Stoma

Hi Happy 14

Just going to pop this back to the top so others can answer it . My mum has no stoma but her bowel is so , so loud I can hear it across the room . She is currently doing a good diary !

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Happy 14. I’ve attached a link to a booklet which talks about eating well,managing your stoma and wind issues. 
https://bowelcancerorguk.s3.amazonaws.com/Publications/Eating_well_Bowel_Cancer_UK.pdf

I used to put my hand over my stoma to try and muffle any noise but it often depended on who I was with. My stoma was called Lily so if I was with family or friends who knew about the stoma then I’d say ‘Excuse you Lily’ and carry on. If you’re with people who aren’t aware of your stoma then you could just say ‘Oh excuse my stomach rumbling’. Although you’re conscious that the noise is coming from your stoma, someone not in the know is probably none the wiser and would accept your explanation - that’s if they’ve even noticed it!

Good to hear that you’re coping well with it

Take care

Karen x

I just say it is chatty today. Wants to join in. There is no smell through the pouch so perhaps there is no issue.

Thanks Karen, that's really helpful. 

I do try to muffle the sound by putting my hand over it but sometimes it just comes out of nowhere! you're probably right that people sometimes don't even hear, it just makes me a bit concious of it particularly when I'm at work in a quiet office!

The first time this happened to me was at church, during a sermon. I felt very self conscious but my wonderful husband pointed out that due to social distance and the average age of the congregation nobody noticed ! Well done Bilbo !

What do other people call their stomas?

Hi Happy 14

I call my stoma Stacey so sometimes just say "shut up" Stacey. My family are used to the noise. Sometimes we end up in fits of laughter. The other day I was in a queue in the supermarket and it was really quiet then my stoma decided to start gurgling. Some people turned round and were staring. I told them "I've got a stoma and it's a bit noisy today ". Before my surgery, I thought I'd be embarrassed about having a stoma but I view as my badge of survival. There are certain foods that increase the gas. Have a look online and maybe avoid these if you're going to be out and about. 

Cheryl x

Mine is called little bastard, it has been with me almost 4 weeks and it’s giving me so much problems, infection, wound around it open, plus the other day 4 leaks in 1 day. I’m counting the seconds to get rid of it!!

Hi Happy 14,

I find the best thing with noise from my stoma is to laugh and say ”Gosh, did your hear that?!?” If I am not embarrassed then no-one else is - at least I don’t thing they are. I could be wrong! Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and baked beans are definite culprits, so I know to avoid them for 24 hours before any occasions when I don’t want to be too noisy. I console myself that at least my puffs, blows and squelches (they are not from my bottom so definitely not farts!) don’t smell like everyone else’s!
”Badge of survival”  Chalet? What a great way to think of it!

 Martina3: sorry to hear you are having trouble. Call your stoma nurses, I’m sure they will be happy to help. It definitely gets better with time, 

Carog- I call mine “my bag”. Very unimaginative!

1. are you putting baby oil in the bag with the neuterising scented drops  from your stoma supply people? I find these really useful and usually do the job. Saying this if I've eaten fish  it has little effect.

No, but I will try this, thank you