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Welcome to the OstomyLife Community! Meet Laura Cox, Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, and explore our library of helpful resources. Here you can find accessible and accurate information about living a happy, healthy and full life with an ostomy. We hope you enjoy our community and find it informational and supportive!
We’re here for you, from before your surgery is even on the calendar to long after your wounds heal. Here you can learn more about your surgery, and find tips on what you can do to recover more quickly – and get back to the life that’s waiting for you.
Whether you’ve been living with your ostomy for weeks, years, or even decades, there’s always something new to learn. From skin care and sleeping tips to talking to family and friends, there’s information for everyone with a stoma, colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Ask Laura!
From interviews to how-to’s, some things are best explained in person. Watch these videos for great tips from Laura and our clinical team, who cover topics in a clear and concise way – not to mention fun!
1 in 100 Americans live with the invisible symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a broad term that describes conditions characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are not the only types of inflammatory bowel diseases, they are… Continue reading Trust Your Gut – When to Speak to a Doctor About Your Bowels
Shield is a blood test from Guardant Health for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk individuals 45 and older. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first blood test for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in adults age 45 and older who are at average risk for the disease. Shield™ Blood Test for CRC… Continue reading FDA approves blood test for colorectal cancer screening
Many people with ileostomies have experienced food blockages. Blockages can be treated at home in the early stages with a variety techniques.
There are so many ostomy hacks, tips and tricks people pick up while living with an ostomy. The following 5 tips are some of my favorite hacks!
1 in 100 Americans live with the invisible symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Tips on how to make your transition back to work after ostomy surgery as easy as possible and what to talk to your boss about.
Question and answer regarding stoma noise. Here are some suggestions and tips for ostomates that are battling stoma noises or gas.
Most people with a temporary ostomy are so happy that it is only temporary and dream of the day they will be free from the bag and have their old bodies back. But all too often, they have the reversal surgery and are then plagued by a life of running to the toilet, chronic diarrhea,… Continue reading Ostomy Takedown: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Explained
What is Phantom Rectum Syndrome? Phantom Rectum Syndrome sounds like a horror movie, but it is a real phenomenon that is experienced by nearly all ostomates who undergo Abdominoperineal Resection (APR) surgery[1]. This is not a psychological issue of “it’s all in your head” but is experienced in up to 80% of all amputees, from… Continue reading Phantom Rectum Syndrome
I am not sure any of us could have predicted the challenges we have faced in 2020. The uncertainty this year has brought is uncomfortable to face. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I often think of the COVID-19 pandemic as a collective trauma. I try to validate that this is a time of mourning the… Continue reading Coping Mechanisms for Living During the COVID-19 Pandemic
For the past few months, I've found my stool has been pasty and sticky. Please tell me what to do to prevent ostomy "pancaking" from sticky stool.|For the past few months, I've found my stool has been pasty and sticky. Please tell me what to do to prevent ostomy "pancaking" from sticky stool.The first thing I would suggest is to make sure you're drinking enough fluids throughout the day.
