Coloplast
  • [dm-modal]
  • Select Country

Coming to terms with changes

Some tips and strategies for dealing with the setbacks and frustration that comes from living with a stoma.

Coloplast care

Coping with the changes after ostomy surgery can be a bumpy ride with many ups and downs along the way. There's no magic cure, but in time you will achieve balance and happiness in your life - just like others who have been through similar challenges have done.

Coming to terms with changes

When frustration sets in

At first you were probably concerned about all the practical skills you had to learn. And maybe you felt primarily relieved because the surgery was part of a treatment for a disease or at least for significant medical issues.

But as you begin to return to daily life, feelings of confusion and frustration might start to emerge. While there's no universal solution for dealing with these feelings, there are certain things you can do to regain balance in your life.

Take control

It is not uncommon to experience a loss of control over your situation. If that's the case you should take an active part in every decision concerning your ostomy, from choosing your products to setting the boundaries for what you are and aren't ready for. This will give you a greater sense of control – and that will without a doubt make you feel stronger.

You are still the same person

It is also quite natural to feel a certain sense of identity loss, as if somehow you became someone different after the surgery.

In that aspect it's important to keep doing things you used to do and enjoy before. Not to be nostalgic about life before surgery, but to remind yourself of all the positive experiences you can still enjoy.

Make a list of all the things you used to do and enjoy before, and make sure that you continue to do at least a few of these things each month. And remember: It is only your physical circumstances that have changed. Not who you are as a person.

Recommended stories

How to talk about your stoma

Are you afraid of talking to others about your stoma? Not sure what to say to children? Here are some ostomy conversation tips.

Read more
Dealing with negative emotions

Having a stoma can be exhausting, and it’s not unusual to be affected or even depressed from time to time. Here are some strategies for dealing with those emotions.

Read more
Coming to terms with changes

Some tips and strategies for dealing with the setbacks and frustration that comes from living with a stoma.

Read more

       

       

Assistance and Guidance just a call away!

Our Care programs, designed for people living with an ostomy, offer straight-forward advice, personalized support and inspiration. Care is available when you need it. Our dedicated regional language speaking CARE team of advisors and specialists are here to help you live a better life by helping you do more of the things you love, so you can be you!

1800 102 0550   Enroll Now   MyOstomy App
Assistance and Guidance just a call away!
go_to_top