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Understanding Your Stoma

Just like you, each stoma is one-of-a-kind.
an illustration of an ostomy ;

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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Nutritional Advice

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

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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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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.

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Urostomy Nutritional Advice

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

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Intimacy

It’s normal to feel sensitive about the changes your body, but intimate encounters can still be part of your life.

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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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