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  • Home
  • About
  • Ostomy
    • Stoma Information
    • Products >
      • Colostomy
      • Ileostomy
      • Urostomy
      • Neonatal & Paediatric
      • Wound and Fistula
      • Additional Products
    • Patient Education
    • Additional Information
  • Wound Care
    • What is Hyaluronic Acid?
    • Fidia Products >
      • Hyalo4® Start
      • Hyal04® Control
      • Hyalo4® Regen
      • Hyalo4® Skin
    • Hydrofera Blue
    • Phametra Fistula Adapters
  • Shop
  • Nurse Resources
    • Case Studies >
      • Ostomy
      • Wound Care
    • Brochures >
      • Ostomy
      • Wound Care
    • Videos
    • Order Samples
  • Order Samples
  • Contact Us
  • Wound Care Resources
    • Pharmetra Website
    • Fidia Website

Living with a stoma

Let us help you deal with all aspects of living with a stoma, from those first few weeks after surgery to everyday lifestyle advice, including travel tips, exercise, diet and relationships.
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Early days at home

When you are first discharged from hospital you will feel tired and find everyday task, such as having a shower, exhausting. This is normal and will improve over time. You should not need to stay in bed when you get home, but you will need plenty of rest, and should make time for a nap during the day.
You may experience some pain and discomfort initially whilst recovering from your surgery. This is a normal part of recovery and you may need to take regular pain relief. There is no need to suffer!
Avoid tight fitting clothing during this period as your abdomen may be sore and swollen.
It is normal to feel emotional after major surgery, so don’t worry if you have ‘down’ or ‘teary’ days to begin with. Talking to family and friends can be helpful – don’t feel you need to cope alone. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse is there to support you, and there are patient support groups who can help, too.
Don’t be frightened to ask for help.
Changing your stoma bag will be slow at first, but with practice and as you gain confidence, this will become part of your normal daily routine.
Tips for early recovery
  • It is advisable to go for a short walk daily
  • You should be able to manage stairs
  • Spread tasks over the day and rest in between, but remember you are likely to feel more tired as the day goes on
  • Do not lift anything heavier than a half-full kettle
  • You will be able to make small light meals
  • You must not drive in the early days after your surgery because you are still sore and may have restricted movement.  Also, certain medication can affect your ability to drive
tips for ongoing recovery
  • Continue to rest when you get tired
  • Continue to avoid heavy lifting due to the risk of developing a hernia. If you do need to lift, keep the objects close to your body, bend knees and wear a light support garment. Your Stomal Therapy Nurse will be able to advise you
  • Household activities such as ironing can be done sitting down
  • Continue to walk on a daily basis, going further over the week
  • Avoid stretching up to reach high cupboards
  • You should be able to drive after 3-6 weeks, depending on your type of surgery but you should check with your insurance company
  • Continue the abdominal exercises you were taught in hospital
Avoiding a hernia
There are steps you can take to help prevent a hernia, and it is important to be aware of these immediately after your surgery.
Read More
The risk of urinary track infections
If you have a Urostomy it is important to be aware of the risk of Urinary Tract Infections
Read More
Obtaining Supplies
Diet & Hydration
Training & Exercise
Travel
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Coping with
​Emotional Challenges
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Sex, Intimacy
and Relationships
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Body Image
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Clothing Choices & Tips
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Medication
Problems You May Experience
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AinsCorp Pty Ltd
Australia
PO Box 572 Niddrie Victoria 3042 Australia
Tel: +03 9336 3000 | Fax: +03 9336 1644
Toll Free: 1300 784 737 
Email: service@ainscorp.com.au

New Zealand
PO Box 16150 Sandringham Auckland 1351
Tel: +64 21 909 321
Toll Free: 0800 100 146  
Email: service@ainscorp.com.au​