Extra support, when you need it
Living with a stoma means there are a few extra things to navigate, but the latest breakthroughs in stoma support and products mean it’s easier than ever to optimise sleep, rest, recovery, and physical activity – so you can feel your best self.
Optimise your wellbeing
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy all the same activities that you did before stoma surgery. You just might need a bit of extra support. Want to see how some smart tweaks and products can take your experiences up a notch? Just pick the problem and see the solution.
You want to sleep better
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your post-surgery recovery. It’s important to factor your stoma into your sleep routine. It’s also a game-changer for your overall health and wellbeing. Here’s how to get a better night’s sleep, without worrying about your stoma pouch:
- Emptying or changing your stoma pouch before you get into bed is a good idea to give you peace of mind.
- Get familiar with your eating habits and your stoma. Some people find having their main meal earlier in the day means their stoma is less active over the night.
- Find a sleep position that works for you. There is no right sleep position but sleeping on your belly may put more pressure on your stoma pouch, especially later into your sleep.
- Seals create a secure fit offering you more peace of mind when you sleep.
- Flange extenders provide extra security, especially if you move around a lot when you sleep.
- Solidifying agents will reduce how often you need to empty your pouch, meaning less trips to the bathroom during the night.
Change in body profile/shape
When you have a stoma, your body image and profile will change. This can impact your wellbeing and can take some time to adapt too. Don’t forget that whether you a have a stoma or not our body shape can change over time so it’s good to be able to adapt when needed. It’s a good idea to consult your stoma care nurse who can carry out an assessment tailored to your body profile and make some suggestions. These may include:
- Deciding if a 1-piece pouch or 2-piece pouch is right for you, may offer you the choice to find what fits your lifestyle best.
- A convex pouch can help you manage changes in your abdomen giving you more comfort and security. Always check with your stoma care nurse before using a convex pouch.
- Seals which can mould around your body profile
- Flange extenders can help contour around different body shapes and provide extra security
- Paste can help with creases including if you have old scars or folds close to your stoma
- If your body profile has changed because of a hernia or to help prevent a hernia, getting fitted for a support belt will provide support and discretion
You want to up your physical activity – without worrying
Once you’ve recovered from stoma surgery, you’ll gradually be able to get back to the gym and back to enjoying your favourite sports and activities. Going back to activity too soon or without the proper guidance can increase risk of hernia and other stomal complications. But if you’re worried about your pouches adhesive not staying put and causing leaks, these are the tips and products you need to know about:
- Flange extenders will provide peace of mind while exercising.
- Our seals are the most absorbent seal on the market and will give you peace of mind while doing physical activity.
- A 2-piece pouch option may offer you more freedom.
- Solidifying agents may give you the confidence you need to start back with physical activity.
The stoma care advice you actually want
Need a little more help? Forget tiptoeing around ostomy questions – we’ve got unfiltered info on everything from surgery and stoma pouches to diet, lifestyle, sex with a stoma, and everything in between.
