Bowel Category

Bowel Care

As a conservative estimate there are around 6.5 million people in the UK today with some form of bowel problem, that’s 1 in 10 of us. There’s no discrimination either, as both men and women, young and old can be affected.

Despite being so common, bowel difficulties are still not as openly talked about as they should be and many people needlessly suffer in silence and don’t get the help they need.

The choice and availability of treatments, products and medicines have never been greater and there is plenty of good advice and support available. In some cases, bowel problems can be completely cured and in others, they can be effectively managed with the right products or treatments so you can regain your quality of life.

On the following pages you will find information on the many different kinds of bowel problems, from constipation and diarrhoea through to Diverticular Disease and faecal incontinence, also commonly referred to as bowel incontinence. Available treatment and product options are included for each individual condition.

There are many ways you can find help on this site, including our Support Group which is a moderated space for peer support and discussion. For all your ostomy, urology, wound care or prescription medication needs you can contact our Home Delivery team for a professional, friendly service. We’re constantly working to improve our services, so do check back often.

Stoma Reversal

What is a stoma reversal? A stoma is formed by bringing a loop of bowel (from the colon to form a colostomy or from the small bowel to form an ileostomy) to the surface of the abdomen. A pouch is then worn over the top of the stoma to…

Travelling With A Stoma

Having a stoma shouldn’t limit your ability to travel in the UK or abroad. It may just take a little more forward planning. The Colostomy Association have developed a useful guide on travelling with a stoma. Here are our top tips. Make…

Stoma Irrigation

Irrigation is a system of bowel management for a colostomy in which you ‘wash’ the bowel to encourage a bowel movement. Over time your bowel will adopt this regular habit, and you should not produce waste in between irrigation sessions.…

Diet And Exercise With A Stoma

If you have a stoma it may help to adjust your diet and exercise routine. Learn about stoma diet, and how being an ‘active ostomate’ can help you.

Stoma Skincare

Looking after your peristomal skin (the ring of your skin that sits under your bag) is a vital part of your stoma care routine. It is important to avoid faeces or urine from coming into contact with your skin otherwise this can cause sore…

Stoma Care Products

There are many different stoma care products for you to choose from. Your stoma nurse will probably help you choose one in the beginning. You may like to try some different pouches to see which type you find the most comfortable and most…

What To Expect After Your Stoma Surgery

Straight after your stoma operation What will my stoma look like? Don’t be alarmed by the size of your stoma for the first few weeks after surgery. Your abdomen and your stoma will both be quite swollen and your stoma may also ooze…

What To Expect Before Your Stoma Surgery

Your Preoperative Assessment Depending on your hospital you will probably be offered a pre-op assessment a few days/ weeks prior to your stoma surgery. This assessment will involve a meeting with your surgeon to discuss any last minute…

Coeliac Disease Treatments

Currently there is no cure for Coeliac Disease. This condition is a considered a long-term chronic illness. You can dramatically reduce your symptoms and heal any gut damage caused by the disease by following a gluten-free diet. There is…

Coeliac Disease

Coeliac Disease is a common chronic autoimmune condition that affects around one in every 100 people. The condition is a reaction of the immune system to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. You are more likely to…