If you suffer from severe inflammatory bowel disease or medical conditions such as diverticulitis or colon cancer, you may have needed a colostomy. A colostomy is an opening in the colon through which stool passes when the normal process of excretion is no longer possible due to disease or injury. Living with a colostomy is a huge adjustment that may be scary at first. Learning care for yourself and go about your daily activities can make it easier to cope with living with a colostomy.
Instructions
Caring for a Colostomy
1. Order extra pouches and a stoma cover and other colostomy supplies from a local medical supply store or the hospital, before you go home after your procedure. Ask a doctor or nurse to give your spouse or other family members a complete list of the items you'll need and how many of them you'll expect to use in your first few weeks at home.
2. Empty your colostomy bag before it is halfway full to avoid overflow or the possibility of infection. Unclamp or open the bag (the type of bag you use will vary, depending on the type of stoma you have) and carefully deposit the waste into a toilet. Make sure the bag's opening is clean before reattaching it. It is not necessary to use a new pouch each time you need to empty it.
3. Review instructions about changing your colostomy bag before you leave the hospital, as the length of wear depends on the type of pouch you'll be using. Wash your stoma (the opening in your skin) gently with lukewarm water before attaching a new pouch. If you choose to use soap to clean your stoma, be sure it is unscented and without added irritants such as oils or lotions. Dry gently with a soft towel.
4. Place barrier film on the skin surrounding the stoma to keep the area dry and clean. Press the new bag into place gently but firmly by putting it over the middle of the stoma.
5. Monitor your stoma for changes such as oozing or bleeding. These can be signs of infection, sometimes caused by contamination from the pouch contents. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Adjusting to a New Lifestyle With a Colostomy
6. Shop for clothing that will fit comfortably over your pouch and will not irritate your stoma. Loosely fitting garments that do not have a tight elastic waist may be an option. Modest tops and swimwear with colorful prints may camouflage the bulk of the pouch and can make you feel less self-conscious.
7. Engage in as much of your former daily life as possible. Your doctor will let you know if there are any activities in which you cannot participate. Store extra supplies, including medical tape to guard against unexpected leakage, at work, in your car or in your briefcase so that you can attend to emptying no matter where you are.
8. Be as open as you can about your colostomy with members of your family and close friends who inquire about your health. Small children are especially inquisitive and may ask about the pouch and why you wear it. As the colostomy is now part of your life, the more easily you can talk about it, the easier it will be to deal with.
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