Daily life with a stoma

It may seem overwhelming to get back to performing daily routines, hobbies and activities that you used to do before your surgery. You probably feel very tired in the beginning, so it is best to start out slowly.

Going back to work

Whether your condition allows you to return to work or not, very much depends on the operation you have had and your doctor's advice. If you do plan on returning to work, it is important to discuss your options with your employer as soon as possible. Some employers may be able to offer you reduced hours for an initial period, as your body is still adjusting.

Going back to your studies

The same advice goes if your condition allows you to return to your studies. Talk to your student counselor about starting out slowly, perhaps by following just a few courses at first, until you get to know what you are capable of.

Do a ‘trial run’

A few weeks before you return to work or your studies, it may be helpful to dress and plan your day as if you were going to work or school, as a sort of 'trial run' to establish a routine. Consider your meals and how many times you need to change or empty your pouch – and plan your day accordingly.

Who should you tell?

When you go back to work or school, it is entirely up to you if you wish to tell any of the people you interact with that you have a stoma or that you have had surgery.

However, it's a good idea to let at least one person know - if you have a medical emergency at some point, it will be much easier if someone already knows about your ostomy surgery.

How to explain your procedure

It is only natural to have concerns about having to explain your condition to new people. Just do what makes you feel most comfortable. Sometimes, preparing a short and confident explanation will help put your mind at ease.

For instance, you could simply explain briefly that you went through a serious illness and, because of that, you had major surgery and now wear an ostomy pouch. Avoid being too technical, and be open to questions - without over-sharing. Never feel as though you have to explain details of your surgery to everyone who asks.

Even though most things are easier in the comfort of home, it is really important to get back to living and enjoying all the things that you were doing before your surgery. That includes going out. Whether it's a quiet drink in a local bar, a meal out in a restaurant, or visiting friends, nothing should stop you.

Don't rush yourself

To build up your confidence for going out and about, give yourself small targets in the beginning. Perhaps things like using a public toilet for the first time, or visiting a relative, or planning a day away. Gradually you may feel ready to take on further activities, just remember to try and be patient and not to rush yourself.

Exercise is good

Almost without exception, you will benefit from doing some level of exercising. The type and amount of exercise will depend greatly on what you did before your surgery, but both swimming and brisk walking are truly fantastic (and low-injury risk) ways to keep fit and keep your energy levels up.

Are there limits to what you can do?

Until your stoma and abdominal area are fully healed, strenuous activities can put you at risk of a hernia. To minimise the risk of a hernia, you should avoid any kind of heavy lifting (anything more than 7-8 pounds, really) for the first six to eight weeks after your surgery.

Later on there are nearly no limits to what you can do, as long as you take the right precautions. But you should always ask your doctor or stoma care nurse to give the green light, before you start exercising.

This website includes general guidelines. Always follow the instructions by your healthcare provider.

A few days after my operation, I did wonder if I would ever get used to this thing they had put on my tummy. I couldn't even empty it myself at first, but soon I got used to doing it with help from the ostomy care nurse.

When I got home, I was quite sore, as I had had my bottom removed as well (the inside, not the outside – that would look ridiculous!)

Taking my first stroll

After about a week I took my first walk along the road, then after a couple more weeks I walked along the seafront with a few stops in-between. Things have got much easier as time progressed and now emptying, changing and dealing with my bag has become second nature.

I have had the odd leak at night and sometimes in the day but I just go and change it – no bother. Half the time I don't even know it's there!

No need for a prolonged morning routine

My usual routine in the morning is to have a shave (face not legs!), shower, then put on a new bag, and that will last me until the next morning. I get my new bag and stuff ready the night before, so it takes just five minutes.

A change in energy

Before my operation, I was very ill with Crohn's and was housebound. I just couldn't go out for fear of having an 'accident' and I had no energy. I was constantly rushing to the loo, which sometimes I didn't make, but now I can go out with confidence, eat out and do most of the things I used to be able to do.

Knowing what to consume

My first trip out was in December when my family took me to Winter Wonderland in London, UK. I had thought I would never go out again, but we had a lovely Christmas that year and I was able to eat all the things I used to with no problems. You get to know the things you can and can't eat.

Nowadays, I don't usually drink alcohol and for New Year I didn't have a lot, but I did mix a few and was duly ill... my own fault of course, and everyone thought it was hilarious.

Taking up old hobbies

I have given myself some projects this year. The first was to restore my mountain bike, which I stripped down and had re-sprayed with new transfers. It now looks like a new bike! Unfortunately I can't ride it yet, as I don't think my rear end is ready for that yet... but maybe one day.

In the 1980s, I used to be a DJ and I would quite like to get back into it, so I have been getting together some gear and building my own lights. Now I can hardly get into my garage as I also have a drum kit in there – 'poor neighbours', I hear you say!