It is often hard for people who do not have a stoma to fully understand the mechanics of them.
If you have a stoma, what myths have you heard that you would like to dispel? Do you have any tips to help people who want to explain their stomas to others?
When my sister first had her stoma, she refused to bath because she had heard that she shouldn't. This is a myth that needs dispelling - you just need to find your preferred combination of bag and adhesive, in order to feel comfortable. And if you want to, there is absolutely no reason why you can't bathe without a bag at all!
People often fear a stoma or state this is the end of their life. I have known several people say they would rather die than have a stoma (unfortunately that is what is happening to a family friend). Life is too precious to give it away because of the mild inconvience of a bag (I have a colostomy). I have been given back my life and I appreciate every day God has given me.
I have been asked can you really go in the swimming pool? The answer of course is a resounding yes, no problem and no my bag doesn.t leak in the water. In fact yesterday I spent a good four hours in the spa and swimming pool at work, getting my bag wet three separate times. It held beautifully. I am also treated abit like a china doll at work at times with should you be doing that and can you do that? The answer is I am always careful and know when and when not to push myself - but it is nice that people care.
Stoma hasn’t worked for over 12 hours no pain
high ileostomy output 
Iliostomy advice confused and very scared 
