Living with a Stoma
What is a stoma? Update #2 June 2026
A stoma - more formally, an ostomy - is an opening in the abdomen through which a small portion of the intestine, colon, oesophagus or ureter (ileal conduit) passes through and expels urine or waste. There are many reasons for requiring a stoma, from Crohns, colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease to non-functioning areas of the digestive system or bladder, to diversion during or following cancer treatment.
Mine stems from spina bifida, which greatly affected the function of my colon, as well as a polyposis syndrome that required frequent, risky excision of large polyps. I have gone from being able to use the toilet once every 25 to 40 days to a manageable, more comfortable many-times-daily frequency with a stoma - as you can imagine, it's pretty amazing!
A typical day
Becoming used to a stoma is a learning curve and can take time, however, overall, most people I have encountered, irrespective of the reasons for their stoma, do adjust positively to this new aspect of life. I think of it as an essential part of day-to-day self-care; look after my dog, eat, shower, sleep, work, read, clean, exercise, stoma care.
My day begins… in the night!
It is no secret that most require one or two get-ups in the night, due to a more liquid output, and the capacity now my digestive journey ends with the small intestine. Just as we wake when needing the loo, the body quickly learns to recognise when a bag empty is a good idea. Some set an alarm instead, to reduce worry and gain a balanced sleep.
I always begin the day with a shower and bag change. The whole lot goes into a small biodegradable bag (a dog poo bag is standard in our house), and out to the bin.
Then what? Lessons, time with Amber (our dog), admin, cooking… all the usual things. And an essential bag empty right before bed!
The point is, nothing really changed once I had settled in to an altered diet - this requires gradual reintroduction of some foods - and my scars had fully healed.
Last Updated June 2026
Introduction - Update #1 March 2026
I'm Frances, a member of St. George's PPG group, I'm 44 and for the last three and a half years I have been accompanied everywhere I go by my faithful companion, "Ramona the Stoma".
Over the coming months, I'd like to provide insights into what it is like to live with a Stoma and maybe address questions that you may have as part of a regular blog type update.
To name... or not to name?
I was encouraged to name my stoma, something many do to help become confident with looking after their stoma and addressing stoma care in conversation. I didn't feel the need to name mine as have embraced my new normal from the start, however do refer to Ramona by name when she is misbehaving!
Without doubt, Ramona has brought with her a much better quality of life. Not a day goes by without me thinking how incredible stoma life is, even when things don't quite go to plan - the occasional bathroom dash with an overly-full bag or upset stomach is going to occur from time to time, just as they would without a stoma! - so I thought I'd start a blog to share information with anyone awaiting stoma surgery or already navigating a new life with a stoma.
Over the coming months, I will answer questions, share a typical day, show you why I love delivery day, help with preparing for a trip or holiday and discuss fashion and clothing choices.
Have a great day!!
Frances and "Ramona"
Last Updated March 2026
