Living with a stoma

Having a stoma, even temporarily, is a big change and takes some getting used to. Thousands of Australians have a stoma and lead a mostly normal life. The stoma may sometimes affect your lifestyle, but most issues can be managed, especially with some planning.

Learn more about:

• How a stoma might look
• How a stoma might affect your sex life
• Stoma prolapse
• Eating with a stoma
• Support for people with stomas

How a stoma might look

You may worry about the bag being seen under clothing. Although the bag may seem obvious to you, most people won’t notice the bag unless you tell them. The stoma’s location may make some clothes less comfortable (e.g. tight waistbands, belts), but you will generally be able to keep wearing your normal clothes. You can also buy underwear that is designed for people with a stoma.

How a stoma might affect your sex life

You may worry that the stoma will affect your ability to have sex. Getting used to looking after the stoma will help you feel more confident. Sex when you have a stoma may need a little planning, but can still be satisfying and fulfilling. However, it is dangerous to use the stoma hole in any sexual activity.

Learn more about sexuality, intimacy and cancer.

Stoma prolapse

This is when some of the bowel comes out through the stoma opening. Sometimes the prolapse will slide back in by itself, but it may pop in and out. Your stomal therapy nurse or surgeon can tell you how to look after the prolapsed stoma and adapt the stoma bag.

Eating with a stoma

Sometimes foods can build up and cause blockages. This means solids, fluids and gas can’t move through as they normally would. To help the stoma settle and to avoid blockages, you may need to change what you eat. Over time, most people find they can eat a normal healthy diet. A stoma blockage can be uncomfortable and cause a bloated feeling or nausea.

If you experience symptoms of a blockage for more than 2 hours or you start vomiting, contact your nurse or hospital.

Support for people with a stoma

See a stomal therapy nurse 

If there is a chance you could need a stoma, the surgeon will usually refer you to a stomal therapy nurse before surgery. Stomal therapy nurses are registered nurses with special training in stoma care. They are available at most major hospitals, district nursing agencies and in private practice.

A stomal therapy nurse can talk to you about the best position for the stoma, answer questions about your surgery and recovery, and give you information about adjusting to life with a stoma.

To find a nurse, visit the Australian Association of Stomal Therapy Nurses.

Join a stoma association 

The stomal therapy nurse will ask if you’d like to join a stoma (or ostomy) association. For a small yearly membership fee, you will be able to get free stoma appliances and products. Some stoma associations provide assistance and information and coordinate support groups. Visit the Australian Council of Stoma Association for more information.

Register for the Stoma Appliance Scheme 

The Australian Government’s Stoma Appliance Scheme (SAS) provides free stoma supplies to people with a temporary or permanent stoma. To apply for the SAS, you must hold a Medicare card and belong to a stoma association. Visit health.gov.au and type “stoma appliance scheme” into the search box for more details.

Find a support group

There are many support groups or forums on social media you can follow or join, including at Bowel Cancer Australia.

→ READ MORE: Managing bowel and dietary changes

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