The Silent Stoma Study survey is being carried out to identify the most important sexual concerns of people living with a permanent stoma. It is hoped that it will lead to a better understanding and the development of educational materials for the people involved in the care of ostomates.
You are eligible to take part in this study as long as you’re English-speaking, over 18 years old, and have a permanent stoma. There’s also the opportunity to be involved in future research on the same topic – find out more and take the survey here. It literally took five minutes of my time, so if you can spare it, please do!
Sexual relationships after you’ve had a stoma formed can feel complicated. It’s not just physical changes, but emotional changes to factor in too. I previously spoke to other people in the community because I know we all have different concerns and experiences, and I wanted to be able to serve a wider audience. Check it out, Sex After Stoma Surgery.
Patient Advocacy 
I still have a great anger towards anything to do with my stoma as I said in the survey , I went into hospital with 2 blood clots in my lungs and came out of hospital after a 4 month stay 1 in a coma with a stoma….no consultation or chats, first I new this was permanent was when the nurse was putting on the stoma bag and I asked how long would I be wearing one and she said “ why Barry for ever”…. Now you know why theirs a great anger on my part…. I don’t have anything to do with NHS stoma related.
I love the NHS but not any one to do with stoma…. Theirs more to write.
LikeLike
I’m sorry to hear it was such a traumatic time for you, Barry. I myself had a really rough time with my first stoma. It was an emergency so I had no time to process what was happening. I was only 19 and had never had more than a cold to contend with before that.
For me, the online IBD/ostomy community was a gamechanger. They gave me hope, and answered so many questions – some I didn’t even know I had!
LikeLike
More to write if you want to know
LikeLike