There’s nothing scary about a stoma

Are you getting a stoma in the near future? Kelly (19) got one 2,5 years ago, but it doesn’t stop her from enjoying life. Here are some tips for fellow ostomates.

Not weird

“At the moment, I’m super satisfied with my stoma and couldn’t live without it. Because of my stoma, I got rid of all the stomach aches and that makes me so very happy. When I heard I would be getting a stoma, I was a bit scared because I didn’t know what to expect. But I got used to my stoma right away, and the weirdness of it all quickly wore off”, says Kelly.

Enjoying life

Five years ago, the young woman from Brabant suffered from severe stomach aches and was not able to eat properly anymore. After many medical examinations, a malfunction in her large intestine and stomach was found.

“I feel better than before and I am eager to do the things that I love”

She underwent surgery, got a stoma and so-called parenteral nutrition through a central venous catheter. But Kelly is not bothered by that. “I feel better than before and I am eager to do the things that I love”

Shopping

Shopping and going out are not an obstacle for Kelly. On top of that, she continued playing handball, a sport she’s loved doing since she was six. “After I got my stoma, I told the stoma nurse I wanted to be active again, as soon as possible. I can recommend it to anyone to consult you nurse for tips about continuing doing the stuff that you love.”

Young ostomate

Kelly would like to tell all the other young (future) ostomates that a stoma is nothing to be scared of. “In the beginning, I thought people would think it’s weird, or that they would be able to see it. But they don’t. I’ve talked to fellow ostomates who suffered from severe stomach aches like me, and they are just as happy that they finally got rid of that.”

Skin irritation

As an experienced ostomate, Kelly has got some tips for others in the same situation. “When you get a stoma, your skin might get a bit irritated.

I’m happy to say that I don’t have any skin irritations anymore.

That’s why it’s very important to find out what materials and tools are available when taking care of your stoma. I am currently using an ostomy shower which allows me to clean everything better, without the need of stepping into the shower. I’m happy to say that because of that, I don’t have any skin irritations anymore.”

Other tips

“Apart from that”, Kelly continues, “you shouldn’t worry about how to dress. Other people don’t know about your stoma and it doesn’t show. It’s important to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. For example, I have a couple of maternity pants that fit perfectly over my stoma. On top of that, I can recommend taking an extra set of stoma necessities, in case you need to suddenly change your materials.”

Kelly’s stoma has become an ordinary part of her life. And to her little nephews as well: “they are one and four years old and I love playing with them. They don’t know any better and think having a stoma is just perfectly normal.”