always have to take their advice
I LOVE my stoma nurses and wouldn’t have got through my surgeries without them. They’re amazing for support and I go to them whenever I have any product issues, sore skin and I always take their medical advice.
HOWEVER sometimes the best advice you can get is from people who actually live with a stoma.
Simple things like day to day, the best way to do things or getting used to the bag – only people who actually live with it can give you a true understanding and perspective.
You can have a stoma and be body confident
I never thought about body confidence before I had a stoma. It wasn’t something I really thought about.
However, since having my stoma I feel like I’ve been on a body confidence journey. At first I was so self conscious but 4 years on and I’m the most body confident I’ve ever been!
Connect with the amazing ostomy community
I have made so many friends through the online ostomy community. It’s amazing to be in groups with some pretty inspiring people and I always have people to turn to who truly get it (and can help with random bag Q’s and recommend jeans to me!).
I have to give a shout out to my Bag Lady friends, which is a community created with some pretty awesome women.
Bag leaks are inevitable but they don’t have to ruin your day
Bag leaks used to ruin my day. At the beginning, I used to have them a lot as I hadn’t found the right bags and it would leave me feeling so upset.
I’m lucky that nowadays, they aren’t such an issue for me. However, that doesn’t make them any easier!
People are pretty chill about stoma
I think one of the biggest worries of new ostomates (and old ones too) is what will people think.
I used to be quite self-conscious about telling people (and even now sometimes). It seems so stupid considering how much I talk about it online.
However, the more I talk about them IRL the more I realise no one’s bothered about your stoma bag in the best way. People don’t judge you for it. Some have questions and want to know more, others are very relaxed about it.
Remember why you have your bag
Remembering why you have the bag is what you have to hold onto on the bad days.
Of course there are days when the bag gets on your nerves or you feel like shit. At times like that, I remember that my stoma saved my life and is the reason I’m still here. I also remind myself of what life was like pre-bag and then I’m very pleased I have it!
What’s something you’ve learnt from having a stoma, or chronic illness?
Pin for later :
Leave a Reply