Emotional response to your new stoma

Bowel or bladder surgery is a significant procedure to experience. Having your bowel or bladder, or part of it removed, is a critical turning point in your journey. The same is true if you need to wear a pouch to collect your bowel or urine output.

You will naturally wonder how others will respond to your new stoma. You may feel shocked and surprised by your stoma, and it is easy to think that others will feel the same way.

In most cases, no one can see your pouch under your clothes. However, your new pouch will feel bulky and awkward, and you may feel that others can see and recognise the bump under your clothes. In fact, very few people will notice the slight bump, and even fewer will recognise what it is.

Coming to terms with a stoma

Surgery resulting in the formation of a stoma means a sudden, major change in your body and the way you see yourself. It is not a change you wanted or asked for.

Even if your surgery has brought an end to years of illness and discomfort, or to cure a life threatening disease, it still represents the loss of a natural body function and a change in the way you see yourself.

It will take time to get used to this change. It is natural to experience sadness and grief while you adapt to the new, but not really so different you.

During the first few weeks following your operation, you may feel emotions that are very intense and getting through this period can be very difficult. This is normal and many other people have felt and are feeling this way. The first few weeks and months following your surgery will be tough but you will get through it.

It may help to express feelings and emotions and to acknowledge the hurt, anger and sadness you feel.

Speak to your Stomal Therapy Nurse about the way you are feeling.