Connections Online Booklet 2022 - Flipbook - Page 4
Let’s connect
Hello and welcome to
your Connections Toolkit.
We know that adjusting to life after a stoma
operation can be tough. Getting used to your
post op body can be difficult at first. And it’s
easy to shut out family and friends as you
adapt to your body and lifestyle changes.
The support of others can be a huge comfort
during this time, helping you to navigate
concerns about your post-op body, and giving
you the strength and confidence to maintain
healthy relationships.
This guide has been designed by a
relationship expert and our own clinical
nursing team to help you reconnect with your
body and strengthen your bonds with loved
ones during this challenging time.
Everyone’s journey is different, so feel free
to use this book in whatever way works
best for your individual needs at any given
point – there’s no pressure to complete
every activity. Flick through to find those
that you feel will help you most. But try not to
avoid the ones you think are a bit tougher –
sometimes these have the potential for the
greatest breakthroughs!
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Each activity has been chosen to help you identify how you’re
feeling and also support you in communicating those feelings
with others. You might find it helpful to try some of them
with a partner or close friend, giving them the opportunity to
communicate their own feelings too, and initiate open and
honest conversation.
This book is part of a larger toolkit which also includes
a video in which one couple talk us through their own
stoma journey, how they’ve overcome certain challenges
and the breakthroughs that have led them to improved
communication and a more positive relationship.
To watch, scan the QR code below or visit
www.fittleworth.com/connections
Scan QR code to hear from
our relationships expert
and one couple discussing
their stoma journey
We’d like this guide to be as valuable as possible - for you,
and for others who have just had stoma surgery. So please
let us know what you think. What activities were particularly
useful? Where did the breakthroughs happen? Or perhaps you
have some suggestions of your own for how we can improve
this toolkit. Get in touch and let us know on
supportme@fittleworth.com
Thank you and we hope you find this useful in navigating your
stoma journey.
Julie Jon es
Fittleworth Clinical Nurse Specialist
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