IA - Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association

IA - Ileostomy & Internal Pouch Association IA supports those who have undergone or face surgery for the formation of ileostomy or internal pouch

IA is a UK registered charity whose primary aim is to help people who have to undergo surgery which involves the removal of their colon (known as a colectomy) and the creation of either an ileostomy or an ileo-anal pouch.

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet and there is no reason why having a stoma should stop you ...
19/06/2026

Fruit and vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet and there is no reason why having a stoma should stop you enjoying them.

Some people feel nervous about introducing them after surgery, which is completely understandable. The key is to take it gradually. Try new things a little at a time and see how your body responds. Chewing well makes a big difference too.

If you find certain textures tricky, cooking fruit and vegetables well, or even mashing or pureeing them, can help you get all the nutritional benefit without the worry. Most people find that over time their confidence grows and their diet becomes much more varied than they expected.

What is your favourite fruit or vegetable that you were pleased to be able to eat again?

Are you going abroad this year? While travelling to new places can be exciting, we appreciate it can also bring its own ...
18/06/2026

Are you going abroad this year?

While travelling to new places can be exciting, we appreciate it can also bring its own set of challenges. From packing essentials to planning meals and making sure you have the right supplies, a little preparation can make all the difference.

We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Your tips could be helpful for others planning their holidays too.

Did you know we have a leaflet with travel tips to help you prepare for your holiday? It includes practical advice and important things to think about to help you feel more confident when travelling.

The link is in the comments below.

If you live with an internal pouch, then you may have experienced butt burn at some point. It is one of those things tha...
17/06/2026

If you live with an internal pouch, then you may have experienced butt burn at some point.

It is one of those things that not many people talk about openly, but so many experience. It can be really uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to manage, especially if you are not sure what is causing it or what helps to ease the symptoms.

If you have found something that works for you and are comfortable sharing it, please let us know in the comments below.

Your experience could make a real difference to someone who is struggling right now.

16/06/2026

Have you been told you need stoma surgery and are not 100% sure what an ileostomy is or how to live with it?

If so, you are not alone. We see this question crop up frequently.

An ileostomy is a type of stoma where the end of the small bowel is brought through the abdomen to create an opening on the surface of the skin. Waste is then collected in a stoma bag worn on the outside of the body.

Everyone’s experience of living with an ileostomy is different, and it is natural to have questions. You may be wondering about diet, recovery after surgery, returning to work, travelling, or how it may affect your relationships and day to day life.

We have a leaflet that explains what an ileostomy is in more detail and covers many of these topics. Visit our website to view the leaflet.

The link is in the comments.

It is wonderful to hear that attendees felt there was a good mix of topics throughout the day. We always aim to make Inf...
15/06/2026

It is wonderful to hear that attendees felt there was a good mix of topics throughout the day.

We always aim to make Information Day supportive, relevant and helpful for everyone, whether you are newly adjusting to life with an ostomy or internal pouch, or you have been living with one for many years.

Something we get asked about a lot is whether you can bathe or shower without your bag on. The short answer is yes, you ...
14/06/2026

Something we get asked about a lot is whether you can bathe or shower without your bag on.

The short answer is yes, you can.

In the shower, if your stoma works while you are in there, everything will simply wash away. In the bath, you might prefer to keep your bag on just in case, but it is entirely your choice.

One thing to remember is to avoid applying creams or lotions to the skin around your stoma before putting on a new bag, as this can affect how well the bag sticks to your skin.

Do you have a showering or bathing routine that works well for you?

Do you enjoy camping in the great outdoors?The UK weather may have gone from sunshine to jumper weather again, but campi...
13/06/2026

Do you enjoy camping in the great outdoors?

The UK weather may have gone from sunshine to jumper weather again, but camping season is still well and truly here.

Some people worry that having a stoma might stop them from enjoying outdoor adventures. The good news is that with a little planning and preparation, it does not have to.

In our latest article, adventurer, geologist and ostomate James Whitford shares his experience of off-grid camping with a stoma. He covers hydration tips, packing essentials and practical advice from life on the road.

The link is in the comments.

One of the most common worries people have before and after surgery is whether others will be able to smell their stoma....
12/06/2026

One of the most common worries people have before and after surgery is whether others will be able to smell their stoma.

The good news is that providing your bag has a good seal around the stoma and against your skin, there should be no smell at all.

If you do notice an odour, it is usually a sign that the seal may be compromised and it is worth checking and possibly changing your bag.

Modern stoma bags are designed to be discreet and effective. Most people find that with the right fit and a good routine, this worry fades over time.

Is there anything that has helped you to feel more confident? We would love to hear from you.

IA’s Stoma and Pouch Care Specialist Nurse, Emma Greenwood, is presenting at BJN’s Study Day today on behalf of Associat...
12/06/2026

IA’s Stoma and Pouch Care Specialist Nurse, Emma Greenwood, is presenting at BJN’s Study Day today on behalf of Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK on the inconsistent stoma care provision across the UK.

The presentation sets out the how: how three working groups, comprising stoma and colorectal nurse specialists, gathered and appraised evidence, reviewed existing pathways, and developed a national stoma care pathway now underpinning the NHS Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.

It demonstrates that when specialist nurses lead with clinical expertise and purpose, they can shape policy at a national level providing commissioners and managers with a clear evidence base for protecting and developing nurse-led stoma care services.

This piece predominantly demonstrates that not only CAN nurses advocate and influence at policy level, but they SHOULD.

Do you find that certain foods affect how your internal pouch behaves? Let's talk about diet. There is no hard-and-fast ...
11/06/2026

Do you find that certain foods affect how your internal pouch behaves?

Let's talk about diet. There is no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to food and an internal pouch. Everyone is different. But you may notice that some dietary adjustments can be helpful, particularly in the early stages.

Some foods can speed up the passage of waste through the system, while others will thicken output and slow things down.

Keeping a food diary can be a really useful way of working out what agrees with you and what doesn’t.

If there is something you used to enjoy that you stopped eating after surgery, it may be worth trying again. Your internal pouch may surprise you.

We would love to hear from you. What has your experience with food and diet been?

Address

Danehurst Court, 35-37 West Street
Rochford
SS41BE

Telephone

+448000184724

Website

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