Living well with a stoma: Why you don’t have to “Just get on with It”

01 April, 2026

Written by Ruth Christer – Executive Coloplast Nurse

If you’re living with a stoma, you’ll know that every day can bring a mix of emotions, challenges, routines and adjustments. And while many people tell us they find their confidence and stride over time, we also regularly hear something else – from new patients to those who’ve had a stoma for years:

“Leaks are just part of it.”
“I just get on with it.”
“It’s not worth mentioning.”

Here’s the truth: you shouldn’t have to simply put up with discomfort, leaks or ongoing issues. And with the right support, products and advice having a stoma can support your life, not control it.

Leaks: Not “Just One of Those Things”

Leaks are one of the most common concerns people mention, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Many people accept them as inevitable, but leaks aren’t something you should have to tolerate. They can affect confidence, sleep, social plans, clothing choices, intimacy, work and day-to-day peace of mind. They can also contribute to sore skin, irritation and feelings of being out of control.

Living without leakage is possible for many people.

Often, the solution lies in finding a bag or a solution that suits your body, your lifestyle or your stoma’s unique shape. Sometimes it’s a small technique change and sometimes it’s simply about having someone to discuss the issue with so you can find the right direction and support.

Itching, Soreness and Irritation: Not Something to Ignore

Itching or irritated skin is another problem many people just “put up with”. You might assume it’s a ‘normal’ part of having a stoma, or that nothing can be done.

Healthy skin should feel comfortable – calm, intact and free from persistent irritation.

When the skin around your stoma is unhappy, everything becomes more difficult. Leaks can increase. Adhesion can weaken. Everyday life can become more uncomfortable than it needs to be.

With the right adjustments or product choices, many people find meaningful relief. You don’t have to accept itching or soreness as the norm.

Ballooning, Pancaking and Blockages: You’re Not Alone

Ballooning, pancaking and worries about blockages are very common topics in the ostomy community. However, “common” doesn’t mean they should be a constant source of stress. These challenges can cause leakage, interrupt sleep, make you feel anxious about being out and about, or simply make your routine more time-consuming and frustrating.

The good news? There are practical, everyday ways to help reduce or manage them – sometimes with surprising impact. You don’t need to face these issues alone, support is available.

You Don’t Have to Manage Everything on Your Own

Many people tell us they feel they should simply deal with ongoing issues themselves. They’ve adapted, created routines, worked around problems and, over time, come to believe that asking for help is unnecessary or even inconvenient.

Stoma care isn’t something you should have to navigate alone, especially when challenges like leaks or itching issues start impacting your day-to-day life. Everyone deserves support, reassurance and practical guidance when things aren’t quite right.

Coloplast Charter are here to help and support you

We’re here to offer friendly, accessible help whenever you need it. We can talk through the issues you’re experiencing, explore what might be causing them, and suggest options that could make life more comfortable.

Our aim is to support your wellbeing by helping you feel more confident, more informed and more in control.

We don’t diagnose or offer medical treatment, and we’ll always encourage you to seek professional advice if something requires clinical attention. For everyday concerns, frustrations or practical challenges, we’re here as a knowledgeable, understanding place to turn – a supportive partner in your stoma journey.

You Deserve Comfort, Confidence and Control

Living with a stoma doesn’t mean “making do”. It doesn’t mean coping silently with leaks, discomfort or problems that disrupt your daily life. And it certainly doesn’t mean you’re alone.

You deserve solutions that work for you.
You deserve comfort.
You deserve confidence.
And you deserve support whenever you need it.

Take Our Body Check

If you’ve been experiencing leaks, itching or anything else that’s making life harder than it should be, this could be a sign that your current solution no longer fits. Our free stoma Body Check only takes a few minutes to complete online and will suggest which stoma products might work well for you. We have many solutions and our team will call you to focus on finding the right solution for you, once they receive your Body Check request.

👉 Click here to take the Body Check

You don’t have to “just get on with it”.

Let us help you get back to living confidently, comfortably and in control.