What I Wish I’d Known After My Stoma, Ostomy Surgery 💭

Coming home after my stoma, ostomy surgery was one of those moments that split life into before and after.
You walk through your front door, and suddenly everything that was once normal feels different. The sofa looks the same, the kettle still hums, but you, you’ve changed.

Everyone around me was so kind. They meant well with their “You’re doing amazing” and “You’re so brave.” But honestly? I didn’t feel brave at all. I felt lost, confused, and a little bit terrified. Because while the hospital had shown me what to do empty the bag, change the flange, clean the skin, no one really told me how to live with it.

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I came home with a big box of supplies. Pastes, wipes, sprays, powders, hospital issued bags, all neatly labelled and yet completely overwhelming. I remember sitting there thinking, what on earth are all these for? Which one do I actually need? How do I stop leaks? Why does my skin feel sore?
It felt like trying to build a flatpack wardrobe with no instructions, and every part looked like it could go anywhere!

But if I’m being honest, the practical stuff wasn’t the hardest part. The hardest part was the silence. That moment when everyone goes home, and you’re left sitting there thinking… “Now what?”

That’s when the emotions really hit. The grief for the body I used to have. The sadness that crept in out of nowhere. The anxiety about leaving the house. The frustration of my clothes fitting differently. And underneath it all, that tiny whisper of fear will I ever feel like myself again?

What I really needed wasn’t just product advice. I needed emotional guidance. I needed someone to say, “Hey, it’s okay to feel this way. You’re not broken you’re just healing.”
I needed real talk about how to handle the overthinking, the stress, and that weird feeling of being disconnected from your own body.

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I wish there had been a space where we could talk about all of it not just the medical side, but the human side. The tears, the laughs, the awkward moments, the first time you go out and pray your bag doesn’t make a sound during a quiet coffee catch-up. ☕

Because yes, life with a stoma, ostomy can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright unfair. But it can also be beautiful, freeing, and full of second chances. It’s about learning to trust your body again, to see strength where you once saw scars, and to realise that your story didn’t end, it just changed direction.

If any of this feels familiar if you’ve had that “now what?” moment I want you to know you’re not alone. 💕

👉 Join my community “Stoma, Ostomy What a Bag!”

https://www.facebook.com/groups/stomaostomywhatabag
It’s a safe, supportive space where we talk honestly about life after surgery the products, the feelings, the mindset, and how to rebuild confidence from the inside out.

Because this isn’t just about surviving with a bag. It’s about learning to live again beautifully, boldly, and unapologetically you.

My Journey: From Diagnosis to Empowerment 💪🌸

Hi, I’m Helinka, and my story began in 2013 when I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. What followed was life-changing a surgery that left me with an ileostomy. Like many others in my position, I faced challenges that affected not only my physical health but also my confidence, mental well-being, and sense of identity.

At first, I struggled to embrace this new reality. I didn’t just want to live with a stoma, ostomy; I wanted to thrive. But finding products that made me feel confident, beautiful, and empowered was almost impossible. So, I decided to create them myself. ✂️💖

Crafting Confidence: Lingerie with a Purpose

Today, I design and make specialised stoma, ostomy lingerie and wraps that are not just functional but also elegant, sexy, and pretty. Every piece is thoughtfully created to help people feel more like themselves again. These aren’t just garments they’re statements of self-love, empowerment, and beauty.

Supporting Beyond Style: Clinical Hypnotherapy

My journey didn’t stop at designing lingerie. I became a clinical hypnotherapist to support others living with a stoma, ostomy. I understand the mental and emotional hurdles from anxiety and grief to PTSD and I’ve made it my mission to help people overcome them. Through hypnotherapy, I guide my clients to rebuild confidence, manage stress, and embrace the incredible lives they deserve.

A Life Worth Celebrating 🎉

Living with a stoma, ostomy doesn’t mean your life is over; it’s the start of a new chapter. My work, whether through fashion or therapy, is all about breaking down the stigma, celebrating our resilience, and showing the world that we can still shine brightly, no matter what.

If my journey resonates with you, I’d love to connect. Whether you’re looking for a little support, a touch of elegance, or just someone who gets it, I’m here for you. Let’s show the world how amazing life with a stoma, ostomy can truly be. 💫