Stoma Care

 

Stoma Care at Soul Harbor Therapies

Understanding Your Journey

Living with a stoma is a unique journey that brings both physical and emotional adjustments. At Soul Harbor Therapies, we understand this path intimately because we've walked it ourselves. While I am not a medical professional, I am an accredited and fully insured complementary therapist dedicated to supporting your wellbeing. Our approach to stoma care goes beyond the physical aspects, honouring the whole person and the profound life changes that come with stoma surgery.

What is a Stoma?

A stoma is an opening created surgically on the abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave the body when the normal pathway is no longer possible. The word "stoma" comes from Greek and means "mouth" or "opening." This small, pinkish-red piece of intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen and is usually moist and protruding slightly. While it may look daunting at first, a stoma is simply your body's new way of eliminating waste, allowing you to live a full and active life.

Types of Stoma

There are three main types of stoma, each serving different purposes:

Colostomy: Created from a portion of the colon (large intestine), a colostomy can be temporary or permanent. The output varies depending on where in the colon the stoma is formed, ranging from formed stool to more liquid consistency.

Ileostomy: Formed from the ileum (the end of the small intestine), an ileostomy typically produces liquid to semi-formed stool. This type of stoma may be created for conditions affecting the colon or rectum.

Urostomy: Also known as an ileal conduit, a urostomy diverts urine away from a diseased or damaged bladder. The urine flows through the stoma into an external pouching system.

Why Someone Might Have a Stoma

Stomas are created for various reasons, and the journey to having one can follow different paths:

Elective Surgery: Many people undergo planned stoma surgery due to chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, or congenital abnormalities. In these cases, there's often time to prepare emotionally and practically for the surgery and life changes ahead.

Emergency Surgery: Sometimes, a stoma becomes necessary suddenly due to life-threatening situations like bowel obstruction, perforation, injury, or severe infection. These unexpected circumstances can leave little time for psychological preparation, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the physical recovery.

Regardless of how you arrived at this point, the adjustment to life with a stoma is significant. It involves not just adapting to physical changes but also navigating complex emotions about body image, identity, and relationships.

Holistic Support for Your Stoma Journey

At Soul Harbor Therapies, we offer complementary therapies designed to support your wellbeing through every aspect of life with a stoma. Sessions are available face-to-face at the Woodlands Natural Health Centre or online, providing flexible support tailored to your needs. Our approach is gentle, respectful, and informed by personal experience.

Reiki for Stoma Care

Reiki is a gentle energy healing technique that promotes deep relaxation and supports the body's natural healing abilities. For those with a stoma, Reiki can:

  • Help reduce anxiety and stress related to surgery and adjustment

  • Support emotional healing around body image changes

  • Promote relaxation around stoma care routines

  • Aid in pain management and overall comfort

  • Help restore a sense of wholeness and connection to your body

During a Reiki session, you remain fully clothed while the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above your body. Many people report feeling a sense of peace and warmth during sessions, which can be particularly comforting when processing the life changes that come with stoma surgery.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) for Stoma Care

EFT, often called "tapping," combines gentle acupressure with elements of cognitive therapy. It's particularly effective for addressing the emotional aspects of living with a stoma:

  • Reducing anxiety about stoma care and potential leaks

  • Processing feelings about body image and self-esteem

  • Addressing fears about social situations and intimacy

  • Releasing trauma related to emergency surgery

  • Building confidence in managing your stoma

EFT empowers you with a practical tool you can use between sessions to manage emotional challenges as they arise. Many clients find it helps them develop a more accepting relationship with their stoma and their changed body.

Clinical Hypnotherapy for Stoma Care

Clinical Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help you access your subconscious mind, making it easier to address deep-seated concerns and establish positive patterns. For stoma care, hypnotherapy can:

  • Help reduce pain sensitivity and discomfort

  • Improve sleep quality, which is essential for healing

  • Address feelings of loss or grief related to your surgery

  • Build confidence in stoma management

  • Support adjustment to lifestyle changes

  • Help visualize positive outcomes and future possibilities

In a hypnotherapy session, you remain in control and aware at all times. The therapist guides you into a state of focused relaxation where positive suggestions can help reframe your relationship with your stoma and support your overall wellbeing.

Your Journey, Your Pace

At Soul Harbor Therapies, we recognize that everyone's journey with a stoma is unique. There's no "right" way to feel or adjust, and we honour your personal experience without judgment. As someone with personal stoma experience, I offer support that complements medical care but does not replace it. Whether you're facing stoma surgery, recovering from recent surgery, or have been living with a stoma for years, our compassionate approach provides support tailored to your individual needs.

We understand the challenges because we've experienced them ourselves—the fear, the adjustment, the moments of frustration, and ultimately, the rediscovery of life and self. Through Reiki, EFT, and Clinical Hypnotherapy, we offer gentle, effective support to help you navigate not just the physical aspects of stoma care, but the emotional journey as well.

You are not alone on this path. I'm here to support you in finding peace, acceptance, and renewed confidence in your body and your life, whether you join me at the Woodlands Natural Health Centre or connect online from the comfort of your home.