Have you named your stoma?
Has naming your stoma helped you in your bladder cancer journey? Share your stoma's name below and how you chose it.
Hi Sarah,
My stoma is called "Sally", just because "Sally" seems to fit and it was my lovely husband Tim who came up with her name.
It has helped so much, naming her, with coming to terms with having a stoma. It has "normalised her" and helped me accept the fact that she will be with me till the end.
Its frightening waking up from the operation, knowing that sooner or later, you will have to face this "new thing" on your body. I,
personally, needed to face up to it as soon as I could as I was so worried that I would "freak
out" when I first saw it. I needn't of worried as it wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be.
The rest is history... Sally is now part of the familyAnita, Sally sounds like a lovely and friendly name. I am so glad to hear that naming your stoma has helped you normalize and accept her. It can really make a difference when you're still getting used to having it. Love that she is part of the family now! Thanks for sharing. 😀 -Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
Yes, I have named my stoma "tinkles", as this is what I would ask my small children, when potty training them, do you have to tinkle?
purring2 - "tinkles" is a delightful name!! Funny how that's what you used to ask your small children while potty traning! -Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
name mine "MYRTLE" no real reason. My mother had a colostomy way back in 1963-1965. She named hers Charlie. Now, I have been told that Myrtle may need to be moved from the right side to the left. When that happens I'm going to have a name that stoma contest!
Hi
, "myrtle" and "Charlie" are both wonderful names! That's a lovely idea to have a stoma contest if Myrtle needs to be moved. A contest is a great way to choose a name. I would like to hear which one you end up choosing! -Sarah (BladderCancer.net Team Member)
my stomas are called Jack (colostomy) and Victor (urostomy). They are named after a UK comedy series called Still Game. Naming them has helped with acceptance but also allows me to talk about them to my husband if I need to tend to them went out and about. Jack and Victor are 4 years old today. Laura, Moderator 
@Laura Mackenzie - Glad that you clarified who your ostomies were name for. My first thought was after 2 long time enemies on a soap opera I have followed since...........college. My best to you. Linda ( moderator, Bladdercancer.net team member)
ah ha. Wonder if the characters in your programme get up to as much trouble as my ostomies 😀 Laura, moderator
