How to adapt to living with new Ostomies: Everything you must know adjusting to an ostomy

It is really hard to handle a new ostomy, as it is very dramatic and changes your life dramatically, but the positive aspect is that it is life-saving. It has been seen that most of the people who had gone through ostomy surgeries feel more independent and suggest other people like them have an ostomy. Even though, the period before surgery can be very hard and scary. People who undergo ostomy have any questions regarding the aftercare lifestyles and complications, following the surgery.

In this article, we will be discussing everything related to ostomy and ostomy care according to the reviews of a WOC nurse specialist.

Most asked questions by ostomy patients:

Is it okay to get my pouch wet?

Yes. It is absolutely fine, ostomy bags get wet and you can pat dry them easily. The taped border or the pouch doesn’t demand to be changed if got wet.

Can I take a shower wearing my pouch?

It’s your choice. You may take a shower wearing your pouch or you may remove them while showering. In most cases, people get used to the pouch and don’t feel to remove it while bathing or showering. And some people remove it to clean the peristomal skin thoroughly.

Is there something I can use to obscure my pouch?

Yes. Many products and resources are available on the internet and your WOC nurse can also help you with this. There are different kinds of products such as wraps that help you to obscure your pouch.

Am I allowed to swim with an ostomy?

Yes. Many people who have undergone ostomies do swimming as they used to be before an ostomy.

Are there any food items I can't have anymore?

Before getting discharged from the hospital, make sure to consult your doctor for dietary instructions. Always chew your food properly. You can look for a dietarian following the surgery who might help you with food issues.

How many times should I change my pouch?

Generally, it is recommended to have two complete pouch changes per week. In some cases, patients prefer to change the entire pouch system once a week. But two times a week is typically recommended.

In case of any stinging burning or irritation under the skin barrier, the complete pouching system should be changed. Avoid tape or bind the edges.

Hacks you must follow to live easily with an Ostomy

Wearing and clothing: You need not worry about your clothes. You will be allowed to wear the same type of clothes in the same fashion that you used to wear before the surgery. Nowadays, such pouches are in the market that will fit close to your body. No one can notice that you are wearing an ostomy bag. There is also a feature of an odor controller that traps the odor and prevents bad smells. The smell escapes out only when you empty your bag.

You can also get clothes that are specially designed for ostomy patients. Such as undergarments and wraps that help to hold the pouch.

Routine Activities: You can continue your daily life activities. An ostomy patient can normally go to work, drive play sports and continue their sexual activities. Appropriate activities cause no harm. But don’t do much working because the sweat can cause swelling and this will remove the tape from the stoma. In this case, try to purchase a pouch that can allow work out.

Showering: The skin around your stoma should be kept dry and clean. Avoid using alcoholic products it will leave your skin dry. Also, don’t use oily products it will cause your pouch to detach from the skin. You should keep the hairs shaved, which covers the area around the stoma. For more details about showering you have to see you’re your doctor or trainer.

Diet: If you had an ileostomy or colostomy then you can’t control the feces or gas, they will automatically pass out and accumulate in the pouch. So, the amount of feces or gas that will pass out depends on the kind of ostomy and food your meal.

You should avoid gas-causing food items. Such as onion, capsicum, cabbage, and very spicy foods. You must chew your food well before swallowing it because large food particles may cause difficulty in passing through the ostomy. Be careful about the food items that can be the reason for diarrhea or constipation. If you have an ileostomy you must keep yourself hydrated, since the stool produced is very watery.

Medication: People with colostomy or ileostomy take time to absorb medicine taken by mouth. That is why they are recommended to take medicines that are in liquid dosage. These will be more effective for them.

Some medicine can cause increased bowel movements, you must avoid them. Some painkillers or drugs can cause constipation. Also, some antibiotics can be the reason for diarrhea.

Some drugs can upset your average urine level and cause urinary stones. For avoiding such issues contact your doctor.

Be careful about accidents: Your ostomy bag should be emptied many times a day. It is recommended by doctors to free your bag when it is half-filled. Keep your ostomy essentials with you always. Get training about your diet and activities to avoid any kind of discomfort or accident.

Cancer Treatment: There are some rare cases when a cancer patient requires an ostomy while continuing his cancer treatments. If you are having fatigue after the treatment you may hire a helper for your ostomy. In the case of radiation therapy, the radiation might cause complications on your stoma. You must take advice from your doctor or any certified expert.

Emotional Support: Some people have insecurities and fears related to their ostomy. They feel uneasy to go to public places. Because they fear that people will notice their ostomy bag and make fun and ask questions. This is fine. In this case, you can take the help of a therapist. If this is done by any family member or friend this can be the best option. Also, you can contact a counselor for better help.

Conclusion

An ostomy allows you to live freely, though it changes your life. You can adapt to live with an ostomy gradually, following the surgery. A WOC nurse and support groups can help you to adapt better lifestyle.