Adjusting to life with a stoma can feel overwhelming at first. After surgery, I had so many questions: would I still feel like myself? Would I be able to wear the clothes I loved, exercise, or enjoy nights out with friends the same way again?
Fashion
What I wish someone told me straight after my surgery is that I would still be able to wear the clothes I loved! I found that leggings and baggy jumpers were my best friend in the early days. Wearing stretchy clothes put my mind at ease and prevented any pressure around my stoma.
I was prescribed stoma underwear but found my own underwear just as comfortable. A few months later when I returned to work, I was back in my tighter office clothing and had no problems at all. This slowly helped me regain my confidence and I was back to shopping online and browsing around the shops choosing all the things I’ve always loved!
Not changing up my fashion or feeling that my stoma was a curveball allowed me to feel good in my body again, and feel like me again!
Exercise
When I was discharged from hospital, I couldn’t walk 10 steps without being out of breath. Getting home to my own bed, and in my home comforts really helped me and within no time I was pushing myself to get back on track. I started off slow and tried to go for small walks, getting some fresh air and being thankful to be able to move my body again.
I waited a short while before attending a gym but prior to this I was fitted with a stoma support belt which made me feel less anxious, and I knew my stoma was well protected.
My biggest tip is to stay well hydrated. I’ve noticed a whole new level of thirst now that I have my stoma bag. I get dehydrated so much quicker and always make sure I’m drinking plenty of water throughout the day. I would also be lost without Dioralyte and electrolytes.
Before my surgery, I couldn’t commit to a regular exercise routine as I had to be close to a bathroom at all times. Now with my stoma, my exercise is better than ever! I enjoy CrossFit, running and Pilates, and exercise 4-5 times a week.
Socialising
I was worried about socialising with my stoma. I soon learned that I can still eat out with friends, I just need to be mindful of knowing what my body can and can’t tolerate. I introduced all the foods I loved slowly and always make sure to chew really well.
I was also mindful of drinks that can impact my stoma. Fizzy drinks can cause bloating, so I tried to keep these to a minimum. Now I find that fizzy drinks don’t bother my stoma all that much. When I’m out and about, I will always carry extra stoma supplies – I would hate to be far from home and have an accident and no supplies to fix it.
I always carry everything I need in a big enough handbag and thankfully this isn’t a problem I come across often.
Living
I’m very lucky to have found the right products that work for me so early on post-surgery.
eakin seals sit so snug against my stoma bag, and I carry mint fragrance drops everywhere with me for that little freshen up when I’m out and about.
In reality, I feel that my stoma is just part of my new norm now. Yes there’s days where I don’t want to have to do a bag change, or deal with pancaking, or leaks, but I remind myself that I’ve accomplished so much with my stoma and I will continue to do so as it really has gave me my life back which I’m forever grateful for.
