April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. We’d like to share the experiences of Andrea, an ostomate in remission from Bowel Cancer, Richard, who works for Colostomy UK and Nicky, a nurse in the Birmingham area who has been in Bowel Nursing for around 20 years, and Stoma Care for over 10.

In this episode, the topic of conversation is returning to work with a stoma. Paige, Chrissie and Elizabeth share their experiences of going back to work after such life-changing surgery.

In this episode, the topic of discussion is dating and relationships with a Stoma. Lisa, Jack and Emily have had different experiences with relationships with a stoma.

Emily was already in a relationship before she had surgery, but for Lisa and Jack, they had to go through the ‘dating with a stoma’ experience.

They both agree that when dating, the best thing to do is to be honest and not to put too much pressure on yourself.

In this episode, the topic of discussion is exercising with a Stoma. Ollie, Rebecca and James have all had major surgery and now have a stoma. They talk about what keeping fit means to them and the importance of starting afresh with exercise after such life changing operation.

Ian and Kate have had support from their Stoma Nurse Mireille for 11 years and her support has been so important. Right from Ian’s first diagnosis to ongoing care throughout his time in hospital to life back at home. They are very grateful for the psychological support as well as the physical care she has given them both throughout Ian’s journey.

10th October was Mental Health Awareness Day and to coincide with this, we recorded the next edition of our podcast focussing on the mental wellbeing aspect of having a stoma.

In this episode, Lorna and Sarah openly discuss their journeys through suffering and diagnosis of IBD, having a stoma and then life with a stoma and the impact this can have psychologically.

In this episode, we listen in to experienced Stoma Care Nurse Specialists, Dawn and Anne-Marie, talking about the unique role of the Stoma Care Nurse and the support offered to people throughout their stoma journey. Dawn and Anne-Marie provide helpful tips and advice for people expecting or living with a stoma as well as some of their personal experiences along the way. An informal conversation that truly shows that caring for patients is at the forefront of their role as Stoma Care Nurse.

In this episode, we're talking about getting married with a stoma. Gemma is a 32-year-old mum-of-two living with a colostomy. She's joined by her partner, Vic, who proposed to her in 2017 and has supported her throughout her journey with a stoma. They talk openly about the impact that having a stoma had on Gemma’s body image and the how Vic’s positive approach and support has helped Gemma to accept that it’s just part of who she is.