If you are undergoing ostomy surgery to correct an issue with your digestion system, you might have some questions about what to expect after the procedure. While it’s true that the first few weeks will feel different, your doctors and nurses will be the first to tell you that most people will recover just fine and find that they will be able to do mostly the same things they did before the surgery. Still, we know you may have some questions and concerns so we wanted to take a second and discuss a few things about life after an ostomy.
Caring for Your Stoma
After the surgery, you will notice your stoma, which will be located on your abdomen. Your stoma will be pinkish in color and it may be sore. This will go away with time. Your stoma may bleed as well in the beginning, but this, again, will be temporary. Your doctors and nurses will go over how to properly care for your skin around your stoma and what to expect in the days and weeks after the surgery.
If you notice after a while that you are experiencing leaking or your ostomy appliance no longer fits correctly, you will need to speak with your healthcare providers and ostomy supply companies to determine the right appliance for a proper fit. Changes in stoma size are very common, so you shouldn’t be too concerned if you need to make a change. Common causes of changed in stoma size include weight gain or weight loss and scarring around the stoma.
Living Your Life After Ostomy Surgery
After a few weeks, you will likely notice that your life after an ostomy hasn’t changed too much. ConvaTec, a global medical products and technologies company focused on therapies for the management of chronic conditions, explains how most people are able to engage in normal activities after surgery. Regarding diet, you should be able to eat the foods and drinks you ate before.
Of course, if certain foods caused digestive complications before, you should do your best to avoid them. You may also have to introduce alcohol slowly back into your diet until you’re comfortable. You can always speak with your healthcare provider about any questions you might have about your diet.
The truth is nothing should stop you from exercising, socializing, or engaging in sexual activity with your partner while living your life after an ostomy. While you might feel self-conscious in the beginning, you will find that you’ll eventually become at ease with enjoying these activities once again. Who you’re comfortable talking about your condition with is up to you and most people won’t know the difference anyway.
Millions of people live normal lives after ostomy surgery, and, in the end, the benefits should outweigh any negatives or changes you have to endure.
If you have any questions about ostomy supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your options. Our Personal Product Advisors are here for all of your concerns.
