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Welcome to Colostomy UK's November update
And so the countdown to Christmas begins...
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Don't let festive food catch you out!
 Treat yourself but don't go mad
It’s so easy to overindulge over the festive period when confronted with so many tasty titbits all shouting out “Eat me, eat me”, and let's face it, feasting is one of the joys of Christmas. But that's when you’re eating patterns can become irregular. Throw alcohol into the mix and you could come a cropper with a stoma that complains in undesirable ways.
Dietician, Pooja Dhir, shares her top tips on how to manage your stoma over the Christmas holidays here.
If you do have any concerns about managing your stoma during the festivities, then contact your healthcare professional/dietician.
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How do you feel about your body?
We wanted to know how you felt about your body image...and you told us!
Recently, Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts revealed in the national press how she had always struggled with her body image but all that has changed, and with the help of her stoma, 'Audrey', she has a new body confidence.
We shared Adele's story on our social media platforms and asked our followers to tell us how stoma surgery had impacted their body image. Here are a couple of the responses:
“My whole journey has humbled me, made me less shallow and vain, I now embrace every part of who I am inside and out. When it came down to it, none of it really mattered at all”
“I still struggle I had no choice it was life or death for me but I just do not look in the mirror anymore”
You can read more of your replies here. As individuals with varying circumstances, experiences and feelings do differ. Please know that we are here for you all and if you ever need to talk to someone you can call our 24/7 helpline on 0800 328 4257
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Did you know? - rectal discharge
Our information on rectal discharge is the second most visited page on our website this year. After stoma surgery many people are shocked to suffer from rectal discharge. Though normal, it can be another frustration to have to deal with particularly when your body is first adapting to functioning in a different way.
If are having problems you are not alone. Check out our guide to find out why rectal discharge happens and tips on how to cope, plus our range of handy booklets and factsheets covering everything from granulomas to parastomal hernias, are all on our website here
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From application to removal, skin stays protected
We couldn’t keep developing our product range without input from our ostomate community. You helped us to design our revolutionary new flat stoma bag, Genii™ - the first in the world to use a silicone-based adhesive.
And, thanks to your continued feedback, we’ve been able to keep developing, refining, and finessing it to make sure you get the best user experience. The Genii™ stoma bag features a silicone formula that achieves firm adhesion yet is even easier to remove. Give it a try and please let us know if it’s working for you.
Request a sample
This post is a sponsored by Trio Healthcare
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Donate and make a difference
Every single pound counts
Over 200,000 people in the UK live with a #Stoma. That's 1 in 335 of us. Can you support our Stoma Aware campaign so prejudice and discrimination become a thing of the past? Donate online at https://www.colostomyuk.org/donate/ Thank you
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Open days and events
We've enjoyed getting out about again during November, meeting ostomates, and a host of health and social care professionals.
This month saw Libs and Max attend the Mid Devon stoma Support Group run by one of our longstanding volunteers, Janice Ford (on the far right), and a jolly good catchup was had by all. Then, Giovanni and Max attended the Occupational Therapy Show at the NEC in Birmingham, a great opportunity to network with health care professionals whilst also spreading the word about our campaigns and support services.
Check out our events listings on our website for details of open days and other exhibitions we'll be attending, and do pop over and say 'hello' if you happen to be attending any of them too.
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Interested in playing walking rugby?
It's never too late to become active
We’re excited to be able to offer an opportunity for people living with a stoma in Gloucestershire, West Yorkshire, and Greater Manchester, a chance to get active through playing walking rugby. It’s a slower paced version of the sport which is available to all regardless of age, health, gender and ability.
The sessions are open to anyone in the local communities, and all organisations are aware of the needs of people living with a stoma to access suitable toilet facilities.
Check out contacts and all the details about the sessions here.
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Get festive with Colostomy UK
We've teamed up with Charity cards online to offer a pack of ten cards and envelopes for just £4.50
If you're looking to send your loved ones a Christmas card this year why not spread a bit of stoma awareness as well as festive cheer and shop with us. All profits from sales of our Christmas card packs will help us to better support more people living with a stoma.
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An important part of our work is campaigning - find out more.
If you would like to support Colostomy UK , we'd be very grateful to receive your donation. Check out ways to donate via our website.
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