Stoma Complications Question: I have Crohn’s disease and my surgeon has told me I need a stoma. I’ve been looking at websites and it seems like there are problems with stomas. Should I expect to have complications with a stoma? [...]
Ileostomies & Colostomies and Diet For individuals with an ileostomy (opening into the ileum) or a colostomy (opening into the colon), a well-balanced diet is important. For both groups, there are losses of fluid via the ostomy because water is [...]
Travelling with an Ostomy Question: I have a stoma and would like to travel. Is there a problem with travelling and should I do anything special? Answer: Having a stoma should not prevent you from pursuing and enjoying travel. Some [...]
Stoma Site Selection Question: I have Crohn’s disease and need to have surgery. My surgeon says I will need to have a stoma. A friend said I should get the spot selected for the stoma before surgery. What does this [...]
Stoma Shape Question: My Stoma Seems to be Changing Size/Shape. Is This Normal? Answer: Changes to the size and shape of a stoma can occur with both new and established stomas. Multiple factors can contribute to these alterations. Changes to [...]
Skin Irritation Question: I have recently noticed a bit of red skin around my stoma (an ileostomy) that sometimes burns, and sometimes itches. I have never had this before. Is there anything I should do? Answer: Redness on the skin [...]
Sex and a Stoma Question: My wife recently underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis and now has a temporary ileostomy. While we have talked a little bit about starting to have sex again, we’re both rather scared about doing this. Are [...]
Regular vs. Extended Wear Barriers Question: I have an ileostomy, and was told that I should change my flange from my current regular barrier to an extended wear barrier. What's the difference? Answer: There are different types of barriers available [...]
Prolapsed Stoma Question: I’ve had a colostomy for several years and have not had any problems. Quite recently, my stoma became very long and I was told that I have a prolapse. What is a prolapse and is there anything [...]
Pregnancy with an Ostomy Question: My wife has an ostomy. We are hoping to have children soon. Are there any concerns about pregnancy and ostomies? Answer: Having a stoma is not a contraindication to pregnancy and delivery. Most women with [...]
