What is Ileostomy Awareness Month?

Launched in April 2022 by IA, this month is dedicated to all those living with an ileostomy or those facing surgery. The aim of the awareness campaign is to tackle the stigma of having an ileostomy, to share stories that will help to educate and break this often ‘hidden’ subject.

For many, having an ileostomy is a lifesaver, but not always easy to come to terms with.

Life can be different with an ileostomy to varying degrees, but it need not hold anyone back from living a full and active life.

Family members, friends, carers and colleagues may also find it difficult to ask questions.

Together we can embrace a more open conversation around living with an ileostomy (also known as a stoma).

Throughout April we will be sharing lots of tips and advice, as well as sharing stories.

How can you get involved?

• Download our #IleostomyAwarenessMonth frame and add your own message, to share on social media >> DOWNLOAD FRAME <<
• Feel free to download any of our literature, from Eating Habits, Hydration and Exercise, to Travel Advice, Body Image and Going Home with an Ileostomy https://iasupport.org/information-support/literature/
• Volunteer to be one of our ever-growing team of One2One Support Volunteers https://iasupport.org/get-involved/volunteering/
• If you need to speak with a Support Volunteer, you can contact us here https://iasupport.org/information-support/i-want-to-speak-to-someone/

IA is committed to improving the lives of ostomates through national and local level support, liaising with health professionals and representing its members on National and European bodies, and investing in and supporting research to improve the lives of ostomates.

For example:

PRESTO: Development of a new patient reported outcome measure (PROM) to assess psychosocial response to stoma in people with IBD – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

Stomasense: A New Route to the Proactive Detection and Management of Leaks within Ostomy Pouches – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

The PAPooSE Study: Pregnancy outcomes and experience in Patients with ileostomies – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

The PROPHER study: Patient Reported Outcomes after Parastomal Hernia treatment – a prospective international cohort study – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

HALT – Hernia Active Living Trial, a feasibility study of a physical activity intervention to improve quality of life in parastomal hernia – Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association (iasupport.org)

 

Join the campaign to help ostomates get back to better living.