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Colostomate Features on Channel 4 (UK) TV Prog.
A colostomy patient has been featured in the latest episode of “Embarrassing Bodies” on Channel 4 television in the UK.
Despite the name of the programme, the aim of the piece was to portray ostomies in a positive light, and that a lot of the preconceived ideas people have about colostomy patients is false. The piece showed the young lady swimming with her pouch, as well as showing the viewer what today’s average colostomy pouch looks like, and also a colostomy stoma.
On the whole it was a very positively represented piece, and worthwhile viewing for anyone whom is awaiting ostomy surgery.
In case you’ve missed it, here is the full 3 minute clip for you. I’d love to know what you think about the programme’s portrayal of a stoma. Was it positive enough? Should it have featured more than one ostomate? Maybe an Ileostomate too? Or maybe it should have also shown some of the negative issues some ostomates experience after surgery, such as leakage? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to use the comments system at the end of this post. 
New Content: : http://ostomyland.com/mainsite/2010/02/991/
I would agree it as a positive piece of information for all curretn and future ostomy pouch wearers.
However, I do think ladies have it a little easier from a dress point of view. I’ve found it difficult to get a compromise since getting back to work between smart office wear my job requires and comfort and practicality, especially regarding not blocking off the bag with trouser waistlines. Oh to be able to wear my shirt out all the time like a lady does a blouse!
In casual wear, pouch covers have saved me the self consciousness of the bag being seen by offereing discreet camouflage.
Swimming is another matter entirely. I’ve bought some shorts from CUI that come up to the bottom of my ribs. I feel like Mr Bean in the swimming pool.I can’t imagine ladies with colostoimies or ileostomies (which is what I have) wearing a bikini. Nor can I imagine the one-piece for men coming backinto fashion!
Still, it there to be overcome, and I’m going two or three times a week so I’ll probably stop worrying about it soon!
Hi Keith! Mr Bean, lol. That made me laugh. I’m about to take up swimming again for the for the first time since I had the operation so it will be interesting to see how it goes (had my op 13 years ago though) and have only been maybe twice since I had it, but I’ve decided to take it up again. If you have the colostomy for life now, or for a very long time, it might be possible that in the future they could change the location of the stoma for you so that it doesnt catch your beltline quite so much. Its something to consider asking the surgeon about next time you see him, anyways.
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