Living with a stoma

Having undergone stoma surgery, you will start to perceive your body differently. This can be associated with a sense of anxiety and insecurity. Learning to live with a stoma takes time. It is important to talk about these feelings rather than suppress them. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your care providers. After a period of physical and mental adjustment, many patients with a stoma can ultimately maintain a high quality of life.

Try to maintain social contacts whenever possible. It is important to listen to your body, but also to rebuild your life step by step. If you find this difficult, a psychologist can help you.

In addition to your self-image and confidence, a stoma can also affect how you experience sexuality and intimacy. Further information on sexuality and fertility is available in the information brochures of Stomazorg Vlaanderen (only in Dutch): www.stomavlaanderen.be/brochures.

You can continue to work in most professions even with a stoma. If your job involves considerable physical effort it may be necessary to adapt your tasks or find another acceptable solution.

After a recovery period, most sports can be resumed. We advise against sports involving a lot of physical contact, such as wrestling, judo or karate. 

When swimming, you can wear your usual stoma equipment under a swimsuit or high-waisted swimming trunks or shorts. If you wish, you can replace the stoma collection pouch with a stoma cap. This is only possible with solid/formed stools (in the case of a colostomy), not with liquid stools. 

You can travel without any problems. Make sure you take enough supplies with you, or find out where you can buy them whilst abroad. The manufacturer of your stoma supplies can help you with this. 

Do not leave stoma supplies in the car for too long: the flange may distort and become less adhesive when exposed to fluctuating ambient temperatures. If you are staying in hot climates, it is advisable to take extra supplies with you and store them in a cool place.

If you’re travelling by plane, make sure to pack enough supplies in your hand luggage. Bear in mind that you often can’t take scissors on a plane, so remember to take ready-cut flanges.

There is no need to dress differently with a stoma. It is not advisable, however, to wear tight clothing in the stoma area. The main thing is that your clothing should be comfortable. 

The internet provides lots of information on special stoma accessories, e.g. stoma covers, support belts, swimwear, and so on. 

You can apply for a toilet facilities pass from StomaVlaanderen, at a cost of 5 euros.

To apply, you’ll need a certificate completed by the doctor in charge of your treatment. You’ll find this certificate in the follow-up folder you receive when you’re discharged from hospital. Forward this, together with a passport-sized photo, to StomaVlaanderen.

Upon presentation of the toilet pass, catering establishments and businesses must give you free access to their toilet facilities, without requiring you to purchase any food or drinks.

Further information is available on the StomaVlaanderen website (only in Dutch).