Frequently Asked Questions

 Will my stoma change my Life?

In some ways it will, you’ve just had a major operation. Your body has been altered and it may take a while to get used to how you look.
Likewise, you have to get used to caring for your stoma and changing your bags etc. However, that’s as far as it should go.
With some adjustment the rest of your life does not need to change.

Can I go back to work?
Yes. But you will need time and rest so listen to your body. Everyone is different when it comes to how long it will take to get back to work, It also depends on the type of work that you do and the operation you have had. You should discuss this with your stoma care nurse, surgeon, or GP.

Can I go on Holiday?
Yes, you can. A stoma doesn’t stop you from travelling, either home or abroad. But do give yourself time, start with a short trip and see how it goes.
Remember that is you are travelling abroad you will need travel insurance cover for any medical conditions that you have. Insurance companies call these
‘pre-existing conditions, above all, enjoy your holiday.

Sport and Fitness after stoma surgery
Adapting to life with a stoma can be a challenging time and the thought of exercise may well be the last thing on your mind as you recover from surgery.
But getting fit and being more active could actually be the key to a faster recovery and a better quality of life in the long run. With time, there is every
chance that you can return to a good level of fitness and strength. The physical benefits of exercise are important for everyone, but for someone with a stoma, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your muscles strong are important for helping to prevent parastomal hernias from developing.
One of the greatest benefits is exercise is the psychological and ‘feel good’ aspect.
Being able to participate in sport will boost confidence, ability to cope with your stoma, and your quality of life.

Provided you have agreement from your doctor or stoma care nurse there is no medical reason why you can’t participate in exercise, or even competitive
sport when you have a stoma. Exercise also improves your body’s circulation and so helps the healing process. It can help you be more active without
feeling weak and also stimulate your appetite.