5 Essential Tips for New Ostomy Patients: Adjusting with Ease

What is life like with an ostomy? Is it harder to perform the activities that might have seemed easier before the surgery? Does it feel different?

These are all valid questions for someone who is about to undergo surgery to get fitted up with an ostomy. The road to recovery after an ostomy could be riddled with some roadblocks. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find guidance and support to tackle them.

With the right information and a positive mindset, your life with an ostomy can be much more comfortable and independent than before. Ostomies are usually the result of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or cancer, and they often provide patients the relief needed to get back to normal life. All you need are some additional tips to get used to the new reality.

1. Let’s Begin with Ostomy Care

In order to care for your ostomy, it is essential you study your ostomy type first. Ostomies fall into three broader categories: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Each ostomy type requires specific care and maintenance.

• Colostomy: This type involves creating a stoma in the colon (large intestine) which allows waste to exit the body into a special bag.
• Ileostomy: This has to do with the small intestine through which the waste bypasses the colon. This waste is redirected to an opening in the abdomen.
• Urostomy: This type of ostomy diverts the urine from the kidneys to an external pouch when the bladder isn’t functional.

Ostomies can be permanent or temporary. However, one thing is certain; the better you understand your own ostomy the easier it would be to adapt to the care demanded by each type.

It is important to learn how to empty, clean, and maintain your ostomy bag. Adopting a proactive attitude and planning for accidents in advance can protect you from leaks or skin irritation.

Take time to ask your healthcare provider for in-depth instructions and stay in touch to ensure proper care or advice in case of emergencies.

2. Investing in High Quality, Reliable Ostomy Supplies

Managing your ostomy and being proactive is quite incomplete without a considerable investment in the right kind of supplies. Poor quality ostomy pouches or accessories can result in leaks as well as skin irritation and discomfort. Nobody needs that kind of stress!

Look for ostomy appliances that are comfortable and reliable. You can ask your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse to give you suggestions for products that are comfortable and reliable.

You could even try out a few types (ostomy suppliers often offer free samples). Sample different brands and types of pouches till you find the one that provides you the most comfort. Don’t forget to keep your lifestyle into consideration (this includes your activity level, clothing preferences, and daily routine).

3. Your Body and Your Stoma: The Relationship

The relationship between your body and your stoma is most important post-surgery. Your stoma is the opening that was formed during the surgery. It requires special care and monitoring. Each stoma is going to be different so take your time and assess its shape, size, and condition.

• Appearance: Keep regular tabs on the appearance of your stoma. A healthy stoma is supposed to be pink or red and moist. If you notice your stoma darkening in color, becoming dry, or excessively swollen, seek medical attention immediately.
• Output: Keep tabs on the consistency, color, and odor of the output. Any changes in the output might signal an underlying issue.
• Comfort: Your comfort and confidence with the stoma as well as the level of familiarity is going to make all the difference. Regularly check the area for redness and always ensure your pouching system is secure.

4. Develop a Routine

Expect your daily routine to suffer when you come back from your ostomy surgery. It is definitely going to take some getting used to and you might feel confused and scatterbrained for a while.

The earlier you establish a routine the easier it would be to transition. This includes setting aside some time for stoma care every day and making sure you have a clean and secure environment set up to change the pouch.

5. Don’t Avoid Social Situations

Be confident and keep living your life. You don’t need to avoid social situations for fear of confrontation. Whether it is going out with friends, attending a special event, or eating in public, the idea of someone noticing your ostomy can seem terrifying. However, keep in mind that it is a part of your body just as much as your skin.

If you still feel uncomfortable, here are a few tips’

• Plan ahead: Bring extra ostomy supplies when you leave the house. The backup will give you peace of mind.
• Wear the right clothing: Choose clothes that conceal the pouch comfortably such as high waisted pants or dresses.
• Seek help: If the anxiety gets too much to bear, consider speaking to a professional who can help you get comfortable with the stoma.
• Take a time out if needed: If you feel like you’re getting way too uncomfortable and would rather step away, feel free to do so. Nothing is more important than your comfort.

A Few Extra Words of Advice

Keep yourself hydrated and make sure you consume nutritious food. A balanced diet is just as important for you as it is for any other individual. Regular physical activity, starting out with low impact exercises, can help you recover much faster. Work on your core and build your abdominal strength!

If you find it particularly difficult, go for a personal trainer who knows what they are doing. You could also join ostomy support groups or connect with others who have similar experiences.

Your Ostomy Journey

An ostomy is a journey. It can be pleasant, and it can be downright tiresome sometimes. However, if you have the right knowledge, support, and mindset, you can live a fulfilling and independent life.

Remember to educate others about your ostomy so that they can understand your unique needs. If you share a bathroom with someone, make sure you educate them so you don’t have to suffer the consequences of poor hygiene on someone else’s part. More power to you!