Celebrating small wins with a stoma | by Anna
There are so many challenges to living with a stoma, whether it is day one or you’re 10 years into your journey, but sometimes life just gives us the odd little win and these days make everything feel more possible.
Sleeping
I bet every ostomate has had a night where they dart awake to feel a warm sensation around their bag, and you know you must change your bag, your pyjamas and sometimes even the sheets (I have had my fair share). But the nights when you can sleep right through with no issues, that is a huge win!
Eating
I find eating out with a stoma really stressful; the worry of picking a food that might not agree with me like the spice of curry or having a drink that essentially goes straight through me. When you add this on top of being in a nice outfit and away from home, it is enough to choose to stay in instead.
I distinctly remember a time I went to a restaurant and just couldn’t resist getting what I wanted rather than what my body liked. I picked mozzarella balls, a burger and a milkshake – all these things normally cause me to have an awful journey home but this time nothing happened! I couldn’t believe it, I managed to go out for longer and get home with no issue at all, this felt like a huge victory for me.
Bag changes
Sometimes I think my stoma knows when I don’t have a bag on and really enjoys the freedom. When I’m in a rush or even when the day is maybe just not going my way there’s nothing I want more than for my stoma to be inactive and for my bag to go on first time and when this happens, it is always worth a celebration!
Supplies
The trial and error of getting supplies that work for your body can be frustrating. I struggled with sore skin even after trying different cut shapes, convex and flat, and adding in different pastes and creams. I then tried an eakin seal and it was honestly life-changing.
Travelling
The first time travelling after stoma surgery, even just for a day out, it often feels like you’re packing your whole order into your bag. Now looking back at all the ‘bag bags’ I have used over the years, they have got so much smaller and I have gained a lot of confidence in my body and my supplies. Equally, this is an amazing feeling as it leaves extra room for snacks and souvenirs!
Thinking about your stoma
Going a whole day without thinking about your stoma. These days are few and far between for me because I have to empty my bag so often but I’d say I don’t think of my bag now any differently to someone else traditionally feeling the need to go the toilet. It is such a nice feeling though to enjoy a night out with friends without constantly checking everything is ok.
No matter how big or small your win is, embrace it and allow yourself to have a positive day!
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