Shall we talk about living with a colostomy?

When your doctor tells you that you need a colostomy , you may feel a lot of fear and anxiety about what life will be like in the future. You may have many questions in your mind, such as “How will I eat?”, “Will I be able to go outside?”, “Will I be able to work like before?” It’s very normal. But don’t worry, it’s not as scary as you think. Let’s understand this properly and talk about how to cope with this new situation successfully.

Simply put, what is a colostomy?

The large intestine, or what we call the ``colon'', is a very important part of our digestive system . Its main function is to absorb the water and remaining nutrients in the feces we excrete back into the body. After that, the feces are excreted as solid waste through the anus.

However, if the colon and rectum do not function properly due to a medical condition (such as cancer) or an accident, our body needs another way to eliminate waste.

How will a colostomy affect my life?

While you are in the hospital after the surgery, your doctor and nursing staff will give you a lot of advice on how to care for this. They will also give you lots of tips to help you get used to your daily life. True, you will have to make some small changes to your lifestyle. But with the right knowledge and guidance, you can definitely make this a normal thing.

Here are some things that will help you:

• Be careful about the medications you take: Some medications can cause constipation or diarrhea, so talk to your doctor about any medications you take.
• Eat a balanced diet : It's a good idea to cut down on foods that cause a lot of gas, such as cabbage, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. You can also consult a dietitian to help you create a healthy diet that will prevent constipation and diarrhea and won't interfere with your colostomy.
• Live a normal life: Remember, a colostomy is not the end of life. Today's colostomy pouches are designed to lie flat on the body, making them invisible under clothing. This means that most people can return to their jobs, hobbies, and even sexual activity in their marriage without any disruption.

Talk openly with your medical team about when you can resume your daily activities and about any questions you may have.

What is Colostomy Irrigation?

This is a special method that some people can use. To be precise, it is a method of getting used to emptying the bowel at a set time. What is done here is to send water into the colon through the `(Stoma)`, and completely empty it.

This method, usually done once or twice a day, will help you get used to emptying your bowels at regular intervals, without having to pass stool in between. This will also help prevent constipation.

How do you manage eating and drinking with a colostomy?

Your doctor will advise you on how to adjust your diet after surgery, but in general, there are some general tips that can help minimize pain and discomfort until your bowel heals.

After the first few weeks, try adding new foods to your diet one by one and see how they affect your body.

Can you exercise?

You need to be very careful about exercising after surgery. It is essential to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

• Walking : The best and safest way to start is to walk. You can start building strength by just walking up and down the stairs at home.
• Running: Your doctor will tell you to walk before you start running. Running can cause the stoma bag to rub, possibly causing small red spots or sores . These will heal with some rest. If they don't get better, tell your doctor.
• Situps and Crunches: When you do exercises that put pressure on your abdominal muscles, there is a risk of developing a hernia around your stoma. This means that part of your intestine pushes forward under the skin. This risk can also be caused by things like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise. This can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight. Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting these types of exercises.
• Swimming: You can swim with a colostomy bag. But check with your doctor first. Also, make sure the bag is sealed properly, and try soaking in a bathtub for a while.
• Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water when you exercise. If your urine is light yellow, it means you have enough water in your body. If your urine is dark, it could be a sign of dehydration.

Possible complications and things to watch out for

Sometimes small problems can arise. If you are aware of these, you can quickly resolve them.

Colostomy, Stoma, Colon surgery, Colostomy bag, Large intestine, Digestion, Health