Who is this site for?
If you or a loved one has an ostomy and/or IBD, then you’ll be right at home here!
If you have an ostomy and/or IBD and live a plant-based (vegan) lifestyle, then this site should be your homepage! Seriously!
The content you’ll find has been created through my personal experience with living as a vegan ostomate with Crohn’s Disease, and I’ve covered topics like:
- Ostomy tips and care
- Diet and nutrition
- Ostomy product reviews
- Information on how (and why) to use certain ostomy products
- Mental health
- Perianal disease
- Much more related to IBD, Ostomy, and vegan life
And as of April 2017, you’ll also be able to find support, get answers to questions, connect with other patient or caregivers on the VeganOstomy Community Forums!
You won’t find any “sponsored posts”, misleading content, or any other crap that I don’t like to see on other websites.
My goal has always been to inspire and support all ostomates and people living with IBD through their journey regardless of their lifestyle, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
While my content has been created to fit around my own plant-based (vegan) lifestyle, the information I provide will be valuable to everyone living with a stoma or IBD.
Disclaimer: This site is not intended to replace medical recommendations or treatment. While I offer up my own experience as a patient, you may have complications that require the expertise of a doctor, nurse, dietitian, or other medical professional.
The VeganOstomy Origin Story
I created the VeganOstomy site back in 2013 as I was preparing to have my colon removed to make way for a permanent ileostomy. At the time, I was looking for information on living with an ostomy while maintaining a plant-based (vegan) lifestyle, and I was disappointed by the lack of resources.
As I started to write about my experiences, I realized that the questions I had about my surgery were the same questions that other people were asking, so I began to write articles and produce videos that I could share to the world.
Over a million visitors later, the VO site has become one of the most popular ostomy sites in the world.
To read about my story, click HERE.
1,300,000+ Visitors
3,600,000+ Articles read
2,800,000+ Views on YouTube
Testimonials
(From people like you)
I am new to an ileostomy. However, I have found the information on your site extremely useful. Thank you very much for the information you provide here. Its been a little bit scary for me and I cant say enough about how you have helped me.
Dean
via E-Mail
Having just received a temporary colostomy due to diverticulitis, I’ve spent a good couple of hours watching your videos and reading your articles. Thanks for the help!
Zulmogarga
via Reddit
I’d like to thank you for your site, and for all the helpful videos you’ve posted. I have a new ostomy – a colostomy – and although our health stories differ, the information you’ve provided has been really valuable.
Peg
via E-Mail
I finally got to see your videos and blog. I wish I had seen it years ago. You taught me several new processes and products to use. My wife and caregiver has helped me change my bag for many years. She made my life easier. You have given us more knowledge and less stress than you can imagine. We appreciate your efforts to help others.
Barry
via Facebook
Just want to say how glad I am that I found your site! It’s fantastic.I was searching for information on broken skin management for my Mum, who has a temporary colostomy as a result of advanced ovarian cancer. After her next surgery, she will have an ileostomy. I found your videos helpful, informative and positive. She’s 67 but tech savvy, I can’t wait to share your site with her, I know she will find it helpful. Keep up the good work!
O. Murphy, caregiver
via E-Mail
I just want to thank you for creating the website and providing invaluable information for ostomates. Your time and dedication to the project are extremely appreciated and I have come to rely on the website and newsletter to learn and understand the best ways to deal with choices and challenges of an ostomy. The website has become one of my primary support systems.via e-mail
(name kept private)
via E-Mail
You Sir, have saved my sanity and helped me prepare for this change.The information you share is warm, real, and informative. You have both educated and reassured me.You have made a huge and positive impact on the way I think and feel.I wanted to send you a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Kym
via E-Mail
Making Waves
Featured in Publications and Events All over the World
Power of You Education Event, May 2018.
“Mastering Life with an Ostomy”, Reno Ostomy Association, Oct 2018.
“Hidden Gems”, Reno Ostomy Association, Oct 2018.
6th Annual WEGO Health Activist Awards, 2017.
4th Annual WEGO Health Activist Awards.
2014 Canadian Weblog Awards.
World IBD Day Facebook Live Chat, 2018.
Episode 22 – You Have To Do Your Research With Vegan Ostomy.
Stoma Tips Magazine, Spring 2018.
WOCN Conference 2018: Philadelphia, USA.
Ostomy 101 Webinar, Dec 2017.
Summer 2015
IBDCon 2019 Steering Committee.
WCET 2016: South Africa.
Ostomy Toronto, 2015 & 2017.
Nov 14, 2017 Podcast: Life with an ostomy.
In the article, “I Have a Bag Instead of a Rectum. This Is How It Affects My Sex Life” (Feb 2020)
The IBD & Ostomy Support Show live (Sept 2017)
“Veganism 101”, The Great Bowel Movement
Trusted Therapies
Crohn’s Forum Blog
Crohn’s and Colitis website
“Dudes and IBD”, “Holistic IBD Care”, and “IBD & Food: Disordered Eating around the Holidays” for the IBD Social Circle
In the book “Even Vegans Die” by Carol J. Adams, Patti Breitman, Virginia Messina
In the book “The Ostomy Raft” by Joan Scott
Patient 2 Patient Education Project (University of Michigan, 2016)
Ostomy Education Day, 2016 (Vancouver, BC)
Ostomylife Roundtable Webinar (Oct 2015)
“My Favorite Food” Cookbook by Coloplast
ARTICLES FROM THE VEGANOSTOMY SITE HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN OSTOMY SUPPORT NEWSLETTERS AROUND THE WORLD!
Support This Site
There are plenty of ways that you can help!
Thank you for your interest in helping! I’ve put together a page that’ll give you options for helping me to reach more people. You are under no obligation to do anything, and I expect nothing in return for helping others.
If you are interested, please visit my support page HERE. And thanks!
Hello Eric! Great to see the article about Pancaking, I’m using it for a resource for an article. Are you doing reviews of products again? Your information is so valuable to caregivers, clinicians, and patients.
Thank you for the pancaking info!
Hi Joy,
I hope that you’re doing well! Thank you for the message.
I do have several articles in the works, and a few product reviews to come.
Unfortunately, my time has been significantly limited over the past several years and recording/editing videos is a multi-day effort, so it’s taken much longer than I’d like.
Be well,
Eric
Where can you buy the products ?
Hi Richard, it really depends on where you live and how your insurance/healthcare works. I’m in Canada, so I order my supplies from medical supply stores.
I have tried to log in — must be doing something wrong — keeps taking me back to register — I get all your emails, and would like to be part of the forum — had colon cancer and got my illeostomy on July 23, 2014
Hi Teddye, send me an email at veganostomy@gmail.com and I’ll see if I can get this working for you again :)
Hi i have pyoderma gangrenosm. I’m using coloplast stoma paste and it’s only lasting a day, I wondered if there is anything that lasts longer without breaking down and then leaking.
Hi Wayne, for something like that I would always suggest speaking with an ostomy nurse who can have a look and assess the situation in person.
Best of luck to you!
I’m joining a support group for their meeting on November 9th. Speaking with the coordinator, I told her about this site and she hadn’t heard of it. I’m going to give the group your YouTube address since I’ve gotten so much out of it myself, I want to share. Thanks so much for all your efforts.
That’s much appreciated, Nancy! Thank you.