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

FAQ | Parastomal hernia prevention

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I asked the online ostomy community what they would like to read stoma-related blogs about, and hernia prevention was one of those topics. So, here we are – let’s get started!

What is a parastomal hernia?

During stoma formation, the surgeon has to cut a hole in the abdominal wall to pull the intestine through. This causes weakness and puts patients at risk of developing a parastomal hernia. This is when an abnormal protrusion (usually the intestine) pushes through the weakened area in the abdominal wall, which can happen shortly after surgery, or many years later.

Find out more about parastomal hernias, who is at risk, and tips for post and pre-surgery to prevent them!