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10 Reasons Life is Great with a Stoma

Whilst having a stoma might have its challenges and take a bit of getting used to, for me it truly is a blessing and has given me my life back. So here are my TOP 10 REASONS LIFE IS GREAT WITH A STOMA!

1. FREEEDOM!!!! No longer does life revolve around being close to a toilet. No longer are the bathrooms the first thing you scope out whenever you go anywhere. You can do all those things you love without the fear of having an accident.  Your sense of freedom returns as you return to doing all those things you love but perhaps can’t do in the middle of a bad IBD flare. Overseas holidays, concerts, road trips, going for long walks, shopping, going out for dinner … all become so much…

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Featured

 Dealing With an Ostomy

Before my release the next day, an ostomy nurse arrived with a cart full of brochures and equipment. “Supplies have changed since 2009,” she said, handing me samples of newly designed products. Too tired and fraught to attempt anything new there and then, I took her card, determined to consult her when my digestion had settled down. Maybe she could make my life easier, for in my experience ostomy nurses crowd the angelic throngs.

 Fashion model poses with her ostomy bags to inspire other cancer survivors

Growing up with ostomy bags in Baltimore, Maryland, fashion model Jearlean Taylor wasn't sure she would be able to pursue her dreams. Now, she's on a mission to inspire others to embrace what makes them different.

Articles of Interest

8 Myths About Ostomies Debunked

Despite the fact that having an ostomy can be life-saving, ostomies are often stigmatized. People sometimes equate having an ostomy with disability and a sub-par life.

Meet the Activist and Model Fighting the Stigma Against Crohn's

Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the bowels, and many who suffer from the condition are reluctant to speak about it openly. With her organization Uncover Ostomy, Jessica Grossman is trying to change that.

Ostomy saved me from a life in the bathroom

In general, digestive diseases are hidden in the bathroom. You don't talk about anything that happens there unless it's with your spouse or a close friend. Being ashamed and scared, you tend to pull back and hide. Nobody wants to stand out on a corner and say, "I've got an ostomy," myself included.

Sorry I Was A Little

A little while ago, I asked our Facebook community an important question: Whether it had been easy or difficult to accept the ostomy into their lives.

Resources

Ostomy Outdoors

OstomyOutdoors.com chronicles my return to outdoor adventures with a permanent ileostomy.

OstomyConnection

OstomyConnection is an online magazine for the ostomy community. Our ever-evolving intent is to help ostomates stay connected to the topics that affect their daily lives. We're connecting everything ostomy into one convenient place – a hub for ostomates!

OstomyCure

At OstomyCure, we are highly committed to improving the life of patients with a stoma or with related inflammatory bowel diseases. Our mission is to give patients back their quality of life using the latest technology - with no compromises on quality or safety.

Ostomystory

Laura bravely, openly, and honestly about life with Ulcerative Colitis and an ostomy. Her videos include both helpful “how-to” demonstrations, personal experiences, and tips for dealing. Laura’s YouTube popularity even landed her a spot discussing ostomies on Tosh.0! - GBM

Stomalicious

Spreading awareness of IBD, and inspiring others living life and travelling the world with an Ostomy.

Uncover Ostomy

Uncover Ostomy is an awareness campaign sparking a positive conversation about the ostomy. We share positive stories and thought provoking images–dare we say sexy?–to spark this conversation. We invite you to share your comments and ideas on this website, on Facebook, on Twitter and everywhere that you engage with other people.

Great Bowel Movement

The Great Bowel Movement is a social awareness movement with the goals of empowering patients associated with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, as well as J-Pouch and Ostomy, to embrace their disease, be proud of their experience, and spread awareness throughout their communities.

United Ostomy Associations of America

UOAA promotes quality of life for people with ostomies and continent diversions through information, support, advocacy and collaboration.