Ostomy basics
New to life with an ostomy? These guides explain colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy in plain words, from the first weeks home to eating well again.
Start here
The guide most people read first in this section.
Guide 1Ileostomy vs colostomy
How the two differ in output, diet, pouch changes and daily life, side by side.
Read the guide →For the moments that feel hardest
Written from 14 years of conversations with people who have been there.
Missing your favorite foods?
Bring favorites back one at a time, in small portions, and know when to pause.
Read the guide →Your first month with a urostomy
Steps for emptying, changes, calm nights, drinking, skin care and infection signs.
Read the guide →Your first pouch change on your own
Go step by step, from setup to seal, and know when to call your nurse.
Read the guide →
Every guide in this section
Work through them in order, or jump to what you need today.
- 2
Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy
The emotional and practical side of adjusting, with an adjustment tracker.
Read the guide → - 3
Ostomy life after surgery
What recovery really looks like in the weeks and months after surgery.
Read the guide → - 4
Your first 30 days with an ostomy
A week-by-week guide to your first month home with a new stoma.
Read the guide → - 5
Ostomy reversal
Who can have a reversal, what surgery and recovery involve, and how to prepare.
Read the guide → - 6
Ileostomy diet
Hydration, fiber, blockage-risk foods and a food tolerance tracker.
Read the guide → - 7
Colostomy diet
Gas, constipation and how to find your own trigger foods.
Read the guide →
Rather have it all in one plan?
My Ostomy Blueprint brings the guides that fit you into one calm plan, written from your own story.
Explore the rest of the library
Every section has its own set of guides.
