When your doctor tells you that you need to have a colostomy, you must have felt a lot of fear and shock, right? "Oh my God, what will my life be like from now on?", "Will I never be able to go back to my old self?", "How will I get out with this bag?" You probably have a thousand questions in your mind. But don't be afraid. This is not as serious or life-changing as you think. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can manage this condition well and live a normal, happy life. Let's talk about everything in simple terms.
Simply put, what is a colostomy?
First, let's look at what it is. The colon is part of our digestive system. Simply put, its main function is to absorb the waste products produced in our body, that is, feces, and some of the remaining nutrients. Then, the solid waste products exit the body through the anus.
However, if the large intestine and rectum are unable to function properly due to an illness, accident, or surgery, or if that part needs to rest for a while, our body needs another way to eliminate waste.
A colostomy is an artificial opening made by connecting the large intestine to the skin on the surface of the abdomen. This is also called a stoma . This is the opening through which waste and air leave the body. This may be permanent for some people, but temporary for others.
How does this affect my life?
While you're in the hospital after surgery, your doctor and nursing staff will give you plenty of instructions on how to care for it, how to clean it, and how to make any necessary changes to your lifestyle. Sure, you'll have to make some small changes. But you'll get used to those things quickly.
Here are some simple things to help with that:
- Be careful about the medications you take: Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, so tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
- Eat a well-balanced diet: Cut down on foods that cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, and some nuts. It's best to talk to a nutritionist about this and come up with a list of foods that are right for you.
- Live your life normally: Remember, a colostomy is not the end of your life. Today's colostomy pouches are designed to be invisible under clothing and fit snugly against the body. This means that most people can return to work and engage in their previous activities (including sex).
Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or fears you have.
What is Colostomy Irrigation?
This is one way to manage bowel function. Simply put, it involves passing water into your colon through your stoma and then emptying it completely at a set time.
This is usually done once or twice a day at the same time, so that the bowel gets used to it. Then, at other times, the accumulation of waste in the bag can be largely controlled. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to get this right.
However, this method is not suitable for everyone. You should definitely talk to your doctor to decide if this is right for you.
| Those who may be eligible | Those who may be ineligible |
|---|---|
| People with a permanent colostomy, especially those with a stoma in the lower part of the large intestine (descending/sigmoid colon), because their stools are usually solid. | People with conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). People with other problems with the stoma. People with a stoma located in the upper part of the large intestine (ascending/transverse colon). |
Be careful about eating and drinking with a colostomy
You need to be especially careful about your diet in the first few weeks after surgery.
- Instead of 3 large meals a day, eat about 6 small meals .
- Chew your food well and eat slowly .
- Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.
- For the first few weeks, eat a low-fat, low-fiber diet .
- When adding a new food, try adding just one at a time to see how it affects your body.
| Food to choose | Foods to be careful of/avoid |
|---|---|
| Lean meats, white bread, pasta, rice, water, decaffeinated tea and coffee. | Oily/fried meats, high-fiber grains like beans, lentils, gas-causing vegetables like cabbage, caffeine, and alcohol. |
Can you exercise?
Yes, you definitely can. But you should start with caution and according to your doctor's instructions . Walking is the best and safest exercise to start with.
Running
If you are a runner, you may develop red spots or small sores around your stoma, possibly from rubbing against the bag. These will heal with some rest. If they persist, tell your doctor.
Abdominal exercises (Situps and Crunches)
Exercises that put pressure on the abdominal muscles, such as situps and crunches, and weight lifting can increase the risk of developing a hernia around the stoma, or a peristomal hernia . Therefore , be sure to talk to your doctor before starting such exercises.
Swimming
Swimming is also okay. But check with your doctor first. Then, before going swimming, soak in a bathtub at home for a while to make sure the bag is sealed properly and there are no leaks.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water when you exercise. If your urine is clear or light yellow, it means you are hydrated. If it is dark, it can cause problems for your stoma and your overall health. This is called dehydration .
What are the possible complications?
Living with a colostomy can sometimes cause minor problems, and it's important to be aware of them.
| Complication | Description | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leakage | Leakage of waste from under the bag onto the skin or into the body. Skin infections can occur. | Talk to your doctor about other types of bags. You may need to have another surgery. |
| Blockage | Food particles get stuck in the stoma. Symptoms include stool retention, stomach pain, vomiting, and swelling of the stoma. | See your doctor immediately. This is an emergency. |
| Retraction | The stoma sinks below the skin level, which can cause leaks. | Talk to your doctor about other devices. Surgery may be necessary. |
| Hernia | Protrusion of the intestine from under the skin around the stoma. | Avoid lifting heavy objects and straining. Wear a support belt. Talk to your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- A colostomy is not the end of your life. With proper management, you can live a completely normal, happy life.
- Always talk openly with your doctor about your diet, exercise, and any problems you may be having.
- Be especially careful about foods that cause gas and foods that can clog the stoma.
- Avoiding exercises and weight lifting that put pressure on the abdominal muscles can reduce the risk of hernia.
- If you experience symptoms of a blocked stoma (stomach pain, vomiting, failure to pass stool), seek medical advice immediately without delay.
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