This page is for anyone who has, or is about to have, a urostomy. It explains what a urostomy is and why it may be necessary. It explores issues such as how a stoma is formed and the different types of urostomy pouches available.
Life with a urinary diversion can feel daunting. So it’s vital that people have somewhere to turn for reassurance and advice, from diagnosis to living life to the full again. We can provide that support.
Having a urinary diversion can be daunting, but our trained volunteers can provide reassuring, confidential one to one support, by telephone, face-to-face or through our branches and groups. All our volunteers are urostomates themselves, so can understand your concerns.
Regular, monthly donations are crucial because life with a urinary diversion can feel daunting. It’s vital that people have somewhere to turn for reassurance, from diagnosis to living life to the full again. We provide that support, but can only do so with kind donations.
Urostomates are prone to ‘parastomal’ hernias. They rarely cause major complications but can sometimes interfere with stoma function and the security of your appliance. So, it’s important to know how to minimise your risk, and when to seek advice from your stoma nurse.
National Voices (of which the Urostomy Association is a member) has launched a survey to find out more about people’s experiences of using medical devices and products. Have your say for a chance to win £250!
While the delivery of stoma supplies is typically reliable, there’s always the possibility that you could encounter challenges in receiving the right product when you need it. If this happens to you, knowing your rights as an ostomate can help you manage a situation that can feel stressful as well as being very inconvenient.
Cathy Varley thought that 2024 was going to be her year. But a shock diagnosis of bladder cancer threw her into turmoil. In this interview, conducted just four months after her surgery, Cathy describes how she has not only came to terms with her urostomy, but has grown to be proud of it!
As the day of your op draws closer, there’ll be lots to think about, from what to pack for your hospital stay to arranging a lift home after you’ve been discharged. We’ve put together some practical tips to help make life a little easier at what can feel like a stressful time.
Getting a good night’s sleep is not always straightforward for people living with a urostomy. So do check out the recording of our ‘Ask the Experts’ webinar and hear from speakers as they explore the types of night bags available, and share hints and tips that could help with your night time routine. The event, kindly sponsored by Coloplast Ltd, was held on 14 November 2024.
Show your friends, colleagues, and loved ones you care by sending Urostomy Association eCards. At the same time, you’ll be helping people find the strength, support and confidence they need to embrace new lives following urinary diversion surgery.
In her blog, Jasmine King explores the unexpected crisis unfolding in urology clinics nationwide as more young adults grapple with bladder issues tied to their recreational Ketamine use.
To mark World Ostomy Day, we held an online Insights Day to explore national trends and emerging themes in urinary diversion care, and what these mean for urostomates and those involved in their care. If you missed it, do take a look at the recording.
Anyone can encounter sexual problems after urinary diversion surgery, and everyone’s experiences vary. We hope this information helps as you explore what sexual wellbeing will mean to you going forward.
