A colostomy is a procedure that surgically creates an opening in the abdomen, which is called a stoma, to allow waste to be expelled from the body via the large intestine. Colostomies are installed when the colon in damaged or diseased and can no longer function normally.
Normal colon function can be hindered by many things. Cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, trauma, diverticulitis and other gastrointestinal conditions, autoimmune conditions, and endometriosis – just to name a few. A colostomy could be done temporarily or permanently.
Types of Colostomies
There are different types of colostomies depending on the location of the incision and length of the colon that is brought out. These types include:
- Loop colostomy. This type pulls a loop of the colon out of the abdominal wall.
- Ascending Colostomy. The colon is brought out from the ascending colon.
- End colostomy. The entire end of the colon is brought out.
- Transverse colostomy. The colon is brought out from the transverse colon.
- Sigmoid colostomy. The colon is brought out from the sigmoid colon.
Recovery from colostomy surgery may take weeks, and the adjustment to having a stoma and ostomy might take longer to acclimate to.
Care of a Colostomy
An ostomy bag, or pouch, is worn with a colostomy. These special “bags” contain odors, hold waste, and there are a multitude of bag types for your situation or preference. Bags can be one- or two-piece systems – typically whichever version works for your needs and life is best. Ostomy supplies are available through medical suppliers, or DME suppliers, which are linked to various insurance companies. In recent years, ostomy supplies have also become available for purchase on various online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and more. Insurance coverage varies for ostomy supplies, so check in with your insurance carrier for details.
Some colostomy owners may be able to learn the “irrigation techniques” to allow them to have a bit more control over the timing of their bowel movements. Not all colostomy patients can irrigate, so be sure to check in with your surgeon or ostomy team to verify.
These are important tips for colostomy owners:
- Keep the skin around the stoma clean and dry. Use stoma powder and the crusting method when you need to.
- Keep record of your output and output schedule until you feel comfortable with your needs and routine.
- Your stoma will change in size during your first few months of recovery. It will also change in size with weight loss or gain. This might require you to cut out your own pouches flange to best fit your stoma.
- If you spring a leak, try to determine why this might have occurred. Ensuring your flange fits closely to your stoma without rubbing it is imperative. This can take some time to get the hang of. This helps to keep your stoma skin and stoma healthy and your colostomy functioning and flowing as it should be.
Living with a Colostomy
Living with any type of ostomy requires a lot of immediate change and adjustments. Wearing a colostomy bag, changing dietary needs, and cautiously monitoring both urine and fecal output to ensure recovery is going well can feel daunting.
- Diet. Your surgeon or ostomy nurse will help you through the changes. It is imperative to follow the guidelines and take your time in learning your own personal limits and dietary needs. Sensitivities to certain foods may change or increase and learning how to properly chew food thoroughly can be tricky.
- Clothing. There are many types of clothing, support belts, underwear and undergarments, and swimwear that has been designed with ostomy life in mind. “Normal” clothing can be worn as well, minding that your elastic pants waistline does not rub on your stoma.
- Intimacy & Sexual Wellness. In standard surgical situations, the installation of a stoma and ostomy does not limit physical sexual function. The mental aspects and body image issues can cause blocks hindering this type of interaction or connection. A colostomy should not prevent dating, relationships, and maintaining friendships – although it can strain each of those situations in various ways. Connecting with others might be difficult while you transition to the colostomy life.
- Work. While heavy lifting becomes an issue for many ostomates, your ability to work should not be hindered. For those with underlying issues or other setbacks, that might be a different story.
- Activities & Travel. Ostomy bags are accessories designed to be tough with durable adhesive. While caution is warranted for sports and activities with heavy body contact, most all other sports and activities are welcome. Including swimming! Traveling is also okay but be sure to check airline restrictions on limits or rules regarding certain types of medical supplies if flying to a destination.
- Hygiene. Showers, baths, hot tubs – all are okay! Showering is just fine with or without your bag on, as it is a personal preference. Bathtime can get a bit tricky with no bag on, however.
Ostomies are life saving procedures that work towards allowing people resume their “normal” lives in a hopeful way. It’s important to remember that all humans poop regardless of where the “exit” is located. Judgment only hinders those living with a colostomy that much more, so be a supportive family member and friend.
There are many online support groups, both public and private, available on multiple social media platforms if you do not have a local support group in your area. Check out local support group areas by visiting the UOAA.
Citations:
United Ostomy Association of America
The Vegan Ostomy
Empowering Intimacy
Hollister
Coloplast