Ostomies

Ostomy surgery is a procedure that allows stool to pass through a stoma (some people call a stoma a “front bum”) -- a small opening on your abdomen -- into a pouch, or ostomy bag, on your stomach. People have ostomies for all kinds of reasons, not just for IBD. Some ostomies are temporary and are used to help the digestive system to heal. Others are permanent and a part of everyday life.

Many people with IBD will think with their doctors about surgery and ostomies at some point in their care. Many people have big worries and feelings about ostomies, and it can be really helpful to know that those worries and feelings are normal and all of the things you enjoy doing can still happen with an ostomy. You can still wear your regular clothes, participate in your favorite activities, and live your full life.

And remember, you’re in charge of who gets to know private medical details about you! If you decide about ostomy surgery, you get to decide who you want to tell, and how much you want them to know.