Support for visually impaired

Former Member over 3 years ago

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A friend has been diagnosed with rectal cancer and will be having keyhole surgery to remove the tumor next week. He may need a stoma. He has been blind since birth but lives independently after retiring from a teaching career. He has a marvellous home help, but I will be staying with him as he recuperates.

There is lots of general advice and support to be found here, but I wondered if there was anything specifically for visually impaired people who are getting used to life with a stoma?

Kareno62 over 3 years ago

Hi . I’ve been looking online and not seen a lot of information to be honest. I think your local stoma support nurse will be the best person to reach out to. They make sure that the patient is able to deal with the stoma before leaving hospital - some areas seem to do home visits but my follow up appointments were always at the hospital. Perhaps you could arrange an appointment with them to discuss the best options for your friend? There is a variety of different bags and i read that a 2 part bag can be a good option for visually impaired people as the base plate is applied and then the bag ‘clicks’ on so can be heard when it’s on correctly.
A stoms tends to shrink in size over the first few weeks so has to be regularly measured to ensure that the holes in the bag are cut to the correct size but once it’s settled then the bags can be ordered pre-cut. In the early days I used to get the nurse to cut me a couple of bags and then use the plastic peel off bit as a template.

Sorry ive not been much help but you could try giving the support nurses on here a ring on 0808 808 00 00 - they’re available 7 days a week from 8-8 and may have some more information?

Karen x

Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm