Tag Archive for: colostomy

Dehydration and your stoma

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As we are having a bit of an Easter heat wave, it’s more important than ever to talk about dehydration with a stoma.

What the NHS say

The NHS says:

Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. If it isn’t treated it can get worse and become a serious problem.
Symptoms of dehydration in adults and children include:

  • feeling thirsty
  • dark yellow and strong smelling pee
  • feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • feeling tired
  • dry mouth, lips and eyes
  • peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day

Its bad news for anyone but if you have an ostomy, it’s far easier to get dehydrated than someone with all their intestines because the large intestine plays an important role in helping absorb water from food waste.

Severe dehydration can be life threatening, and any dehydration with a stoma can make you feel poorly causing tiredness, a feeling of sluggishness and more.  If your output loosens and you find you are emptying your bag more frequently then it’s worth upping your fluid intake.

Dehydration and your stoma

The NHS also say:

With an ileostomy, you will be losing more salt and fluid. This happens because your colon is not being used and therefore is not absorbing extra fluid. You will need to include a teaspoon of salt a day into your diet. Salt is an essential requirement for your body and low levels of sodium (the main ingredient in salt) can affect how well your heart works. Signs of salt depletion are tingling in the fingers.

If you are also a renal patient, you will need to discuss your salt intake in more detail with your Renal Nurse Specialist, as your salt and fluid requirements may be different.

Drink plenty

You will need to drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. The recommended amount is 2-2.5 litres per day (a minimum of 8 cups per day). If you are becoming dehydrated it can generally make you feel very unwell.

We recommend that you have isotonic drinks, which are higher in salt and sugar. Isotonic fluids are better for you because of the higher sodium (salt) and glucose content. They encourage fluid to be absorbed into your gut, rather than passing straight through into your stoma bag.

These types of drinks include Dioralyte (which you can buy from supermarkets and chemists) and Lucozade Sport or Powerade, or you can make up your own rehydration drink using:
• glucose – 6 flat teaspoons
• salt (sodium chloride) – 1 flat teaspoon
• sodium bicarbonate/citrate – 1⁄2 teaspoon • make up to 1 litre with tap water.
You can flavour this with small amounts of fruit juice.

Tips to avoid dehydration with a stoma

Its so important to keep on top of hydration with a stoma, I would say it’s one of the most important things. The make up of your body has changed and you need to readjust how you look after it. I remember after my first surgery the shock of just how thirsty I was.

My tips would be to have a bottle and sip through the day. I always drink sugar free squash and water as I find water alone goes straight through me. I also take a jug to bed with me as I know I get so thirsty in the night.

Rehydration sachets are not just for when you’re ill! I have them in all the time, I have one in my handbag for emergencies and they’re part of my ostomy kit.

Theyre my go to solution if I feel more tired than usual or if I have loose output, if I have any alcohol, I have one before bed and one in the morning and I highly recommend getting some in! I like the ORS tablets available from chemists and supermarkets.

When the temperature rises either at home or if you’re off on your holidays, then be very mindful of dehydration.

And as always, I can’t give medical advice so if I’m doubt, speak to a medical professional.

✌?& ❤️

Sam xx

Why I’m a proud flasher

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Don’t worry, I don’t have a mac and follow people around at night flashing my boobies. But I am a very proud flasher of my osteomy bag and here’s why…

I have had many comments about the images I share of my ileostomy bag, most of them are positive but I get the occasional one that says ‘why are you doing this? We don’t want to see it! Is nothing private any more? Won’t somebody think of the children?!!!’

OK, I may have made the last one up! But the point is that people do seem offended by the fact that I happily flash my bag, and these comments always seem to come from a person in the position of priviledge who have never had to face the scary event of surgery to remove your bowel and being fitted with a colostomy or ileostomy bag.

ostomy photoshoot sexy ileostomy 50s pin up photo shoot so bad ass sam cleasby

So why do I do it?

I remember sitting in a hospital bed, having just been told that I had to have surgery and they were going to remove my entire large intestine and I would have a stoma, they were going to give me an ileostomy bag and I was in tears.  I was terrified, I couldn’t imagine how my life would be afterwards and though I was in part relieved to see an end to the severe and excrutiating pain, diarrhoea, accidents and misery of ulcerative colitis, I was also devastated.

I thought my life would be over, how would I ever feel beautiful or sexy again? What would my husband think of my new body? Would I ever wear a bikini again? Would my new body inspire disgust from others? Would I be able to love myself?  I sat in bed weeping and I felt so lonely.

I googled ostomy bags and it came up with frightening, medical images of sick, old people in bed wearing huge bags on their stomachs looking sad and frail.  And I felt numb.  Was this the end of life as I knew it?  This was in 2013 and there were no UK bloggers talking about this, no one sharing their images of a happy life, no positive, joyful photos, just misery and illness.

stoma ileostomy femininity black and white photography creative shoot #stomaselfie sam cleasby

And that is why I started this blog. And that is why I am proud to flash my bag.

You see, though life can still be tough now, my ostomy bag changed my life for the better in so many ways, it gave me back a sense of control over my body, it made me feel well again, it stopped the pain and the isolation that 9 years of ulcerative colitis had caused.  And once I had the surgery, I realised that rather than fear and sadness, when I looked at my bag and my body I felt pride! I felt strong and powerful, I felt like I had dealt with a huge surgery and my body was still standing.

I realised that I never wanted another person to sit alone, frightened and crying in a hospital bed, wondering what their life would hold for them with a stoma.  I wanted to be the image that came up when they googled that showed them happiness, a fresh start, a normal life, damn it an EXTRAORDINARY life!

sam cleasby blogger ostomy ibd woman with a colostomy ileostomy bag stoma

I wanted to be a small ray of light in an otherwise frightening time that could show someone that life with an ostomy bag is a positive and wonderful thing.  That they could be what they wanted to be with their bag, that it wasn’t something to be feared or disgusted by, but to be proud of.

I wanted to show the world that my ostomy bag saved my life and that I am proud of it and myself.

I wanted to show that I can feel beautiful, sexy, strong, powerful and like ME.

I will never stop flashing my bag because every time I do, I get messages from people thanking me, saying that it helps to see others with a bag, that it inspires them to be proud of their bodies, that even if they don’t want to show their own bag, that they share my images to explain to their friends and family what they have.

ileostomy bag and fashion swimwear

Should everyone flash their bag?

No, of course not! It is a totally private and personal decision, I am happy to flash my bag but that doesn’t mean that everyone should.  I hope that showing my bag off will help those people who want to wear a bikini on a beach to do it with pride, to show them not to be scared of being themselves.  But some people are very private and don’t want to have their ostomy bag on show and their privacy is as important as my desire to flash mine.

sam cleasby chicken keeping allotments kiveton sheffield

The stigma around talking about poo is part of day to day life, generally if we talk about toilet habits, it is done by making fun about it.  We find it hard to have an honest and open conversation about our bowels and that needs to change.  This fear of talking bums stops people from accessing medical help when they have bowel issues, it stops them from asking for help and that can have a hugely negative effect on our health.

The aim of my blog has always been to help others, to stop poo being taboo and to raise awareness of IBD, Crohns, Colitis, Ostomy bags and invisible impairments as a whole.  If I have to continue flashing this scarred body of mine and showing off my ostomy bag to keep the conversation going then I will do this till the day I die.

Sam Cleasby blogger ostomy ileostomy colostomy stoma

I am a flasher and proud!

 

Love Sam xx

Convex Ostomy Bags – for the wonky, uneven, hernia’d or unique ostomy

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Do you have an inny or and outie? That’s a normal belly button type question as we know that people are all different (I’m an inny just so you know, but with the amount of surgeries I have had, it is not the one that Mother Nature blessed me with!)

It’s odd as we totally get how unique and different we all are in every other part of our bodies, yet when we get a stoma, we assume that they should all look exactly the same and behave in the same way, when of course, they are all as unique to us as our bellybuttons are.

 

sam cleasby blogger ostomy ibd woman with a colostomy ileostomy bag

When I got my first parastomal hernia, I began to leak all the time.  My usual bags were just not fitting correctly, and I assumed that I must be doing something wrong.  It was only once I called my stoma nurse and not so bravely wailed down the phone to her, that I even heard of a convex bag.

Usual bags have a flat and soft flange that sticks itself around your stoma and to your stomach, a convex bag has a dome shape to the flange which pushes in around your stoma to make a better seal.  I originally turned to convex after my hernia, but there are a few other reasons you might want to try a convex bag.

After one of my surgeries, I ended up with a recessed stoma, it was kind of sunk in on one side and luckily I knew about the convex bags, so went straight to them.  If you have creases, dips or moats, or find yourself using a ton of paste or rings, you might really benefit from trying a convex bag.

I hear from far too many people saying they live with daily leaks or uncomfortable ostomy bags and it really saddens me.  We aren’t given that much information about the amount of choice we have in our bags, to be honest, I didn’t even know there was more than one brand when I first got mine as I just had what the hospital gave me.

We are super lucky to live in an online world where you can find out so much information, if you have an ostomy, even if you are happy with your current bag, then please go and do some research.  Take a look at ostomy brand websites and check out their full ranges, call them, email them, get samples and try them out.

convex ostomy bag

I tried the Aura Convex bags recently for exactly this reason, I want to keep up with all the latest technology and the newest bags that come out, so I am always sure of what is best for me.  I loved the super soft feel of these bags and the flange felt well stuck on helping with confidence.  Though it is convex, it sat really flat against my tummy meaning it was invisible even under a tight dress, the fit was nice and I had no leaks or issues whilst using them.

So inny or outie, flat, hernia’d, wonky or creased, just remember that you always have a choice with your bags, if you want to try something new, that is your right, speak to your stoma nurse or head direct to ostomy sites and trial your own.

Let me know your experiences of convex bags!

 

Sam xx

 

 

 

This post was sponsored by Clinimed, I occasionally work with companies, but I will only ever give honest reviews and every business I work with are personally trusted by me.  My audience is brilliant and so I only want the best for you guys!

 

Clinimed Ostomy Skin Products

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Clinimed are a company who supply ostomy bags and accessories and they sent me a goodie bag of products to try out, including medical adhesive remover in spray and wipe form, barrier creams, films and wipes and a carry bag.

I have to say that their carry bag is my favourite one so far, it is compact and has a hanger but the best bit is that it opens into a little shelf meaning when you are changing your bag out and about and inevitably there is no shelf or place to put your supplies, the bag solves that issue.  It also has a little removable mirror which is brilliant because as you may have found, many accessible toilets don’t have a mirror… Perhaps they think people with extra needs don’t want to look at themselves??


 Anyway, on to the products:

Firstly, I tried the Appeel medical adhesive remover.  This sort of product is a really important part of your ostomy kit.  When you are removing your bag without this, it pulls at the skin and can make it very sore, so it is something I use at every single bag change.  I use the spray to remove my bag by applying the liquid from the spray can, the cans are small and easy to fit in your kit and a little pump of the can gives out a lot of the product.

ostomy medical adhesive remover

I sprayed it on the flange of my ostomy bag and gave it a few seconds to get to work before peeling off my bag.  It worked really well and left my skin feeling quite moisturised, some sprays I have used before felt drying to the skin.  I then use the Appeel adhesive remover wipe if there are any residual stickiness around my stoma, this is particularly good for me as I am using a paste around my stoma and if that is still stuck to my skin, it can be tricky and painful to remove.

I also tried the LBF barrier range, this comes in a few different mediums which is good to have the choice as everyone has different preferences.  There’s a barrier film spray, film wipe, foam applicator and a barrier cream that comes in a bottle or sachet.  Barrier creams and films are used to create a protective layer between your skin and any ostomy output that could get on your skin.

The most important thing with ostomy care is looking after your skin.  The output from your stoma is very acidic and can burn the skin, also the act of sticking and removing bags all the time can have a negative effect on the skin.  If your skin gets open sores then it becomes wet, and ostomy bags don’t stick to wet skin, this can cause leaks which then makes the skin even more sore.  It is a vicious circle that is miserable to get out of, and so barrier creams and films are essential.

After you remove your bag and have cleaned your skin, you apply the barrier in whichever form you have chosen, allow it to dry and then apply your ostomy bag.

I prefer the barrier film wipes, I find them really easy to use, and like that I can put it exactly where I need it and then dispose of the wipe in the bag with my used ostomy bag.  The spray works just as well, but for me, I don’t like that it isn’t quite as direct, it sprays across a wider surface rather than dabbing it exactly where I want it with the wipes.  But then I have friends who would much rather use a spray can, you should try both and see what your preference is.

ostomy barrier cream

The barrier cream, in my opinion, is great for people with a jpouch for the dreaded butt burn, it is a light cream that feels nice on the skin and creates a barrier from the delicate skin around your bottom and the acidic waste output that you are passing.  I like it for skin around my stomach too where I have soreness but for around my stoma, it isn’t my favourite medium.  This is because I feel that any cream has to it a certain greasiness and that concerns me with the bag then sticking over the top of that.

You use the cream sparingly and rub it in well, but I found myself waiting a long time to then apply my bag as I was worried that the cream would make the bag stick less well.  For convenience sake, this is why I prefer the wipe.

The LBF barrier wipe dries in seconds, you clean your skin and then rub the wipe on your skin where it could come in contact with output.   It is a sterile product and so you can use it on broken skin and is no sting which is great as when you have open sores, the last thing you want is to put something on that will feel like salt in a wound!

There are lots of different ostomy products about and it can be confusing to know which one will suit you.  I also find that most people end up using the product that is first given to them by the hospital or stoma nurse, sometimes not knowing that they have options.  Everyone has the freedom to choose what sort of supplies they would like to use and a way to do that is to request the free samples from companies.

sam cleasby blogger ostomy ibd disability

If you would like to try any of these products, you can request free samples here or if you aren’t too sure what you’d like to try, you can speak to an advisor.  You can also call them on 0800 036 0100.  I’ve found the staff really friendly and helpful, so don’t worry about any ‘stupid questions’, there aren’t any stupid questions!!! There is tons of really useful information on the site, though if I am honest, it is a little clunky to find, but bear with it as I have just been reading up on more info on dehydration and found it very helpful!

So there we go, another ostomy review.  I love having the opportunity to try new products, but remember that you can try things too.  Don’t be afraid to get in touch with ostomy companies and ask for free samples of their products, there are so many different things out there and you have the ability to try them out.  Your ostomy is here and you have to live with it, but you don’t need to be suffering.  If you are having issues with your stoma, please speak to your stoma nurse and try different products till you find things that suit you.

 

Sam xx

 

Disclaimer: From time to time, I am either sent products for free to review or I am paid to review them.  This sort of work pays for the running of this site and keeps me in Gin and sparkly shoes.  I only work with companies who I feel are a good fit and who have products/events that I feel would benefit my lovely readers.  Whether I receive free products, or I am paid, my reviews are honest and all my own opinion.

Clothes and Ostomies

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One of the most common questions I get sent to me is about what clothes to wear when you have an ostomy.  People asking if they can ever wear ‘normal’ clothes again, how to hide your bag, what underwear is best and how to still feel like themselves.

My answer is usually that you can wear anything you like! There are no hard and fast rules, it is about personal preference, some people don’t mind if you can see the bag, others want to mask it.  I think the only thing that affects my clothes choices is comfort.  I want to wear things that I am comfortable in and feel amazing.  Amazing for me feels like wearing something that I love, that also fits well around my stoma and means I can go about my day without paying too much attention to my ostomy bag.

Now I am a permanent ostomate and will have this bag forever, it has meant a reshuffle of my wardrobe and some new clothes.  I started by going through all my current clothes and chucking out EVERYTHING that doesn’t fit well around my stoma, this was pretty depressing and I have to admit, I had a little cry.

It all felt so FINAL to give away my favourite trousers.  But those fave trews have a waistband that sit directly on top of my stoma, I tried wiggling them lower or pulling them over the top but neither worked.  I had to accept that my stoma ain’t moving so what is the point in keeping the trousers?

Then I went shopping! YEY!  Last time I had a stoma, I found that maternity trousers are awesome for life with an ostomy, especially those that have the stretchy panel attached to them and so I hit H&M and bought two pairs of maternity jeans and a pair of maternity leggings.  I also find that a slightly longer than usual top makes me feel tons more comfortable and so searched for tops that made me happy.

So this was my going shopping outfit.  A long stripy skirt, the waistband sits above my stoma and a longer black top with a scarf.  It’s super comfy without being too casual and if you’re concerned about showing the bulge, the scarf hides everything.

Top – George at Asda

Skirt and scarf – Primark

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

 

Onto my bought items, this is maternity jeans and a tight fitting top that is just a bit longer than usual.  I don’t mind if the outline of my bag shows and I am happy to wear tight fitting clothes.  I know some people are more self conscious but I find that no one cares! And if anyone notices, I am happy to tell them about my bag.

You can see the panel and wear it sits with regard to my ileostomy bag.  I love that it keeps everything tucked against my body and it feels safe.  You can also see it from the side.

MAMA super skinny jeans – H&M £24.99

Conscious Long Sleeve Jersey top – H&M £7.99

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

 

I also went in for some maternity black leggings.  Leggings are great for going under anything and these make me feel the bag is kept tucked against my body so when I wear a dress or top over, it’s not flapping about!

MAMA Leggings H&M £7.99

ostomy and fashion

 

Outfit three was more maternity jeans, black this time and a loose fitting shirt.  I love this outfit as I just feel like myself in it, I can see myself wearing it around the house or going out with the kids.  It’s so comfortable too, I hate wearing joggers, I feel like Waynetta Slob in them and so a comfy, relaxed outfit that I feel like ‘me’ in is just brill.  Again, it’s easy to shove a scarf over for those times when your bag fills up instantly and you look like you’re smuggling a bag of potatoes…

MAMA jeans H&M – £24.99

Cotton Shirt H&M – £14.99

Scarf Primark – £3

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

This next outfit made me smile, it is a dress I bought pre surgery and I wondered how it would fit me now.  I teamed it with my new black maternity jeans and pumps and I felt like me again!

Dress M&S (About) £30

clothes and ostomy ileostomy colostomy fashion

 

So there we go, my first post ostomy shopping trip.  It may just seem like a couple of pairs of jeans but to me it was the start of getting back to feeling like myself.  I have spent weeks recovering in pyjamas and to now be back in ‘human’ clothes feels amazing.

I really enjoyed sharing my clothes ideas and after receiving a few emails recently from women who feel they can’t wear what they want I think I may share some other fashion posts again.  I am a size 16, 34 year old woman, I know I am no clothes horse but I love fashion and I want other people with an ostomy to know that no matter your condition, your size or your age, you can wear whatever the f**k you want.  Fashion is about fun and expression, the only person it matters to whether your clothes look good is you.

Your style and fashion with an ostomy may have to adapt, you might have to think twice about where that waistband sits, but it is not the end of the world and you can still look and feel like yourself again.  You may want to flaunt your bag, hide it or care neither way, but there is a style of clothes that will fit you and make you feel awesome again. You just need to look for it.

 

Sam xx

World Ostomy Day

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Today is World Ostomy Day! This is like my poo lady Christmas!

When I had my surgery, I never thought I would be celebrating my Ostomy but as I have learnt to accept my illness, I can recognise that my Ostomy was the start of a new life for me. It is a different life to the one I imagined but my ostomy has had so many positive effects on my life.


Writing about ostomies, jpouches, IBD and invisible disabilities is an honour and a privilege and I have heard so many stories both of struggle and of overcoming adversity.


Today lets celebrate our ostomies whether we still have them or not!  I now have a jpouch and so no longer have my ostomy but I loved my stoma that helped my body come through ulcerative colitis.


Having your body change so massively can be a huge challenge, both physically, emotionally and mentally.  It can be a very isolating experience and so talking out about life with an Ostomy is so important to help others.  I speak out in the hope that people following in my path will have a slightly easier time.


If you need support or help, here are a list of amazing people that I would highly recommend.

Colostomy Association

IA Support

Crohns and Colitis UK

Feel free to share my World Ostomy Day images with links to www.sobadass.me or make your own pictures to share and celebrate!

 

Sam x

Why you should go to support groups

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I do quite a bit of public speaking about life with IBD, stomas, jpouches and also self esteem and body confidence. I also volunteer with Crohns and Colitis UK and IA Support at events all over the UK.  And the one thing that tends to be the same at these events is the lack of younger people attending and I think it is a real shame.

I understand that there is so much support online nowadays, and I also get that going to a support event in person can be a terrifying experience, but I do believe that person to person support, that real life connection is irreplaceable by chatting online.

When I had my first surgery and had my ostomy, it was suggested that I attended a Stoma Open Day at the local hospital to meet other local ostomates and see all the different products available to me.  I went along and entered the room, so nervous that I was shaking.  I nearly turned back a few times, the idea of going into a room of strangers was almost too much to bear.

stoma ostomy ileostomy colostomy ibd ulcerative colitis photo shoot

I think I was the youngest person there by 20 years.  That sucked.

As I walked around the stalls I was asked twice who I was with, the assumption being that I was there to support an older relative.  It really dented my confidence and reasserted this awful feeling that I had an “old persons disease”.

It made me realise that it is a vicious circle.  A younger person attends these events and feels out of place and so doesn’t return, meaning the next younger person who arrives feels exactly the same.

This is why I feel the need to speak out, make a call to arms, to ask all you younger folk (and by younger I mean under 50!) to try out an event local to you.  It isn’t easy but I assure you that having attended many over the past two years, the feeling I walk away with after spending time with people who know exactly how you feel, after talking openly to people about things you may shy away from with your friends and family, that feeling is good.  It’s inclusive, it’s helpful.

That feeling I had at the first event made me want to make things better for others.  This blog, my talks, the things I discuss in the media is all part of a plan to raise awareness and make people be more understanding that chronic illness can strike at any age and that we need more support for all.

I will be at the Stoma Day this year as a volunteer for Crohns and Colitis UK South Yorkshire group, so if you are in the area, please come along, you are guaranteed to see at least one smily face and I would love to chat and help you make other connections.  It is terribly advertised and so you may not even be aware of it.

public speaker about self esteem ulcerative colitis crohns ostomies colostomy ileostomy jpouch ibd

 

It is on 5th October 2015 from 10am – 3pm at Hillsborough Arena in Sheffield and is organised by Sheffield Hospitals.  If you have an ostomy and live in South Yorkshire, do consider coming along.

As I said I volunteer for the South Yorkshire group of Crohns and Colitis UK, we are a team of volunteers who offer support to sufferers and their families, do fundraising and generally getting the name of CCUK out there, especially in South Yorkshire. The team can take up as little or as much time as you’re able to, we’re grateful for any help. So if you feel like coming along, even just to see what we’re about, then we’d love to see you.  We are having a meeting this Thursday 17th September in Sheffield, all are welcome if you are interested in helping out or hearing more.  You can find the event here.  We are ever so friendly and we are a laid back group so please think about getting involved.

I do a lot of this stuff because I really do care, I want to make a difference.  I honestly believe that through speaking out and talking at events, we can help all others who follow in our path.  What we go through as people with IBD is tough, we fight an illness that tries to ruin every part of our lives and the worst thing is the strangling silence that wraps itself around our throats and stops us speaking out.  Meeting others who are going through the same thing makes life a little easier, it stops that feeling of isolation, of feeling of being alone.

So think about it, have a look at local events to you and consider attending just one.  If we all do that, imagine the army of support we could create!

Helping others and helping yourself.  Get involved.

 

Sam xxx

Coloplast Care

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The folk at Coloplast have developed a new support programme for people with an ostomy called Coloplast Care which is a fantastic idea and great development for ostomates everywhere.
Whether you are facing surgery, a new ostomate or had your ostomy for years, Coloplast know that each person is totally unique and therefore their needs for support are so different.  The great thing about Coloplast Care is that it is a bespoke and individual plan that aims to help in everything from the basic medical principles of an ostomy to the practical things you can expect as time goes on.  Offering information and support both physically and emotionally and giving you back a level of control to empower you in your new life.
I would have loved to have had this programme two years ago when I was facing surgery and think it is amazing how much ostomy support is moving on.  I remember the feelings of isolation, confusion and upset and just not having all the information.  Though my doctors and stoma nurse were wonderful, the questions I had always popped into my head at 3 am meaning I would find myself frantically googling away to figure out what I could do and sometimes felt very alone in the vast internet world of differing opinions.
coloplast care ostomy support
Whatever stage you are at, from complete newbie novice to old pro, we all still have questions, no matter how ‘sorted’ you are, a new situation can always pop up and create distress in not knowing how to handle it.  Coloplast Care advisors are there to guide you through stoma routines, ostomy accessories, check ups and so much more.

It’s not just for people who use Coloplast products; it’s open to anyone so do go take a look no matter which products you currently use.  It provides specific support and advice to each member based on your needs, whether your issues are emotional or if you have just had surgery, or perhaps you have had your stoma for 5 years but you are off travelling and need some advice, the programme tailors advice and support for the problems you are having right now.

So how do you join?

coloplast care ostomy support

It’s quick and simple, head over to the sign up page, fill in your name, email address and what sort of surgery you have had (or are expecting).

On the ‘Experience’ page, you are asked about any issues you may have with adhesion problems, skin irritation or pouch problems.

coloplast care ostomy support

The “Wellbeing’ page questions how you are feeling, with more in depth questions about your support, worries and emotional wellbeing.

coloplast care ostomy support

And that is the basic sign up done!  You can then go on to answer more questions about yourself and your situation if you like.  I would recommend this as they more information they have, the better and more useful support you can receive.  This includes more about you, how you live, your age, hobbies, activity levels and then information regarding your current ostomy products, shape and size of your stoma, position, how your body and skin is.  All this data is used to tailor your programme to you.

If you struggle with technology or are unsure on how to work the forms, do ask a friend, family member or a health professional to guide you through.  But it is very clear and simple to use.

The company’s ethos is to ‘listen and respond’ and so the website is chock full of advice sheets, support guides and problem solving information. It also includes a system to help ostomates identify problems that they’re having for example skin irritation, pancaking etc.  This means you can print off and discuss these issues with your stoma nurse, or request a call-back from an advisor, as well as the programme recommending some products to try and resolve these problems.  This isn’t to replace the advice from your doctors and stoma nurses but additional support that gives you the power to be informed and proactive.

It can be quite overwhelming when you see the amount of choice when it comes to ostomy bags and accessories, so to have a programme that goes through your needs and then shows you options is fantastic. You can also order free samples through the site to try out before committing to a new bag.

stoma ileostomy bag woman junk food ulcerative colitis crowns ibd

 

Another part that is just great is the Ostomy Check, around 40% of people with a stoma have an issue that they are just putting up with, that they think is something they just have to live with.  The Ostomy Check is there for people to see what is ‘normal’ and what is an issue that they could do something about.  Coloplast support staff will send an email asking them to complete a checklist every couple of months.  I think this is a fantastic service that is patient centred, it is nice to feel cared for and sometimes after you have left hospital, you can feel isolated and not sure where to turn for support and advice.

I have met a lot of ostomates who have told me of issues, from slight niggles to huge problems, that they believed where part and parcel of life with a stoma.  This service allows people to see exactly what can be done to help and support them.  One person noticing an issue and recommending a product could change a person’s life!

As with everything, your stoma and ostomy needs change over time and the brilliant thing about Coloplast Care is that is adapts and changes with you.  This isn’t about a one size fits all support as that just doesnt work! The programme adapts and grows with your needs, tailoring advice to what you need, when you need it.

I have spoken to a few ostomates using the Coloplast Care programme and all have found it helpful, many saying they wished this was around when they first got their stomas.  I think we need to empower and educate ourselves about our health and this system helps you do that.

Head over to Coloplast now and check it out, it’s free, easy and if you don’t like it, you can opt out no problems!

 

 

Sam xx

 

This is a sponsored review, meaning that representatives of Coloplast Care have paid me for this post, but it is my own, honest opinions.  From time to time, So Bad Ass reviews products and services for companies, but I only share things that I believe benefit my amazing readers.

Pelican Live Your Life Roadshow – Preston

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I will be talking at the Pelican Live Your Life roadshow in Preston on Sunday 5th July talking ostomies and body image.

At Bartle Hall from 11-3, Come along and meet the Pelican team, chat to nurses, and attend some great talks. It’s a must for people with an ostomy, carers, family and friends. I’ll be doing my talk once in the morning and once in the afternoon so if you’re near Preston, do call in.

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Feel free to drop by with your family and friends, anytime between 11am and 3pm. If you have any queries, or would like to confirm your attendance, you can contact:

Email –
Freephone – 0800 318 282

The guys at Pelican are super friendly and so easy to talk to, it’s well worth getting in touch.

Sam x

Lift Plus 360 – ostomy adhesive remover review

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So those clever chickens over at Opus Healthcare have come up with this new product Lift Plus 360, a medical adhesive remover for people with ostomies.

When I had my stoma I always used an adhesive remover as taking the bags off were the trickiest part, that super great seal you yearn for when putting the bag on to ensure there are no leaks suddenly becomes a huge chore when you have to take the bag off, especially if you use extra flange extenders or those stoma donuts.  The adhesive removers act to pretty instantly stop the sticky.

It can be painful and really affect the skin around the stoma to pull the bags away and so I always recommend a good remover.

Now the Lift Plus 360 goes one step further, the new spray can be applied from any angle (hence the 360° name) meaning it is SO much easier to use.

lift plus 360 opus healthcare ostomy supplies

I no longer have a stoma and so I called on my lovely pal who has a permanent stoma to try out Lift Plus 360 and let me know what he thought.

“It really does work!” he said “whatever angle you spray it from, you get a great steady stream that is directed exactly where you need it.”

“The worst part of a bag change is pulling the sticky side away from your skin, especially if you’re a bloke who has hair on the stomach area.  With some sprays it doesn’t take all the adhesive off and I end up pulling my hair out, with Lift Plus 360 it was a breeze!”

Adhesive removers have been around for a while, but Opus have redesigned this to make it more user friendly.

Opus say:

Opus Healthcare, a division of Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd, has launched Lift Plus 360, the latest range of non-sting adhesive remover. Using the latest bag on valve technology, Lift Plus 360 is a highly effective range of medical adhesive removers that reduce the pain associated with the removal of stoma pouch adhesives. The new spray can be applied from any angle (360°) offering greater efficiency for the user and comes in two varieties.

The new range is an upgrade from Opus’s previous product, the Lift Plus. By removing the propellant to create Lift Plus 360, the product is no longer cold on the skin. It is also more environmentally friendly as the removal ensures less wastage due to greater product emptying.

Other benefits of using Lift Plus 360 include:

  • Reducing the pain associated with removing pouches and flanges
  • It will not irritate sore or broken skin
  • Dries instantly and no need to wash the skin
  • The spray can be applied from any angle (360 degrees), offering greater reliability.
  • The removal of the hydrocarbon propellant ensures:
    • The product is not cold on the skin
    • There’s more product in the can
    • Less wastage due to greater product emptying
    • It’s more environmentally friendly

To order a sample call 0800 458 7605 or for more information take a peek at the Opus website.

The site also has some great ostomy information so is well worth a look.

Sam x

This post was sponsored by representatives of Opus Healthcare.  I do a few paid reviews on this site but ONLY choose products and companies that I believe are a good fit for my awesome So Bad Ass readers and will always disclose when posts are sponsored.