There is a lot of adjustment after having a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy.It will take time to get used to the change.You should be able to do most of your favorite activities after your surgery, like swimming, walking the dog, exercising, having sex, playing with your kids, and working.With time, planning will become second nature to you, even if you have to plan more than people who don't have an ostomy bag.After your surgery and recovery period, make sure to get clearance from your doctor.
Step 1: As you adjust to your ostomy, create a support network to lean on.
After your surgery, you will have learned how to change your ostomy bag.You can return to your pre-surgery life once your doctor clears you.As you navigate life with your bag, having people you can talk to will be helpful.It might be helpful to talk to other people who have ostomy bags.You can connect with new people through online support groups.As you get used to your bag, they may help you feel less alone.You have to choose who you share your information with.Say something like "I had abdominal surgery" if you don't want to go into detail.
Step 2: You should carry extra supplies with you if you need them.
It is normal for you to be nervous or anxious about accidents.If you are prepared to deal with incidents at any time, you will reduce your anxiety.You should keep a small bag in your car, purse, backpack, or bag so that you can easily grab it if you need it.You may also want to keep a simple change of clothes in your car, locker, or desk.It will be nice to know it is there if you ever need it.
Step 3: Once you have been cleared, return to school or work.
You can make adjustments if you talk to your manager, boss, or teacher.You may need to take more frequent bathroom breaks or you may want to come back part-time as you adjust to your ostomy bag.Let your needs be known so that the transition back to work or school is stress-free.If you work a manual labor job, you should talk to your doctor or ostomy nurse about special products that can give you abdominal support so you feel more secure.
Step 4: When you are ready to have sex, enjoy it.
It is possible that the nerves that control sexual function have been injured if you had an ostomy.When your doctor clears you, you can engage in sexual activity again, but it may feel a little different.You can communicate with your partner about how you feel.If you want to be more comfortable during sex, you should try out different positions for your ostomy bag.There are special underwear and lingerie for both men and women that can help hide your bag, if you are self-conscious about it.It can be difficult to tell the other person about your bag in a new relationship.If the other person really cares about you, they won't mind at all.Sex and intimate contact with an ostomy bag is something many people enjoy.
Step 5: It is possible to exercise.
There are a lot of things you can do with your ostomy bag.Walking, jogging, team sports, horseback riding, golf, swimming, bowling, biking are some of the activities that you can enjoy.Make sure to ask your doctor before starting anything new, as there may be products or precautions to take.
Step 6: A special belt is needed to hold your bag in place while exercising.
Most medical supply stores and online have these bands or belts.They can keep your bag from moving and make you feel more confident while exercising.You could get dehydrated if you don't drink extra water while you exercise.
Step 7: Your doctor can give you the go-ahead to eat your favorite foods.
You may have been given a list of foods to avoid after your surgery.You may be able to add a lot of those foods back to your diet once your body has recovered.Don't forget to check in with your doctor first, and always listen to their advice.When it comes to reintroducing certain foods to your body, you may want to take it slowly.You will want to see how they affect your body.
Step 8: If you want to see how gas-causing foods affect your body, try them at home.
How to deal with gas or odd smells while out in public is a big worry for people with ostomy bags.If you notice that certain foods increase your chances of having gas, it is a good idea to eat them in the comfort of your own home.Some of the more common foods that could cause gas with your ostomy are asparagus, beans, beer, broccoli, Brussels sprout, and peas.Alcohol, asparagus, broccoli, eggs, fish, garlic, and peas are some of the foods that may increase odor in your ostomy bag.Everyone, ostomy bag or not, experiences gas.It is natural!It is normal and nothing to be embarrassed about if that happens while you are out.
Step 9: There is a risk of odor in your ostomy if you add a few items to your diet.
If you have an ostomy bag, you should drink cranberry juice, parsley, kefir, and yogurt.Have some yogurt with your lunch and try to drink cranberry juice in the morning.You can buy parsley pills over the counter.They help keep odors at bay and are great for reducing gas and indigestion.Ask your doctor if you should add a new supplement to your diet.
Step 10: Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Proper hydration with an ostomy bag is important.It keeps things moving through your body and will help your bicyle work better.You need to drink more water than you did before you had the ostomy because there isn't a right amount for everyone.If you drank 64 ounces of water per day before the ostomy, increase your daily intake to 80 ounces.After you wake up, drink a glass of water first thing.You should always have a water bottle with you at all times.
Step 11: Pay attention to signs of dehydration.
It is safe to drink coconut water, low-fat milk, and rehydration drinks.If dehydration lasts more than a day, call your doctor.Dark urine color, excessive thirst, nausea, dizziness, and dark circles around the eyes are all signs to watch out for.
Step 12: A 1-piece pouch system is easy to use.
A ostomy system is attached to your skin.The whole thing is removed when you need to change it.The process can be simplified if you only have one piece to deal with, but you will need to change the bags multiple times.If your stoma is located in an area of your abdomen with deep creases, this may be a good option.
Step 13: It's easier to change the bag with a 2-piece system.
If you don't want to apply a new ostomy bag to your skin every time you change it, a 2-piece system may be the best choice for you.A pouch that snaps onto the first piece is what this involves.You can clip the pouch back into place when you empty the bag.
Step 14: If you don't empty your ostomy bag frequently, it will bulge under clothes.
When 1/3 of the way full is a good rule to follow.Before handling your bag, make sure to wash your hands.It will become a habit before too much time passes, if you make more trips to the bathroom than you normally would.
Step 15: To mask odors from the bag, use pouch deodorants or sprays.
Special products can be purchased from a medical supply store, drug store or online.These can be a great way to ease your mind if you are worried about the smell from your bag being noticed by others.When you change or empty your bag, you just add a few drops.
Step 16: Ask your doctor if you should switch to a 1-piece system.
Depending on what kind of ostomy you have, this may be an option for you.2-piece systems tend to be a little bulkier.There are a lot of different bags to choose from, so you can find one that works for you.The downside to a 1-piece system is that you have to change the bag every now and then, which could cause skin irritation.
Step 17: Try different styles of clothes to find the right one.
Depending on where you sit, a higher or lower waistband is more comfortable.Cotton or linen might be more comfortable than nylon or polyester.As you try out your old outfits, be patient and shop for new ones.When you are still getting used to the ostomy bag, tight-fitting clothes may not be the most comfortable option, but that doesn't mean you'll never be able to wear them.It might take a little while before you get used to the way the bag feels.
Step 18: To make the outline of the ostomy bag less noticeable, wear patterns.
Darker colors and patterns will hide your ostomy bag better than light-colored or non-patterned options would.If your stomach is above your belly button, you should wear patterned shirts.If it is below your belly button, patterned bottoms are the best choice.You don't have to hide your bag, it's nothing to be ashamed of!It is your choice to keep it private.Do whatever makes you feel confident.