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Changing the system should be done when the stoma is least active. For many with ileostomies, that’s the first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Some with a colostomy have decreased output later in the day. Urostomies are active all the time but early morning before drinking anything is best.
If you are changing the system in the morning, be sure to allow extra time on the days of pouch changes, before going to work.
Be sure to empty your pouch before leaving the house. This will delay the need for emptying in public. If you are out for the day, plan on emptying your pouch when it is 1/3 to ½ full. This will reduce the bulging of the pouch. Eat foods that you know won't bother the stoma output much. For example:
Along with knowing your diet effects, products are available to help with odor when emptying your pouch in a public rest room.
The first few weeks after surgery, most are wearing loose, comfortable clothing. As you start to venture out, you may need to consider a different style. No clothing is off limits but keep in mind, some of your clothing may feel less comfortable after having ostomy surgery. Tight clothing and belts may feel restrictive. Experiment with clothing styles. Depending on stoma placement, a different style may be warranted. Consider:
Remember, looking down at your clothing you may see the ostomy pouch but others looking at you don’t see it from their perspective. Most people will not know you have an ostomy unless you choose to tell them. Who you tell is up to you.
Returning to work is a great way to get back to routine. You can transition or ease into work slowly. Start with ½ days, giving time for you to feel more confident with the ostomy at work. This will minimize the need for pouch emptying until you feel more comfortable in your work environment.
Colleagues at work will be happy to see you and many will ask how you are. Some may have questions about your surgery. Before returning, plan your response. Again, you don’t need to tell anyone about the ostomy.
If you were active before your stoma surgery, you can resume your activities after healing. Some precautions may need to be taken depending on the activity.
If you have had a partner through your illness and ostomy surgery, before resuming intimacy, talk to them about your concerns. Most likely, they have concerns too. Take care of your body and learn how to manage the ostomy before planning intimate encounters. Once ready to participate in sexual activity, here’s a few tips:
Returning to a regular routine seems difficult in the beginning. As you become expert with your ostomy, routine is easy. It makes management ROUTINE!
Author Profile: Christine Kijek, Registered Colorectal Nurse
Christine Kijek is a colorectal nurse at Danbury Hospital in Danbury, CT. She has a wealth of knowledge in this field as well as personal experience. HPFY is thrilled that she has been an active participant in the Ostomy Support Group. She has experience working as a coordinator for cancer patients, post-operative care, and home health care for disabled children and adults. And guess what! Christine is also the recipient of the Nurse Exemplar Award. Christine lives in Bethel, CT with her husband Ed. Her children are married and live nearby. She has 4 grandchildren and is known as GiGi. Christine enjoys riding motorcycles and spends many hours gardening. She can often be found onboard a Carnival Cruise ship lounging by the pool.
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Christine Kijek is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She has completed courses for wound and ostomy specialty and has 20 years of experience. She has ...
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