What people with IBD should know

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I am often asked, “What would you tell someone recently diagnosed with IBD?” So, this is what I think you should know! Look out for clickable links in this blog, leading to more detailed information! For many, a definitive diagnosis is a massive relief after a long period of being unwell. This does not mean that acceptance is easy, after all, you have just been diagnosed with a chronic disease which has no cure. Do NOT panic, we’ve got this, life is not over! It is worth pointing out that no two IBD patients’ lives are the same. The disease does not always manifest in the same way, and the fact that a treatment works for one person does not mean it will work for another. This makes IBD notoriously difficult to treat. That said, some IBD patients may have one flare, find the right medication straight away and never have another, and that is fantastic! For the rest of us, being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis may mean some lifestyle changes and som

My stoma favourites – Adhesive remover & barrier wipes

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I have had multiple people tell me that I do not need to use adhesive remover, and that if I keep removing my bag without it, I will get used to it...

I would never tell anyone what products they do and do not need to use, because we’re all very different. Our skin is different, the issues we have are different, and what suits our skin is different. So, I do not feel I ever need to explain to anybody why I use an adhesive remover, but I will simply state that I DO need to.

I know that GP’s in certain areas do not like to provide it on prescription because it is not deemed “necessity”, but I can, with complete certainty say that if I was refused it, I would purchase it.

I ordered samples of so many different products, and by far the best for me is the Trio Ostomy Care one. I feel like it lasts so much longer than any of the others I tried too!

I tried fewer barriers, because as soon as I tried the Trio wipes, I didn’t feel there was any need to try any more, as I had zero issues with them, and they didn’t irritate any burnt areas of my skin! I had issues when I began gaining weight after surgery with leakage, so at one point my skin was incredibly sore and raw, but it had almost completely healed 4 days and just two bag changes later with the Trio wipes. So, the barrier samples I hadn’t tried yet were sent to those in need.

I really like the Trio products, and I also like the fact that they call to see how you’ve got on with the samples they’ve sent. They’re so friendly and chatty, it doesn’t really feel like a sample follow up at all! You could almost be fooled into believing your friends!

I ordered some flange extenders so that I can swim without changing my bag afterwards, but I haven’t been able to test them yet as I've had to wait for my perineal wound to heal. When I mentioned this during a call, they offered to send some samples of their other products which they thought may help with the healing, even though they knew I wouldn’t ever be adding it to my prescription as a long term item – so basically, just because they’re nice!

My wound is now healed but I still haven’t made it swimming yet, but I will, and soon! So watch this space…

To the Trio team, THANK YOU!