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Understanding Your Stoma

a drawing of a stoma ;

Just like you, each stoma is one-of-a-kind

Stomas vary in size and can be round, oval or irregular in shape. It may protrude or stay flat against your skin.

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

Selecting the best pouching system depends on your stoma type and the particular physical characteristics of your stoma.

More in Living With A Stoma

Lifestyle Support

a close-up of a person chopping carrots

Nutritional Advice

Eating well is a big part of living life on your own terms. The good news: having a stoma should not stand in the way of enjoying good food.

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Lifestyle Support

a woman walking in a field

Physical Activities

Do you love to play tennis or golf? Think there’s nothing better than jogging, yoga or going for a swim? That’s great! Having a stoma should not prevent you from staying fit.

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Lifestyle Support

a close-up of a person putting shoes into a tray

Travel Tips

Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.

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Lifestyle Support

a close-up of a stoma

Understanding Your Stoma

Just like you, each stoma is one-of-a-kind. Stomas vary in size and can be round, oval or irregular in shape. It may protrude or stay flat against your skin.

Read more

Lifestyle Support

a close-up of a person applying creme to another person's hand

Skin Care Tips

Having a peristomal (around the stoma) skin complication is one of the most common reasons people living with a stoma seek medical attention.

Read more

Lifestyle Support

a man and a woman sitting on a bed

Sign up for me+ patient support

The me+™ recovery series, provides information and support about the importance of movement and physical activity after ostomy surgery.

Read more

Lifestyle Support

Food and drink

Colostomy Nutritional Advice

Like everyone, at times you may experience constipation or diarrhea. Increasing your fluid and fiber intake can help prevent these problems.

Read more

Lifestyle Support

a close-up of two people cooking

Ileostomy Nutritional Advice

After recovery from surgery, you can gradually resume eating whatever you like—unless your doctor requires you to follow a special diet.

Read more

Lifestyle Support

a smoothie and a pair of trainers

Urostomy Nutritional Advice

Unless your healthcare team gives you specific instructions, people with a urostomy do not need a special diet

Read more

Lifestyle Support

two pairs of feet intertwined

Intimacy

Although it’s normal to feel sensitive about how a stoma changes your body, meaningful and fulfilling intimate encounters can still be part of your and your partner’s lives.

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1. 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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