Everything you need to know about stomas

It’s been nearly 6 years since I had my first surgery to create a stoma. I was lucky that I knew a bit beforehand about stomas, mainly because my Grandad had one which made it a lot less scary.

However, everyday it feels like I learn something new about stomas or I’m asked a question about them. Mainly because they’re something you don’t really talk about. Or you might not know about them, until you have one.

So I thought I would create this post answering all of the questions you might have about stomas; whether that’s a colostomy, an ileostomy or a urostomy. Yes, there’s more than one type of stoma and they’re all different!

Everything you need to know about stomas;

What is the difference between a stoma and a colostomy bag?

So a stoma is the actual part of your bowel where as a colostomy bag is the bag which goes over the stoma. The colostomy bag is what collects the poo, which you then empty.

What are the different types of stomas?

There are three types of stomas; ileostomy, colostomy and urostomy.

Ileostomy means that the stoma is created with the ilium (small bowel).

Colostomy means the stoma is made with the colon (large bowel)

A Urostomy is created to divert the urinary system where drainage of urine through the bladder and urethra is not possible.

Do stomas hurt?

Stoma’s don’t have any nerve endings so no, they don’t hurt.

You can get blockages and trapped wind, which can be painful, but normally you shouldn’t experience pain.

What is a stoma made of?

Depending on the stoma, they’re made from different things.

An ileostomy means that part of the ilium is brought to the surface of the abdomen.

A colostomy means that part of the colon is brought to the surface of the abdomen.

Is a stoma permanent?

Not every stoma is permanent. Sometimes you have the option to reverse them.

In the case of ileostomy’s, the reversal creates a j-pouch which is an artificial pouch which connects the ilium to the rectum. You can read here why I chose to make my stoma permanent.

Colostomy’s can often be reconnected. In some cases, the diseased part of the bowel is removed, you have a temporary colostomy to give your body a rest and then it’s reconnected back.

WHat is Barbie Butt surgery?

Barbie butt surgery is a nickname for making your stoma permanent. Mainly because when you choose to make the stoma permanent you have your rectum and anus removed and sewen up – hence you start to resemble barbie!

Can you swim with a stoma?

Yes, you can swim with a stoma! Actually, swimming is a great way to start exercising again with a stoma.

Some blog posts which you might find useful 👇🏼

Can you live a normal life with a stoma?

YES! Your life doesn’t end with a stoma, in fact you can find you have your life back.

This blog is all about showing you can live, and live well, with a stoma and chronic illnesses. A stoma isn’t a death sentence and you can still succeed in life.

If you want some examples of living a normal life, here are some blog posts you might find useful 👇🏼

What can you eat with an ileostomy?

You can eat a really varied diet with an ileostomy, but you do have to be careful of blockages.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t eat high fibre foods but make sure you’re chewing well and drinking lots of water!

When you first have surgery, it’s good to slowly reintroduce foods. However, a normal diet is totally possible.

Do colostomy bags smell?

A stoma bag only smells when you empty it. Just like when you go to the toilet. If you’re finding it’s smelling when you’re out and about (not emptying) there’s a chance you have a leak.

There are products you can use to make your bag smell nicer when you do empty, such as sprays and drops to put in your bag.

Can you still pass wind with an ileostomy?

Yes, but the wind comes through the stoma. Because you can’t control it, it means that it can come at any time but also, you can struggle with trapped wind.

Certain foods cause more gas, which can cause your bag to balloon. Foods including onions, beans and fizzy drinks can all cause a gas build up.

How do you shower with a stoma?

Once you get used to showering with a stoma, you can do it in less than 15 minutes!

Here’s a post on all my tips for showering with a stoma

How do you change a stoma bag?

Stoma bag changes are a very normal part of life with a stoma. However, they can be very daunting at first because there seems to be so many steps.

Here’s a step by step guide to help you.

I hope this has helped answer your stoma questions. Leave any questions in the comments below and I’ll get back to you!

If you’re wanting more support with your stoma, you can reach out to Colostomy UK and the Ileostomy Association