The following paragraphs will offer advice and tips on how to care for your stoma and to make the most of your colostomy:

Looking after your colostomy

When you have a colostomy a specialist stoma care nurse will be able to help and advise you on how to look after your colostomy and how to manage at home. He or she will be able to offer tips as well as helping you out with practical concerns or worries that you may have.

Choosing the right equipment

There is an increasingly diverse range of equipment available to make your life as easy and hassle-free as possible; these include a range of stoma bags, support belts, deodorising products, creams and underwear. Your nurse will able to advise you as to which devices will best suit your individual situation and you can also consult guides and catalogues released by companies who specialise in health care products.

Establishing a routine

Most people find it easier to cope with their colostomy by settling into a daily routine; this means you can arrange activities or social events around the time you change your colostomy bag and will make it easier for you to organise your daily life. When you change your bag you should take care to ensure you have everything you need with you before you start the process; this will make it easier and quicker.

Getting new supplies

When you first come out of hospital you will be given a supply of colostomy bags; when this runs out you will need to take your prescription information card to your GP; they will then be able to write you a new prescription; allow yourself plenty of time to do this before you run out of supplies. All patients with permanent colostomy bags are entitled to free supplies of colostomy bags but you will need to obtain an exemption form (form FP92A) from your GP or the local authority.