{"id":4617,"date":"2026-04-08T14:38:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:38:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/living-fully-with-a-stoma-by-ayesha\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:40:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:40:03","slug":"living-fully-with-a-stoma-by-ayesha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/living-fully-with-a-stoma-by-ayesha\/","title":{"rendered":"Living fully with a stoma | by Ayesha"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Living fully with a stoma | by Ayesha<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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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?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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Fashion<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019ve always loved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Exercise<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When I was discharged from hospital, I couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My biggest tip is to stay well hydrated. I\u2019ve 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\u2019m drinking plenty of water throughout the day. I would also be lost without Dioralyte and electrolytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Before my surgery, I couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Socialising<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t tolerate. I introduced all the foods I loved slowly and always make sure to chew really well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019t bother my stoma all that much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When I\u2019m 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\u2019t a problem I come across often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Living<\/mark><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m 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\u2019m out and about. In reality, I feel that my stoma is just part of my new norm now. Yes there\u2019s days where I don\u2019t want to have to do a bag change, or deal with pancaking, or leaks, but I remind myself that I\u2019ve accomplished so much with my stoma and I will continue to do so as it really has gave me my life back which I\u2019m forever grateful for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ayesha<\/strong>
@ayeshaduffy<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

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