Living with colostomy: explanation and recommendations

Some patient after surgeries on intestine live with colostomy - surgical opening in the abdominal wall, that connects the colon to the abdominal surface, providing a pathway for waste material and gas to exit the body.

It can be temporarily or permanent.

After colostomy procedure a colostomy bag will be attached to the abdomen over the new stoma to collect the stool.

A patient may not sense the stool coming out from the stoma as there is no control over it and may feel the need to empty the colostomy bag several times in a day initially.

After surgery a patient generally has to stay at the hospital for 7-10 days or longer.

A full recovery from the colostomy procedure may take time until 2 months.

A patient is usually allowed to drink clear liquids by the second or third day, than they can start drink thicker fluids and eat soup and soft foods.

Recommendations for patients with colostomy:

- rest for the first few months and avoid exercises, that are stressful to the abdominal muscles such as sit-ups, push-ups or swimming: it will allow the abdominal muscles to heal,

- avoid any heavy lifting (it can cause the stoma to herniate or prolapsed),

- have a proper fitting colostomy bag to keep it clean and to avoid infections,

- drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and loss of electrolytes, especially on hot days,

- wear loose fitting clothing and avoid wearing a belt above or below the stoma,

- keep the skin around the stoma healthy, - expect to return to normal daily activities once fully recovered and stoma functions normally, - don't worry to take bath or shower: it is acceptable to bath or shower with the colostomy bag: water will not enter the stoma, because colostomy acts as a one way pipe, - it is good to have a spare colostomy bag whenever the patient is travelling.

Some patients may face great emotional pressure due to fear, public embarrassment or anxiety, while they are adapting to life after colostomy.

Engaging in social activities, increasing social interactions and reaching out to support groups of patients with colostomies will provide emotional support.