What I wish I knew before having stoma surgery
As my stoma formation was an emergency surgery, I wasn’t prepared at all for life with a stoma bag. I think it’s important to share what I would have like to have known or seen or heard about even before waking up with a stoma bag and not having a clue what to expect.
More awareness
Firstly, I wish there had of been more awareness around this; more people talking about their experience of what it really was like living life with a stoma bag and sharing this openly. I know this isn’t for everyone and a lot of people like to keep this private and that is totally fine but I just think had more people spoke up about this, and had I have been more knowledgeable and aware I would have found the beginning of my journey a lot easier than what I did.
I had many perceptions of how I thought life would be. I thought the bag would smell, leak constantly, I wouldn’t be able to wear what I want, do what I want such as exercise, swim etc. but I soon found out that my perceptions where wrong! I could still do all of the above and in fact my confidence now is better than before I had my stoma bag.
If you are awaiting surgery, it can be very daunting. You will most likely see some things that will scare you such as bag leaks or people having issues with their stoma bag but please know that the products now available are amazing and are made in the best interests of patients to ensure issues like this are very limited or do not happen at all and if something like this does happen regularly it could be simply the case that these are not the right products for that particular person and there’s always other options.
Social media
Surgery in a lot of cases can enhance your life dramatically and talking to people who suffer conditions such as IBD will confirm that so if you have access to social media then I would advise to follow ambassadors or influencers online who can show you what its really like in day-to-day life with a stoma bag and share their knowledge and experience with you.
Find the right supplier
Another tip is to find a supplier company that has your best needs at interest. I have been with Respond from the beginning and I can honestly say I have never had an issue with them and having that reassurance that I can relay on them to get all the products I need here on time is just amazing.
You will still be you
Finally, stoma surgery is a scary prospect no matter how much you have researched but just know that it isn’t what you think it is, you will still be you and you can still do and wear all the things you did before. It takes a bit of getting used to and some adjustments but you will find your way with your stoma bag and as time goes on you’ll become more confident and accepting, and hopefully your journey will be someone else’s survival guide in the future.