Living with a stoma
A stoma is a surgically created diversion from the bowel that allows one of several things to occur. It may be for allowing the colon, that has had cancer removed, to heal, or it may be a permanent diversion if the colon or part of it is removed for a number of reasons.
Many people across the world have stomas for a variety of reasons. Some are temporary and some are permanent. The age group of people with stomas is 0 to 100, both genders and all races.
Life with a stoma should not be too different from life without one.
Many people are relieved that their old symptoms have finally gone and that they can start to well at last. The only difference now is the way that the body discards it's unwanted products. A small discrete bag is worn to collect the waste. No one will know that you are wearing a bag unless you tell them. Your stomal Therapy Nurse is your health-care professional who can help, support, counsel and educate you in all aspects of living with a stoma.