Some people with colorectal cancer or other bowel problems may require a colostomy. This is needed when surgery is done to modify how food wastes leave the body. The stool comes out through a new opening made on the abdomen. This opening is termed a stoma. A pouch is attached to the skin around the stoma to collect stool. You need to vacant and change the pouch as required. Living with a colostomy is a major change. But having all the information about it can help you adjust.
The colon is the first 4 feet or 5 feet of the large intestine. It is a part of your body's digestive system. In fact, it also absorbs water from waste material (feces) and proceeds it to the body. It also absorbs any excess nutrients. Solid waste is then passed through the colon to the rectum. From there, it goes out of the body through the anus.
When the rectum, colon, or anus can't work the way it should because of disease or injury, your body must have another way to discard the waste. A colostomy is an opening known as a stoma; that connects the colon to the surface of the abdomen. This provides a new route for waste material and gas to leave your body. A colostomy can be either permanent or temporary.
-Due to cancer or problems in the blood flow to the bowels, the large intestine is blocked or damaged.
-Portion of the large intestine is removed by surgery.
-Tear in the large intestine, causing an infection.
-Due to certain types of cancer or other conditions. These include:
A colostomy can be either temporary or permanent. If you require a cancer-related colostomy, you may only need it for a few months while the colon or rectum heals. But some people may need to have a permanent colostomy.
Your doctor will explain you how to take care of your colostomy. You may require to add some changes to your lifestyle. But with accurate instruction and supervision, you can manage it.
You need to observe your medications. Some medicines can cause constipation or diarrhea.
You have to understand that having a colostomy is not the end of life. Current colostomy supplies are designed to fib flat, so they are not noticeable under clothing. Most colostomy patients can return to normal activities, including sex, which they enjoyed before surgery.
You need to learn the techniques to clean your colostomy bag. Once you have recovered from surgery, you need to empty the colostomy bag. You may need to do this several times a day as you will lose control when stool and gas move into the pouch. It is always good to empty the bag when it is less than half full.
Colostomy bags are available in many sizes and shapes, but there are two main types:
One-piece bag- It attaches directly to a small gum stoma cover. It is called a skin barrier. This cover has a hole in the center with the load on it.
Two-piece bag- It includes a skin barrier and a bag that can detach from it. This skin barrier aims to shield the skin around your stoma from leftover and wetness.
The skin around your stoma may become red. It may also bleed sometimes; this is normal. But it should not continue for more than a few minutes.
It is essential to connect the pouch to the stoma correctly. Unfit pouches can irritate the skin. It helps you also keep this area clean and dry. Contact your doctor if this skin appears wet, rough, scratchy, or painful. These can be a sign of infection.
It is important to know all the problems related to colostomy, what is normal, and when to call doctors. Some common colostomy problems include:
High stool production- You may pass more stool than usual through the stoma during the initial days after surgery. This will reduce later as your body gets used to the stoma and the colostomy. If it does not reduce after a few days, consult your doctor. You may lose too many fluids, which may cause an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are minerals that help keep your body working correctly.
Dealing with gas- You also need to release gas from your colostomy pouch like a stool. It depends on the type of pouch. Some bags have a filter that deodorizes and vents gas. This keeps the pouch from stretching too much, coming off, or bursting.
The volume of gas depends on diet and the type of colostomy you have. Some foods such as onions, beans, milk and alcohol can create a lot of gas. Swallowing air can also increase the volume of gas in your colon. This happens when you chew gum or drink through a straw.
Whole pills or capsules in the stool- Coated tablets and extended-release capsules may come out whole in your bag. It indicates that your body did not absorb the medication. Inform your doctor about it. They may prescribe liquid or gel medications in their place.
A person with a colostomy bag should be aware of foods that cause gas. It is very normal to pass gas during digestion. Most people pass gas more than ten times a day to get rid of gas and pressure. Gas in the colon is a mix of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. It's caused by the breakdown of undigested sugars in the lower intestine. Normal digestive processes can't fully break down some complex carbohydrates. It results in gas. Changing your diet to limit these foods may help. Foods that can cause gas include:
Doctors recommend to follow a colostomy diet for people recovering from colostomy surgery. While a colostomy does not affect your ability to eat or digest food, eating certain foods will make the recovery period faster and more comfortable.
Food options for people recovering from a colostomy include:
People recovering from colostomy surgery, and those having persistent gastrointestinal issues, should try to take a bland diet. Bland foods are easy on the digestive system and low in fiber The digestive system can easily digest bland foods than fatty or spicy foods. Bland foods are also less acidic, causing less stomach upset. People who have had a colostomy should cook their foods rather than eat them raw, as raw foods are more difficult to digest.
It is best to start by consuming small amounts and assessing ingestion. Once you have succeeded well for a few days on a liquid diet, you should begin adding soft and easily digested foods to their diet. A person should eat slowly and chew their food thoroughly.
People during recovery time should drink liquids at room temperature. Clinical dietitians recommend avoiding carbonated or caffeinated beverages, which can put more burden on your digestive system. Doctors suggest eating small meals several times per day, chewing food thoroughly, and eating slowly to prevent colon discomfort or irritation.
By following the above changes in lifestyle and food habits, a person can lead a happy, normal life with a colostomy.
Nurture Hope & Healing
with ZenOnco
On Google play India
Nurture Hope & Healing
with ZenOnco
On Google play India
