Having stoma surgery is life-changing, and for many, including myself, life-saving. Having a stoma comes with both good and bad factors, thankfully considerably more of the good for a lot of people. In today’s post, I am going to go into the advantages, in my experience of living with a stoma and why I’m grateful for my stoma. Please note that this is with regards to my experiences living with an ileostomy and using a […] The post Why I’m grateful for my stoma | by Amy appeared first on Respond ..read more

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, it is synonymous with fasting from dawn to dusk. However, this sacred period is replete with profound significance that transcends the mere abstention from food and drink. It’s a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion. Observing the month of Ramadan is challenging but those who have a stoma should not be dissuaded as there are some simple tips that can help you make the […] The post The Essence of Ramadan | by Mohammad appeared first on Respond ..read more

This is such a vast subject that I could write about it forever. Before I had my stoma, I didn’t really know what a stoma was, what it would look like like or how it would affect my life. If I’m perfectly honest, I thought it was something that old people had – perhaps as a result of having cancer. Never in a million years did I think I would receive one in my early […] The post Misconceptions about having a stoma | by Keith appeared first on Respond ..read more

As you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 at the age of 27. This was something up until this point, that I never thought I would be dealing with having been reassured by medical professionals that the symptoms I was having was down to IBS or “woman’s problems” fast forward to now I know that know one knows your body better than yourself and if there’s a persistent […] The post Bowel cancer awareness month | by Maryrose appeared first on Respond ..read more

If you haven’t had an ostomy from an age you can’t remember, chances are that the thought of taking a bath after ostomy surgery can be something that fills you with apprehension. You’ve probably spent your life before surgery never giving taking a bath or a shower a second thought. It’s been part of your daily routine just like brushing your teeth or checking your phone. It’s okay to have worries and it’s okay if […] The post Ostomy lifestyle: Can you take a bath with an ostomy? | by Amy appeared first on Respond ..read more

Conversations that Spark Confidence Waking up to find a bag attached to your abdomen is a profoundly changing moment, even if it was something that was discussed with you before surgery. It can be met with courage, grace, and still a sense of scepticism. My stoma is a testament to my strength, resilience, and endurance, especially after my battle with bowel cancer. When the time comes to share your story with friends, family, and colleagues, […] The post Conversations that Spark Confidence | by Mohammad appeared first on Respond ..read more

Sleeping With A Stoma How to manage a stoma bag at night is something that can cause significant anxiety for new ostomates. It is quite natural to worry about leaks at night after stoma surgery, and to be concerned about how you sleep. It’s a daunting prospect to consider what sleeping positions will or won’t work and even whether or not your stoma will hurt if you lie on it. Over the years I have […] The post Sleeping with a stoma | by Keith appeared first on Respond ..read more

Having a stoma has both mental and physical challenges especially at the beginning of your journey and finding your way with your stoma. A lot of these challenges were in my head. How I thought something was going to be, and I found by facing these challenges head on helped me over come them. When you first have your stoma you have many questions floating around your head like, will I be able to wear […] The post Challenges with a stoma bag | by Maryrose appeared first on Respond ..read more

How can I be intimate after ostomy surgery? Having ostomy surgery in itself can feel super daunting. You wake up, there’s a big, bodily change to get used to, alongside bag changes and learning about ostomy products and accessories. You’re in your hospital bed, trying to get comfortable which can often feel impossible and like a mountain to climb in itself. Your recovery starts, and progresses, and a several weeks/a few months down the line, […] The post How can I be intimate after ostomy surgery?| by Amy appeared first on Respond ..read more

My Journey with Bowel Cancer and Embracing My Stoma Battling bowel cancer is a road that twists and turns with challenges, but one of the most life-altering changes I faced was learning to live with a stoma. At first, it felt like my body had become a stranger to me, something I couldn’t recognise or understand. But over time, I’ve learned that this small pouch, which was crucial for my survival, could also be a […] The post My Journey with Bowel Cancer and Embracing My Stoma | by Mohammad appeared first on Respond ..read more