Free downloadable guides about living with a stoma

Welcome to our literature library, where you can download free fact sheets and information booklets to help you adjust to living with a stoma. Whether it's about food and drink with a stoma, tips on exercising after stoma surgery, or how to prevent or manage a hernia, we have a range of downloadable PDFs that can help.

‘Healthy eating’ is a general term that is used to describe the dietary balance that is required to maintain good health. These healthy eating guidelines are compiled by experts who have looked at all the best research and evidence and they are regularly reviewed.

These guidelines are for the general population and also for people with a stoma. It is important to remember that in the long-term, while you may need to make some minor dietary adjustments to suit your lifestyle, having a stoma does not mean that you should not be following these guidelines.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Your abdominal muscles are important for every day movement and activity. They act like a ‘corset’ supporting your internal organs and spine. They help you move and twist, stand upright, lift things, cough, laugh and sneeze. When you go through stoma surgery, your abdominals become weak and you lose ‘connection’ with them. When this happens your posture changes, you may start to have backache, hip or knee pain or unnecessary abdominal pain.

Reconnecting with your abdominals early in the rehabilitation phase will help you recover faster and will help reduce your risk of back pain and posture-related problems later on.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

There are many different types of hernia that people can develop, and the reasons they occur will depend on our individual risks factors. This booklet is designed to help you reduce your personal risks.

If you already are aware you have a hernia around your stoma, this guide will provide some hints and tips on what you can do to protect and support your abdominal muscles.

It can be difficult to find a baseplate to fit over hernias, bulges and curves. SenSura Mio Concave is specifically designed for people with curves. The star-shaped baseplate is designed with BodyFit Technology to hug the curved area with less creasing and folding. Learn more about the features of the SenSura Mio Concave.

It is advisable to check your template every couple of months as part of your routine of checking your stoma. The size of your stoma can change for a number of reasons, or you could have, for example developed a problem with leaks, have sore skin around your stoma, or have put on/lost weight.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Ballooning happens when there is a build-up of wind in the stoma pouch (bag), causingit to inflate like a balloon. This can happen if you have a colostomy or ileostomy.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Pancaking occurs when a vacuum (absence of air) occurs in the stoma bag preventing the stoma output dropping down into the bag. This can happen if you have a colostomy or ileostomy.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

If you have a colostomy you can still become constipated. Constipation occurs when the faeces (output) in the large bowel does not pass regularly, becomes hard and dry.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

'High output' is when you experience an increased output from your stoma which is watery in consistency. This can occur if you have a colostomy or ileostomy.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Rectal discharge can happen if you have a colostomy or ileostomy and you still have your rectum left after surgery.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

A prolapsed stoma occurs when the bowel protrudes (extends), resulting in a visible increase in the length of the stoma (usually over 2cm longer than when initially formed). This can happen if you have a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Stenosis is when the opening of the stoma, or just inside the stoma becomes narrow or constricted.

Looking for more information? Register with Coloplast Charter for access to the online support programme for ostomates.

Download your free information guide

Please fill out the form below to access your free downloadable guide

If you did not find all the information that you need in these factsheets, our CQC-regulated Telehealth Specialists at Coloplast Charter can offer you some advice and support. Visit the Coloplast Charter website to learn more, or discuss your questions and concerns with your healthcare professional.

CQC-regulated Product Specialists

We understand that you maybe unsure if a new product is right for you, which is why our experienced CQC-regulated Product Specialists will guide you through your free sample period and be available with product and lifestyle advice.