Posts by Michelyn Caldwell
Kate’s Story
Hi there, My name is Kate and I live in Australia with my husband and our daughter. I’ve had a permanent ileostomy for 5 years now and my life is a far cry from what it was back then. You see, I’d spent the majority of my adult life, trying medications, treatments, and medical trials…
Read MorePhysical Activities with an Ostomy
Do you enjoy playing golf or tennis? Do you believe there is nothing better than swimming, yoga, or running? I love that! Staying active should not be impeded by having an ostomy. You can resume most sports and activities you loved before surgery with the approval of your healthcare provider. Only contact sports, like boxing,…
Read MoreOstomy Care for Your Child based on Developmental Age
There are a few important things a parent must be aware of when a child has a medical condition that necessitates an ostomy bag. Ostomy care can be difficult for young children, on top of the sleepless nights and nonstop feedings you are likely experiencing. Fortunately, Beaumont Health has expanded the Beaumont Ostomy Clinic to…
Read MoreTips and Tricks for Holiday Eating With an Ostomy
The holidays are a delicious time of year, but for people with an ostomy, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to eating and drinking. Certain foods and drinks may not suit everyone, so checking with your doctor or ostomy nurse before indulging is vital. With a little planning, you can…
Read MoreLakecia’s Story
I was diagnosed with anal cancer on 2/17/2021. I went through chemotherapy and weeks of radiation. At the time, It was the hardest thing I had ever been through. After weeks of treatment, the tumor was still there, so I had to have surgery to remove the cancer. On 1/27/22 I had Abdominal Perineal Resection…
Read MoreEmbracing Intimacy With An Ostomy: What You Need to Know
Intimacy and intercourse are a part of the human experience but can feel vulnerable. With a little preparation and communication, though, it can still be a wonderful, fulfilling experience for partners. Read on to learn how effective communication with your partner will help you in this case. I’ll also share some effective tips for intimacy…
Read MoreRichard’s Story
I came home from work one evening and had a bacon roll for my tea. During the evening I started to feel sick & unwell, which I put down to a bad batch of bacon. I then made my way up to the toilet for obvious reasons. From there I went steadily downhill & my…
Read MoreDiet And Exercise With A Stoma
Being diagnosed with an ostomy can be shocking and leave you feeling quite vulnerable, especially concerning diet and exercise. There are two main ways you can approach diet and exercise with your stoma, and the right one will depend on your lifestyle and preferences and what works best for your body. Diet and your stoma…
Read MoreStephanie Marie’s Story
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when I was 10. I’m now 38 years old and living with an ileostomy. I tried all the crohns meds over the years, but 3 years ago I had a horrible flare up that ended in an emergency total colectomy. I struggled a lot the first year with…
Read MoreYour Emotions After Ostomy Surgery: What to Expect
After surgery, many ostomy patients feel that their body image has been damaged in some way. This can sometimes lead to the development of negative emotions about the body and damage self-esteem. In this article, we’ll discuss some strategies for managing those negative emotions. Dealing With Emotions After Stoma Surgery It’s common to feel a…
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