Hello everyone! I am actually still here. I just passed my 7th year in Ileostomy World. Alot has gone on with me lately. I just had open heart surgery on the 11th of April. I spent 6 hours in surgery and 4 days in ICU. I did not have a heart attack. It was discovered that I have Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy and not enough blood was getting through the Left Ventricle. I was pass ...

I recently got a sigmoid colectomy. It's been a week and I still feel kind of in the dark (knowledge-wise). Anyone that wouldn't mind being bothered by what may seem like dumb or annoying questions? I would like to make more friends through this as well. Thank you

I have been using a bandeau (tube top), but the company changed their design and I could not find a replacement until now. It is called a tummy sleeve found in maternity shops. It is longer than the bandeau I was using and covers my bag completely. It is just what I want.

Try saying that title 3x fast... what a mouthful!
I had my first colonoscopy since getting stomas today. I learned a lot.
1) If you use closed-end bags, you'll want a drainable bag for the prep. I knew this and planned ahead. BUT I underestimated the difficulties of using an unfamiliar bag.
It had a cool little pocket to secure the outlet, so I used it. But then the bag filled very quickly. I ...

I am searching for the best way to secure my urostomy pouch when cycling. I have looked at various websites, but I am not sure what the best method is, e.g., wraps?
Any thoughts on what the best way to do this is?

Well, I don't know about you lot, but it seems my newish stoma has given me a fabulous new social status!
I have received a personal invitation to attend the opening of the new endoscopy unit at our local hospital! Get me!! But "opening" has so many variations in this context.
I am not sure about the social norms at such an esteemed high-level award, so any advice is welcome!! To be honest, I ...

Hi everyone,

I'm almost four months post-ileostomy surgery, and I'm looking to start rebuilding my core strength. I haven't been able to exercise for years, so I'm starting from scratch and want to be really careful.

One of my biggest concerns is overdoing it and increasing my risk of a hernia. I know core strength is important, but I'm not sure what exercises are safe to begin with. ...

WHEN YOU SUFFER THE EXHAUSTING pain and misery that causes you to end up with an ostomy, it is not unnatural to find yourself questioning your place in the world. We’ve all been through that to one extent or another. Here’s how I dealt with it. I simply decided that I was not going to be intimidated by reality anymore. There were some small aspects of my life over which I had control. ...

Just reading the latest Ostomy Australia magazine and noticed a letter from Iggie - well done, mate!
A PDF copy of the mag is below for those interested:
https://australianstoma.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Ostomy-Australia-April2025.pdf
and Iggie's letter (might be too small to read, but it's on page 7 of the issue):

It's painful only when I move…. If I hold still, I'm okay. It turns out the Brava sheets were leaving bruises. So glad I have revision surgery next Friday! Let's hope it's a GOOD Good Friday for all involved!

I have double ostomies. I started pole a year ago, and I've just started aerial. For 16 years, I did nothing. I'm due for my 35th operation in October, but I'm not allowing it to stop me anymore. Thank you to those who believe in me every day, even though I don't. I'm so lucky to have a supportive partner who also has an ileostomy. Be bold, believe, and fly