Understanding Your Stoma
Stomas vary in size and can be round, oval or irregular in shape. It may protrude or stay flat against your skin. Selecting the best pouching system depends on your stoma type and the particular physical characteristics of your stoma.
Stomas do have some similarities
All stomas should be shiny, wet, and red in colour, similar to the inside of your mouth. A stoma does not have nerve endings; therefore, it should not hurt. It is, however, rich in blood vessels and may bleed slightly if irritated or rubbed. This is normal, but if bleeding is prolonged or if the discharge from the stoma is bloody, please contact your healthcare professional.1
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Lifestyle Support
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Eating well is part of living life on your own terms. An ostomy should not stand in the way of enjoying good food.
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Physical Activities
Do you love to play tennis or golf, practice yoga or go for a swim? An ostomy shouldn't prevent you from staying fit.
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Travel Tips
A little planning and understanding of security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit.
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Understanding Your Stoma
Just like you, each stoma is unique. Stomas vary in size and shape, or may protrude or stay flat against your skin.
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Skin Care Tips
Peristomal skin complications are a common reason people living with a stoma seek medical attention.
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me+ Recovery
The me+ Recovery series provides information on the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery.
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Colostomy Nutritional Advice
You may experience constipation or diarrhea. Increasing your fluid and fiber intake can help prevent these problems.
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Ileostomy Nutritional Advice
Following recovery, you can gradually resume eating what you like, unless your doctor prescribes a special diet.
Read more Read more1. Azimuddin DK. Guide to care for your ILEOSTOMY. Houston, TX Colon & Rectal Surgery. https://colonsurgeonhouston.com/blog/guide-to-care-for-your-ileostomy. Published November 3, 2020. Accessed November 17, 2022.
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