Emotional Support and Resources
Living with a condition that requires catheters or ostomy supplies can be a big adjustment, both physically and emotionally. It’s normal to go through a range of feelings, from just being overwhelmed with the new changes to grieving the life you had before your diagnosis.
At 180 Medical, we understand those feelings because many of our employees have been where you are. Our company’s founder, Todd Brown, also lives with a spinal cord injury and uses catheters every day.
We know your journey isn’t just about finding the right supplies. It’s about feeling supported and understood. If you’d like to talk to one of our specialists or Patient Advocates for first-hand tips, peer support, and encouragement, we’re here for you.
Emotional Support for Catheter Users
Being new to using catheters can bring up a mix of emotions, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. In addition to our staff being available to walk you through the process of learning to use your supplies and find the right products, we also offer a ton of helpful resources for adjusting to using catheters. Plus, some of our own customers in the 180 Medical Community have shared their own stories of facing challenges and finding a “new normal.”
Here are a few places to start:
- Learn how to use catheters with step-by-step instructions and videos at howtocath.com
- Tips for Self-Catheterization for Beginners
- Facing Catheter-Related Depression: Brian’s Story
- Life Goes On with a New Normal: Stephan’s Catheterization Journey
- Grieving, Coping, and Moving Forward After Spinal Cord Injury: Mason’s Tips
- Find even more educational tips and guides on our blog
Convatec me+ Emotional Wellbeing Program for Catheter Users
Convatec’s me+ Emotional Wellbeing Program is a completely free online resource to help you adjust emotionally to catheter use. The program, which was designed by a health psychologist, includes:
- 10 short, expert-led video modules
- A printable workbook to help you reflect and grow
- Tools for managing stress, confidence, and change
Remember, as you’re learning and adjusting, give yourself some grace. You don’t have to be perfect right away. And above all, you’re not alone. We’re here for you.
Emotional Support for Ostomy Users
Adapting to life with a new colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy can involve many physical and emotional adjustments. It’s okay to have concerns about body image or how this new change will affect your day-to-day life.
Cindy, one of our employees, knows firsthand how challenging that initial adjustment period can be. She shares these helpful tips for coping and adjusting to your new life with an ostomy.
- Remember that bad days are temporary. Take each day as it comes, and don’t give up.
- The ostomy products you use can make a real difference in your comfort and confidence, so don’t be afraid to try different options to find what works for you.
- Connect with a support group through the UOAA. It brought Cindy a lot of comfort and new connections, too.
- Give yourself space to feel whatever emotions come up as you adjust.
- Above all else, be proud of yourself and how far you’ve come.
Our caring Ostomy Specialists are here to help you feel more confident, answer your questions about products, and support you every step of the way. Ready to explore on your own? We have some easy-to-follow instructional videos for basic ostomy care. Plus, we have some detailed guides for tackling all the issues that many new ostomates face while adjusting to their new journey.
Get started with these resources:
- Guide to Adjusting to Life with an Ostomy
- Ostomy Care and Application Instructions (Videos, Printable Booklets, and More)
- Tackling Common Ostomy Issues (Intimacy and Relationships, Skin Health, Leaks, Odors, etc.)
- And get inspired by real stories from others in the 180 Medical Community
Convatec me+™ Program for Ostomy Support
The me+™ Program by Convatec is a free, all-in-one support program designed to help you live confidently with your ostomy. Here’s what it offers:
- Expert tips on diet, intimacy, travel, and everyday life
- Access to me+ Recovery for post-surgery guidance
- Real stories and advice through the me+ Community
- Free resources, tools, and samples to help you manage your stoma
- The My Ostomy Journey app for easy daily tracking and confidence-building
Where to Go For Additional Support
If you’re feeling isolated and overwhelmed, help is available. The best place to start may be with a therapist, an ostomy nurse, or your healthcare professional who can provide personalized support and advice.
Sometimes the best support comes from others on similar journies. Many of our employees and customers have found a community through online or in-person support groups. These groups and many more can offer you a safe place to connect, ask questions, and find comfort in knowing others understand what you’re going through.
Here are a few options to consider in your search:
- United Spinal Association Support Groups
- UOAA Support Group Finder for Ostomates
- Facing Disability
- Spina Bifida Association SB Connect
- Girls with Guts (for women with IBD and ostomies)
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society Support
Whatever you’re facing right now, please remember that you matter to us. You don’t have to carry this alone. The team at 180 Medical is here to help you choose the products that work and feel best for you while supporting you with kindness and care.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not medical advice. It is not intended as a substitute for consultations with qualified healthcare professionals. For questions requiring medical advice, please talk to your doctor or another qualified medical professional.