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Myths about living with a stoma still cause unnecessary stigma and anxiety; even though modern stoma care allows people to live full, active lives. Sally Wright sees these misconceptions often, and here she sets the record straight.
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An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that brings the end of your small intestine to the surface of your abdomen. This creates an opening called a stoma. Waste leaves your body through the stoma and collects in a pouch. This guide explains what an ileostomy is, why people need one and which types exist. It also covers diet with an ileostomy, ileostomy care, and how to deal with gas pain, stomach cramps and blockages.
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A urostomy is an operation that gives urine a new way to leave your body, through an opening in your abdomen called a stoma. In this guide, you’ll learn how a urostomy works, which types exist, how urostomy bags and pouches work, and how to look after your stoma and stay active.
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A colostomy changes many things at first glance, but it doesn't have to change your quality of life. In this guide, you'll learn what types of colostomies exist, when they're necessary, how to manage your nutrition and care for your stoma, plus practical tips for staying active and enjoying life.
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Choosing your first stoma appliance can feel overwhelming, especially with so many pouching systems, sizes, and accessories to consider. There's no single "perfect" bag — the right one depends on your stoma, body, and lifestyle, and finding it often takes some trial and adjustment. This guide covers the basics to help you feel more prepared.
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High output can be a worrying and disruptive part of life with a stoma but understanding what's happening and knowing when to act can make it much easier to manage. In this guide, you'll learn what counts as high output and how it's measured, the common causes after stoma surgery, and the signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance to watch for.
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Stoma infections are rare, thanks to the intestinal lining's natural mucus production and rich blood supply, which help repel bacteria and support healing. It's far more common for the peristomal skin — the area surrounding the stoma — to become irritated or infected due to moisture or leakage. Knowing the signs of a stoma infection can help you catch problems early. This guide covers the causes, the types you might encounter, and when to speak to your stoma care nurse or GP.
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With so many options in shape, size, material and design, choosing the right stoma bag can feel overwhelming at first. But finding the perfect stoma bag isn't about picking the "best" product overall — it's about finding what suits your stoma type and your day-to-day life. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about the different types of stoma bags, how to find the right one for you, and answers to the most common questions.
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The word fistula is often mentioned alongside stoma surgery, but only a small number of people with a stoma will experience one. In this guide, we'll explain what a fistula is, the different types of stoma fistula, the symptoms to look out for, and the treatments that may help.
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Experiencing stoma pain can be quite unsettling, especially while you're still trying to find your feet after surgery. In this guide, you'll learn about the most common causes of stoma pain, how to tell ordinary discomfort from something that needs urgent attention, and what you can do to feel more comfortable day to day.
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Stoma necrosis is a serious but thankfully uncommon complication that can affect a stoma. In this guide, you'll learn what causes it, when it tends to happen, how to recognise it, and what treatment usually looks like.
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Some people light up a room with humour, honesty and a stoma called Strawberry. Meet Alannah Simpson, also known as @glitterygutsx, our newest Unora Ambassador. Alannah is a proud ostomate and a mother of two, balancing life with grace, humour, and determination.
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Having stoma surgery is a major life event and can take quite a bit of adjusting to. Whether your stoma was planned or created during an emergency surgery, the first few months involve healing both physically and psychologically. It is important to note that your recovery from stoma surgery is not a race. Your experience will depend on the type of stoma you have, why you needed surgery, whether the operation was planned or emergency, and your general health. We all heal at our own pace.
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Stoma prolapse, retraction, and stenosis are common complications that can affect the quality of life for individuals with a stoma. Each condition has its own set of causes, symptoms and ways of managing the complications. Understanding the early warning signs is important for you to maintain comfort and health with a your stoma. Contact with your Stoma Care Nurse who can help address issues swiftly and prevent further complications.
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Red, sore or itchy skin around your stoma is common, and it can be frustrating and uncomfortable. In this guide, our stoma care nurses explain what can cause sensitive skin around a stoma, what to check first, which stoma bags may help and how to soothe irritated skin.
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Living with a stoma raises plenty of practical questions, from how often to change your pouch to what to eat and how to sleep comfortably. We asked Sally, a stoma nurse, about the concerns she hears most often, and in this guide she shares her advice on pouch changes, leaks, skin care, diet, sleep, exercise and intimacy.
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Unora Ambassador Ed talks openly about winter, mental health and life with a stoma, from low mood and confidence to why men should speak up. As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, many of us notice a change in our mood and motivation, and living with a stoma can bring its own questions. In this Q&A, Unora Ambassador Ed shares how the darker months affect him, how he looks after his mental health and why he believes it's so important for men to speak up and support one another.
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Endometriosis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For some, the impact extends beyond reproductive health, leading to severe complications. In this candid Q&A, we speak with Kathryn, our newest Unora ambassador, who has faced a long battle with endometriosis and multiple surgeries, ultimately leading to a stoma. She shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of raising awareness. Let’s hear her story.
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