About
The surgeon will create a colostomy in the abdomen when the colon loses its function. This intestinal diversion allows you to get rid of bodily wastes through an opening (stoma) in the belly. A colostomy can be permanent or temporary, depending on the underlying reason.
Colostomy bags and supplies
With a colostomy, you will need to learn to manage your stool evacuations through colostomy bags that collect waste contents passing out of the stoma.
Colostomies generally produce more firm stool, which can be managed with the help of closed-end begs. If your colostomy procedures stool in more liquid form, you may have to use drainable bags.
Some additional products and accessories may help you remain comfortable and confident. These products may include pouch support accessories, skincare products, and deodorizing products.
With a colostomy, you will need to learn to manage your stool evacuations through colostomy bags that collect waste contents passing out of the stoma.
Colostomies generally produce more firm stool, which can be managed with the help of closed-end begs. If your colostomy procedures stool in more liquid form, you may have to use drainable bags.
Some additional products and accessories may help you remain comfortable and confident. These products may include pouch support accessories, skincare products, and deodorizing products.
A lifestyle change with a colostomy
Having to manage a colostomy bag is a significant hurdle that creates a barrier between you and your preferred lifestyle. Fortunately, modern-day ostomy appliances and supplies are discreet and secure enough to help you move into your social circle confidently and engage in physical activities without any problem.
In most cases, colostomy bags go unnoticed. It means that you can wear any clothes you want without worrying about the appliance becoming visible or apparent. These appliances remain flat with your belly. If you are still not confident enough, you may want to use an ostomy belt for extra support.
Having to manage a colostomy bag is a significant hurdle that creates a barrier between you and your preferred lifestyle. Fortunately, modern-day ostomy appliances and supplies are discreet and secure enough to help you move into your social circle confidently and engage in physical activities without any problem.
In most cases, colostomy bags go unnoticed. It means that you can wear any clothes you want without worrying about the appliance becoming visible or apparent. These appliances remain flat with your belly. If you are still not confident enough, you may want to use an ostomy belt for extra support.
Traveling with a colostomy bag
Having to manage a colostomy bag doesn’t have to be a problem while traveling. You may need to plan for it, though.
First, you will need to estimate the number of pouches that you may have to change while traveling. You will need to pack some extra supplies in addition to the estimated count. You will have to be careful while wearing a seat belt, as you do not want it to come over your stoma or colostomy bag.
Pack all ostomy supplies in the carry-on luggage when flying. It will help you deal with your ostomy requirements promptly in case you have a problem accessing your main luggage. You can contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for extra information if you have concerns about airport screening.
Having to manage a colostomy bag doesn’t have to be a problem while traveling. You may need to plan for it, though.
First, you will need to estimate the number of pouches that you may have to change while traveling. You will need to pack some extra supplies in addition to the estimated count. You will have to be careful while wearing a seat belt, as you do not want it to come over your stoma or colostomy bag.
Pack all ostomy supplies in the carry-on luggage when flying. It will help you deal with your ostomy requirements promptly in case you have a problem accessing your main luggage. You can contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for extra information if you have concerns about airport screening.
Going back to work
Resuming your professional responsibilities is not a challenge when you have a colostomy, but you might have to wait until you recover well enough before you can return to work.
You can talk to your employer about planning your working hours. You may also have to tell your employer that you won’t be fit enough to lift heavy objects until your doctor gives you a nod. The employer must know that your condition requires you to have frequent bathroom breaks, at least in the first few months after surgery.
Resuming your professional responsibilities is not a challenge when you have a colostomy, but you might have to wait until you recover well enough before you can return to work.
You can talk to your employer about planning your working hours. You may also have to tell your employer that you won’t be fit enough to lift heavy objects until your doctor gives you a nod. The employer must know that your condition requires you to have frequent bathroom breaks, at least in the first few months after surgery.
Diet changes
Having a colostomy doesn’t require you to make drastic dietary changes, but a few changes will be inevitable. Generally, you will need to be on a strict diet plan until your bowel fully recovers, which might take 6-8 weeks after surgery. After this recovery phase, you can start eating your favorite foods, but you will have to be careful about the impact of dietary mistakes.
You may want to talk about your diet and everything with your doctor or ostomy care nurse.
Having a colostomy doesn’t require you to make drastic dietary changes, but a few changes will be inevitable. Generally, you will need to be on a strict diet plan until your bowel fully recovers, which might take 6-8 weeks after surgery. After this recovery phase, you can start eating your favorite foods, but you will have to be careful about the impact of dietary mistakes.
You may want to talk about your diet and everything with your doctor or ostomy care nurse.