OstomyLife Community

OstomyLife Home

Welcome to the OstomyLife Community! Meet Laura Cox, Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, and explore our library of helpful resources. Here you can find accessible and accurate information about living a happy, healthy and full life with an ostomy. We hope you enjoy our community and find it informational and supportive!

We’re here for you, from before your surgery is even on the calendar to long after your wounds heal. Here you can learn more about your surgery, and find tips on what you can do to recover more quickly – and get back to the life that’s waiting for you.

Whether you’ve been living with your ostomy for weeks, years, or even decades, there’s always something new to learn. From skin care and sleeping tips to talking to family and friends, there’s information for everyone with a stoma, colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy. Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Ask Laura!

From interviews to how-to’s, some things are best explained in person. Watch these videos for great tips from Laura and our clinical team, who cover topics in a clear and concise way – not to mention fun!

Tips for Managing Stoma Noise

Question and answer regarding stoma noise. Here are some suggestions and tips for ostomates that are battling stoma noises or gas.

Laura Cox, LPC
Ostomy Takedown

Ostomy Takedown: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Explained

Most people with a temporary ostomy are so happy that it is only temporary and dream of the day they...

Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN, WCC

Phantom Rectum Syndrome

What is Phantom Rectum Syndrome? Phantom Rectum Syndrome sounds like a horror movie, but it is a...

Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN, WCC
coping mechanisms covid 19

Coping Mechanisms for Living During the COVID-19 Pandemic

I am not sure any of us could have predicted the challenges we have faced in 2020. The uncertainty...

Laura Cox, LPC
ostomate nurse pandemic

Being a Nurse and an Ostomate Amidst a Pandemic

Learn more about the precautions Kelsey Scarborough is taking during the COVID-19 pandemic as a nurse and an ostomate with an autoimmune IBD.

Kelsey Scarborough

Coronavirus Effects on the Ostomy Community

The ostomy community is concerned about how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting their daily lives, health, support networks and access to ostomy supplies.

Shield HealthCare
Tosh.0 Laura Cox

Laura Cox on TOSH.0: Where Are They Now?

Watch Laura Cox, Shield HealthCare’s Ostomy Lifestyle Specialist, in her most recent...

Brooke Phillips, CWCMS

‘Telling My Boss About My Invisible Condition Was One of the Best Decisions I’ve Ever Made’

After telling her boss about her invisible condition, Crohn's disease, Britany Risher got the suport she needed to help her thrive in her career.

Shield HealthCare
ileostomy output

Slowing Down Ileostomy Output

Learn more about slowing down ileostomy output to avoid dehydration and other concerns as well as causes and treatment options that cover all bases.

Anita Prinz, RN, MSN, CWOCN, WCC
marathon runner

World Marathon Challenge: Around the World in 7 Days for Ostomy Awareness

Jonathan Negretti, an ostomate who will run around the world in seven days to raise ostomy awareness, talks about his life, mission, ostomy and goals.

Laura Cox, LPC
Serving Medicare Ostomates Nationwide
Dear Laura, I wear a two piece ostomy bag. I need help with concealing an ostomy bag. When I move around my shirt hikes up and the tip of the bag peeks out from under my shirt.
Tom
Hi Tom, I have a few suggestions that may help!
 
First, I'm wondering if a stealth belt would be a good option for you. This is a black belt that you can conveniently tuck your pouch...