Stomas – Bowel Cancer
What is a Stoma?
A stoma is surgically created opening in the stomach created to allow body waste to be removed. Two types of stomas can be created for some individuals with Bowel Cancer, depending on the location of the cancer a colostomy or ileostomy will be formed.
Colostomy
Ileostomy
Macmillan offer a host of information regarding stomas, surgery, difficulties and more.
For more information visit, What is a stoma? | Macmillan Cancer Support.
If individuals have a question relating to their cancer diagnosis they can contact their hospital team, who specialise in their cancer type.
The Lincolnshire Colorectal Teams can be contacted on:
- Lincoln & Grantham: 01522 573776
- Pilgrim Boston: 01305 446466
Hints & Tips:
- Following surgery prepare a Stomas Kit, with a spare of each item, for when out and about.
- Sit down on the toilet backwards to empty the bag, to avoid back splash.
- When dehydrated due to high output, hot days, or exercise support rehydration through rehydration fluids with added electrolytes.
- When exercising wear, a support belt to ensure perspiration does not allow the bag to peel off.
- Prepare the bed with a mattress protector. One can also be taken when travelling to ensure peace of mind.
Other Information and Support for You
Information on Bowel Cancer, Treatments, Surgeries, support available, videos on stomas, information on stoma supplies, podcasts and more.
The site has several groups including:
- A Forum – for anyone affected by bowel cancer to ask questions and share experiences, including family and caregivers.
- Stomas Support Facebook Group
- Family, friends, and carers support Facebook Group
The site also has a Ask the Nurse feature, enabling individuals to access information and signposting in relation to bowel cancer. Contact: nurse@bowelcanceruk.org.uk.
Website: Stomas | Treatment | About bowel cancer | Bowel Cancer UK
The website provides information and advice on all colostomy topics including, training, awareness, symptoms, reversals, travel, irrigation, relationships and sex, exercise and more including caring people someone with a stoma. The website also has videos of life stories, a support magazine, blogs and information about upcoming open days, links to Facebook support groups, carers workshops and colostomy events which include swimming, art session, chair yoga and archery.
They also have an active Ostomates Group which provides at home classes. Classes include Zumba, Family arts and crafts, pop to the movies and musicals dance class, yoga classes, virtual art classes and mindfulness and meditation classes.
The website also has instructions on how to purchase a RADAR Key.
- Free 24-hour helpline – 0800 328 4257
- Live Chat Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
- Facebook Group
- Telephone Befriending Service
Website: Colostomy UK - A UK charity supporting people with a stoma
The website offers information on all things Ileostomy, including frequently asked questions, support group, people’s stories, research, informative literature and more.
Website: https:/