Living life fully with a stoma | by Angelina

Living with a stoma was never something I imagined but it has become part of my life and part of who I am. It has changed things, of course, but it has not stopped me from living fully. If anything, it has made me more aware of what my body needs and how important it is to slow down sometimes.

Balancing family life

Balancing family life with a stoma is something that I am still figuring out – I want to be honest about that. I don’t always get it right and some days feel like a complete juggling act. I respond to things as they happen and I often feel like I am constantly catching up. I try to plan ahead and have everything ready, but with a little one, that isn’t always possible. Some days my routine goes out the window and I just have to do the best that I can.

Even with all the chaos, this journey has taught me a lot. I am learning to give myself grace because not every day goes smoothly. I am learning to listen to my body because my stoma needs attention when it needs attention. I am learning that asking for help is ok and that life can still be full even when things are messy.

Spending more time on my stoma routine

As I move forward, I am realising how important it is to spend more time on my stoma routine. I have noticed that when I slow down and take proper time for it, everything else in my day runs more smoothly. Giving myself enough time to do a full bag change without rushing makes such a difference. Checking my skin properly, making sure everything is clean, secure and comfortable, and organising my supplies so I am not scrambling at the last minute helps me feel more settled.

Sometimes I try to squeeze my routine in between everything else, but I am learning that it needs to be something I give proper attention to. When I take the time to look after my stoma the way it needs, my body feels calmer, I feel more confident, and I am not reacting to problems later on. It’s a small shift, but it changes so much in my day.

Looking ahead into 2026

As I look ahead to next year, I want to be a bit more organised. I want to prioritise my routine and look after my health more, it’s something that’s been on the back burner for the last year and a half. I know it will make everything else easier. I owe that to myself and to my family.

Finding my way

Life with a stoma is not the end of anything, it is simply a different way of living. I am still finding my balance and I am still growing, but I am also still living a full and meaningful life.

Thanks for reading,
Ange
@thebaglife_