Video: Getting Started with an Ostomy

Do you know what an ostomy is or what to expect when living with one? Most people don't know too much about it unless they or someone close to them has one.

I have been a double bagger for almost 5 years. That is someone who has two ostomies. During this time, I have learned many tips and tricks for managing my ostomies and ostomy bag routines, and I would like to share some of my experiences with you.

Considering a cystectomy?

There are many reasons why people will need an ostomy, one of them being cancer. In my case, it was due to stage 4 bladder cancer. I needed to have my bladder removed, and as it had spread extensively within my pelvic area, part of my bowel needed to be removed too. That is why in my case, I needed not only a urostomy but also a colostomy.

This means I wear a urostomy bag to collect the urine as I no longer have a bladder to hold it. My colostomy bags collect feces as they can no longer leave my body in the usual way.

What to expect when you're expecting... A new stoma

I hope this video will support any patients or the family of patients waiting for surgery to remove their bladder following a bladder cancer diagnosis. I talk through the ostomy bag, emptying it, and what to do at night-time and when traveling.

It is an excellent introduction to what to expect after stoma creation and the basic things available to help the patient know what to expect after surgery and as they begin their life wearing an ostomy bag.