Hello, I'm also in the UK but I'm much much older than you. I'm also male, so I need to recognise that bit of privilege can make a difference.

You'll have access to a stoma team. Make use of them! Ask them if there are stoma support groups for young people near you. They should offer you plenty of support - their aim is to make sure you feel comfortable an independent with your stoma. They may give you a practice stoma kit. This will have a stick on stoma, a stoma bag, and some gelling powder. You stick the fake stoma onto your tummy (between your belly button and the top of your hip bone), and then you stick the stoma bag onto your tummy over the fake stoma. You unravel the end and put 150ml of water and the gelling powder in. Then you just leave it on for 24-48 hours. I liked this because it showed me just how well stuck on the bags were, and that I could move around and do stuff and it wasn't going anywhere. I was also able to see how it would affect clothing. I couldn't care less what I look like, but I appreciate that for other people it's an important thing. So, being able to practice can give a bit of confidence around clothing and looks.

I've had my stoma about 4 weeks, and so far things are going great. I set aside a small table at home next to my bathroom. I have all my stoma supplies there (stoma bags, rubbish bags, adhesive removers, dry wipes, stoma bag scissors, a mirror, and kitchen towel.). To change my stoma bag I set up a rubbish bag ready, I get some clean warm water ready in a pot and put 3 dry wipes in the water. I then spray the edge of the flange while gently pulling the flange away from my skin. It comes off easily! No tugging or pulling. I put the bag into the rubbish sack. I then clean the area with the wipes and they go into the rubbish sack. I dry the skin with kitchen towel. I then prepare the new bag by peeling off the backing. I dry the skin again, and carefully put the new bag on. I take a bit of time doing this to get it all lined up. Once it's on I use the warmth of my hand to help the adhesive stick to my tummy skin by applying firm but gentle pressure. Then, I tie up the rubbish bag, I tip that water down the loo, I wash my hands with soap and water and I throw the rubbish bag into my normal household green bin outside. This all sounds a bit weird and complicated, but really, all intimate care is weird if you type it out as a list like I've just done.

You'll also have access to a colorectal team. Again, make full use of them! There should be someone who does something like "colorectal support worker" - and they'll be able to give you information about local groups and local meetings that you can go to.

I really hope that surgery goes well, and that all your healthcare professionals start introducing themselves soon.