A Moment with Amber | Episode 2: Preparing

Posted: 02/10/2025

Hi, I’m Amber, User Experience Lead at Salts Healthcare. I work alongside a multidisciplinary team of designers, engineers, marketers, clinicians, and people with stomas to develop products and services that put user needs at the centre. I’ve also lived with a stoma myself for 10 years.

“A Moment with Amber” is a series created to support you by exploring key moments in the stoma journey. Each edition focuses on a specific stage whether it’s preparing for surgery, adjusting to life post-operatively, or rediscovering confidence, and offers insights from both my personal experience and professional perspective.

Moments that matter

Through research and conversations with the stoma community, we’ve identified five key stages that people often go through:

Understanding

Learning about stoma surgery and what it means for you.

Preparing

Getting physically and mentally ready for surgery.

Adjusting

Navigating the early days post-surgery.

Living

Finding a new normal and getting back to day-to-day life.

Thriving

Setting new goals, celebrating the wins and living life with a stoma.

Today, I want to talk about Preparing. This is a stage that can feel overwhelming, uncertain, and emotional. And that’s okay. If you haven’t already, look back at the first moment, Understanding, here.

Preparing

While Understanding is about learning what a stoma is and why you might need one, Preparing is about getting ready for what’s ahead, in the time and capacity you’re able to; Physically, mentally and emotionally. Each of our circumstances are different, and preparing looks different for everyone. Either way, it can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. Preparing doesn’t mean having it all figured out. It’s about giving yourself space, support and tools to take the next step, whatever that looks like for you.

Before my first surgery, I was in denial. I didn’t want to talk about the possibility and I definitely didn’t want to think about what life might look life afterwards. Those feelings are valid too.

Through research and conversations with the community, we have identified some of the following key things that might help you prepare:

Physical prehab

If you’re able to, gentle movement and good nutrition beforehand can support your recovery. Even small things, like walking a little more each day or focusing on hydration, can make a difference. Your stoma care nurse or surgical team might offer specific advice tailored to you.

Before my most recent surgery (which was unplanned), I happened to be the fittest I’d ever been. I didn’t realise how much that would help until I was recovering. I certainly felt the difference and was grateful for moving my body when I could.

Mental prehab

You might feel anxious, scared, or totally overwhelmed. That’s normal. Preparing mentally might mean talking to a healthcare professional, connecting with someone who’s been through it, or simply acknowledging your feelings.

While some people may find activities like journaling helpful, others may not feel ready, or have time, to put feelings to paper. Take your time. Be kind to yourself.

Involve family & carers

Your support network might be feeling just as unsure as you are. Invite them into the process. Although it may feel daunting, consider letting them come to appointments, ask questions, and learn with you. It can help them feel more confident and help you feel less alone. This is something I’m glad to have always done.

Siting the stoma

Where your stoma is placed on your abdomen can have an impact. Your stoma nurse will usually assess you while sitting, standing, and moving to find the best spot. Don’t be afraid to speak up about your lifestyle, whether you like to wear certain clothes, play sports, or have mobility needs.

While my first surgery was an emergency, my stoma nurse still visited to site my stoma however, I was in total denial and so didn’t involve myself in the process - this is something I wish I took more appreciation in the importance of!

Pre-op packs are available to order via our Stoma Experience Advisors. You can contact them on 0800 028 2144.

Ask questions

Write them down. Bring a list. I wish I’d asked more the first time around. No question is a silly question and you’re not expected to know it all, it’s a whole new world. Although everybody’s circumstance is different, you deserve to understand what’s happening, or what could happen.

Get to know the products

You don’t need to become an expert overnight but familiarising yourself with the basics, like how a bag works, that choice exists, and how to order supplies, can help you feel more prepared.

You may also receive a pre-op kit which includes a fake stoma to practice with. It feels strange at first, but it can really help. Your stoma nurse will guide you, and there are plenty of resources out there.

Set expectations

You might feel confident one moment and terrified the next. That’s normal. Preparing for surgery is a big deal. It’s okay to grieve the life you thought you’d have. It’s okay to feel relief too, especially if this surgery means an end to pain or illness.

There’s no right way to feel. Give yourself permission to feel it all. You won’t wake up with all the answers or know everything about managing a stoma. That’s okay. Healing takes time. Confidence takes time. But you’re not alone...

You’re not alone

Talk to the people around you. Let them know what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Preparing for stoma surgery is a big moment. It’s okay to feel everything all at once. But you don’t have to do it alone.

There are people, resources, and communities ready to support you, every step of the way.

Next up: Adjusting

In the next post, I’ll talk about the early days after surgery including what to expect, what helped me, and how to navigate those first few weeks.

Until then, take care of yourself.

- Amber