Living With a Stoma
Many people leave hospital with a stoma after bowel surgery. It is a big adjustment: physically and emotionally. These resources from trusted organisations can help you understand what to expect, how to care for your stoma, and where to find support.
⚠️ This is general information only: not medical advice. Always follow your healthcare team's specific instructions.
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Resources from NHS, Colostomy UK, healthdirect & others
Last reviewed: July 2026 · Free to use · No data collected
Official Guides
NHS: Living with a colostomy
Comprehensive guide covering diet, hygiene, travel, exercise and everyday life with a colostomy.
Visit NHS ↗
healthdirect Australia: Living with a stoma
Australian guide to stoma care, products, and support services available nationally.
Visit healthdirect ↗
Cancer Research UK: Having a colostomy or ileostomy
Information about colostomy and ileostomy for cancer patients, including what to expect and how to manage.
Visit Cancer Research UK ↗
Support Helplines
Colostomy UK Helpline: 0800 328 4257
Free, confidential support from trained volunteers who live with a stoma themselves.
Visit Colostomy UK Helpline ↗
Colostomy UK: Support page
Full range of support services including buddy schemes, online community, and local groups.
Visit Colostomy UK Support ↗
Coloplast Care: Stoma support groups
Find local and online stoma support groups through the Coloplast Charter network.
Visit Coloplast Care ↗
Continence Health Australia
National continence and ostomy support, resources, and service directory for Australians.
Visit Continence Health Australia ↗
Practical Tips from NHS Trusts
Imperial College Healthcare NHS: Stoma Care
Specialist stoma care service information including pre-operative counselling and post-operative support.
Visit Imperial College Healthcare ↗
Common Questions
What is a stoma?
A stoma is an opening on the abdomen created during surgery to divert the flow of faeces or urine. After bowel surgery, a colostomy or ileostomy allows waste to pass into a bag worn on the outside of the body. Many people live full, active lives with a stoma.
Where can I get stoma support?
Colostomy UK offers a free helpline on 0800 328 4257. You can also find local stoma support groups through Colostomy UK, Coloplast Care, or ask your stoma care nurse for recommendations. In Australia, Continence Health Australia provides support and resources.
Can you live a normal life with a stoma?
Yes. Most people with a stoma return to work, exercise, travel, and enjoy social activities. It takes time to adjust, and support from stoma care nurses and patient communities can help with the transition. NHS and Colostomy UK provide practical guides for daily living.
Related Pages on Postopcare.info
Colectomy & bowel resection recovery
Recovery guide for bowel surgery including diet progression and stoma care.
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Post-surgery emotional recovery
Why emotional difficulties are common after surgery and where to get support.
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Support helplines
Mental health support, crisis lines, financial assistance, and patient advocacy resources.
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Living with a tracheostomy
Home care guide covering suctioning, tube changes, communication and bathing.
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Living with a feeding tube (PEG)
NHS-sourced home care guide covering site care, flushing and warning signs.
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Stoma care essentials
Practical products that ostomates say make daily life easier.
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Barrier rings create a custom seal between your skin and the baseplate, they prevent leaks and protect the peristomal skin. Barrier rings →
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Ostomy deodorant drops or sprays neutralise odour inside the pouch, a small thing that makes a big confidence difference. Ostomy deodorant →
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An ostomy support belt holds the pouch securely against your body during activity: especially useful for exercise and sleeping. Ostomy support belt →
Postopcare.info may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. These are things patients have told us genuinely helped their recovery: nothing else.
Your recovery toolkit
Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.
Chronic wound trackerFor wounds that take longer to healDaily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one viewMedication scheduleLay out dose times, add calendar remindersLast-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?”Pain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GPWound checkIs my wound healing normally?
These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.