FAQ
Here you can find frequently asked questions about stoma and continence issues
Ostomy: Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
What is a stoma?
A stoma is where an opening is made on your abdomen which allows waste to pass out of the body. There are different types of stoma and, if you need one, the type you have depends on the location of your tumour and the type of surgery you need.
For more information on what a stoma is, and the differences between the three most common types of stomas, please visit:
Can I fly with a stoma?
Yes, but prepare your journey, by having spare supplies with you and a Travel Card
Urinary incontinence
What types of incontince can I have?
There are some different types of incontinence. Many people have a combination of different types.
- Stress incontincence
It is the loss of small amounts of urine associated with coughing, laughing, sneezing, exercising or other movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure and thus increase pressure on the bladder. The urethra is supported by fascia of the pelvic floor. If this support is insufficient, the urethra can move downward at times of increased abdominal pressure, allowing urine to pass.
Stress incontinence is rare in men. In women, physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause often contribute to stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence is often referred to as overactive bladder: You have an urgent need to go to the bathroom and may not get there in time, leaking urine.
- Overflow Incontinence
You may have overflow incontinence if you are not able to empty your bladder appropriately. As a result, you may have leakage once the bladder is already full. This is more common in men with symptoms of frequent dribbling of urine.
Fecal incontinence
Fecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, causing stool (feces) to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Also called bowel incontinence, fecal incontinence ranges from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.
Common causes of feacal incontinence include Diarrhea,Muscle or Nerve Damage ,the need to avoid contamination and winter bugs is paramount. Constipation has the the opposite effect and may be caused by certain medications or an unbalanced diet.The muscle or nerve damage may be associated with surgery, ageing ,giving birth and in some cases the effects of chemotherapy
