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