Stoma and body image: Embrace your new healthy self

Getting a stoma can bring big changes to one's life, both physically and emotionally. Adjusting to life with a stoma can be challenging and body image concerns can arise. If that happens to you, it's important to remember that stoma can be life-saving and offer significant quality of life improvements for people with serious health conditions.

In this article we'll answer the question "what does a stoma look like?", discuss how to cope with changes in body image and provide tips on clothes as well as mindfulness practices and reframing your thought process when necessary.

What does a stoma look like?

A stoma is a small round or oval opening in the abdomen. It is surgically created to allow waste to exit the body when the natural (or normal) way is no longer viable. It is usually pink or red in color and moist. Some people with a stoma say it resembles the inside of a mouth. Stomas can vary in size, shape and location on the abdomen depending on the type of surgery and individual anatomy.

While it may look unusual at first, many people find that they grow used to their stomas with time. It is important to focus on the fact that stomas are the result of incredible medical advances that help people live healthier lives.

How stomas save lives

For many people, a stoma can be life-saving. Serious medical conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease may require the removal of part of the bowel and creation of a stoma. A stoma can improve the quality of life of people whose activities are limited due to chronic pain.

Body image and living with a stoma

Many people feel self-conscious after getting a stoma. An adjustment period is normal. It is important to acknowledge these feelings and give yourself some time to adapt. It may also be beneficial to talk to a close friend, a partner, a relative, a mental health professional, or join a support group.

The adjustment process is different for everyone, but the following tips may help you feel more confident.

Stoma and wardrobe choices

Your clothes can play a huge role in how you feel about your body and about your stoma. Some people choose to show off their stoma bags, some choose to conceal them. The choice is yours.

In the early stages, it might be best to focus on comfort. Here are some wardrobe tips that may help you feel more comfortable following your surgery:

• Loose-fitting clothes: Items that don’t cling to your abdomen can make you feel more relaxed as they don’t attract attention to the stoma bag. Consider oversize T-shirts and shirts, relaxed-fit pants and layers.

• High-waisted pants: High-waisted pants or skirts can help secure the stoma bag in place and make it less noticeable too.

• Special stoma support wear: Stoma belts and special underwear can provide extra support when you feel you need it.

Stoma and emotional health

Living with a stoma isn't just a physical adjustment, it's also an emotional one. Finding mindfulness practices and techniques that work for you will be very important following the surgery. For some, it may be religious practices, while for others meditation, breathing techniques or therapy may work best.

Look up popular mindfulness techniques and see what sparks your curiosity. Talk to people in your community to see what has helped them adjust. Surround yourself with supportive people and engage in activities that make you feel good, such as hobbies, exercise or socializing.