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After stoma surgery
Having a stoma implies several changes in your everyday life and you’ll need some time to adapt yourself to the new situation.
Living with a stoma
Depending on the reasons for your stoma surgery you may feel that you are on an emotional rollercoaster, being weepy sometimes for no apparent reason especially in the first weeks after the surgery. This is quite normal. Having a stoma makes your body look and work differently, and there will be times when you find this difficult to cope with. It's common to feel disgusted when dealing with the stoma output also. Most people are not used to having such close contact with their bodily functions, and so it can take quite a time to adjust to.
It seems that during these first weeks all you can think about is having the stoma, and you find yourself thinking 'Is this how it will always be? ' But through time you will most likely become less conscious of your stoma bag.
It is important that you do not hide yourself. Talk about your situation with your family and friends, don't be ashamed. Whenever you need help, seek advice from your ET nurse or doctor or talk to other ostomates who will understand how you feel and may have useful ideas on how to deal with these challenges. If you have a partner, they may also feel emotional about all that is happening to you, to both of you.
Life with a stoma bag
At hospital you have been advised by your nurse or doctor which type of bag better fits to your stoma. One important thing to know is that there are different types of stoma bags available depending on your stoma and your preferences: closed (colostomy) bags, drainable (ileostomy) bags and drainable urostomy bags.
Once you know how to handle your appliance properly you will be given the opportunity to choose the type of bag you will use daily. One of the first decisions you need to make is choosing between a one-piece system and two-piece system.
In the case of a one-piece system, the wafer and the stoma bag are bounded together. It has a lower profile than a two-piece system which means the appliance is less visible under clothes in general and especially under swimwear. But at the same time changing the wafer with every bag change can cause irritations on sensitive skin. Probably it could take more time to position a new one-piece bag system around your stoma than only replacing a new bag on a wafer of a two-piece system.
For a two-piece system, the wafer and the bag are separated, before being attached together through a coupling system. With such a system the wafer is kept on the skin for several days, whilst only the bag is changed when needed, which is gentler on the skin. As the wafer and stoma bags are ordered separately the two-piece bag system is more versatile: You have generally more wafer options within the same system as well as different sizes and types of ostomy bags that can be interesting for active people. Two-piece systems allow you to switch easily to a smaller stoma bag.
It’s up to you to choose between an adhesive or a mechanical coupling system. The first is using an adhesive which is similar to a tape, the second uses a connection similar to the way a lid is placed on a plastic container.
You will have to choose between using a beige or a transparent stoma bag. A transparent bag allows you to see your stoma more easily, the beige one is more discreet. Most people prefer using a transparent ostomy bag at the hospital before switching to a beige one once at home. The availability may vary depending on the product range.
If you wish to have both, discretion and the possibility of seeing your stoma when needed, you can choose also our beige bags with an inspection window. This inspection window allows the visual control of both stoma and output. The availability may vary depending on the product range.
You will have to see if you prefer using a pre-cut bag or a cut-to-fit one, where you can cut the wafer fitting it to the shape and size of your stoma.
Depending on your stoma, your choice will be a flat wafer or a convex one. Convex wafers are curved and may be recommended to patients with flush or retracted stomas.
Then a convex stoma bag system might be an alternative for you. B. Braun offers a wide range of convex options to choose from, among others our new generation soft convex stoma bag.
Learn more about convex stoma bagsFAQ
Having a stoma implies a lot of questions especially about taking care of your stoma and how to manage your every day life in the best possible way. Below you'll find some answers to frequently asked questions.
Yes! You will need a little bit of training at first, but changing it on your own will allow you to remain completely independent. This will also help you if you are facing at a small leakage problem, you'll know what to do (clean with water and soap) in that situation without asking for help. By the end, five minutes will be all what you will need to prepare your equipment and to change your appliance.
Five minutes is all you need to prepare your equipment and to change your stoma appliance.
Get into the habit of always taking the few items required to wash with you; a spare bag and, at the beginning, some spare clothes as this will avoid any accidents or discomfort. Your stoma is not a wound, it is a mucous membrane, therefore the daily care is a simple clean up that is done with bare hands using water and soap. To be as independent as possible at home, it is recommended to perform the change of stoma appliance yourself.
It is up to you to decide, eventually everyone finds their own routine and is able to do it alone. The process usually may become regular a month after surgery. Usually the wafer in a 2-piece system is changed every three days and the bag, both for one-piece system and two-piece system is disposed (closed bag) or emptied (drainable bag) once filled.
However each individual is different. In time you will find your own routine. When removing your appliance, check the gum. If the gum is thinned out then change your appliance more often.
The current equipement is not biodegradable and therefore cannot flushed in the toilets. Used ostomy bags can be placed in a plastic bag closed in the most airtight manner possible and then throw away the bag in the garbage with household waste. Regarding drainable bags, it is advisable to empty them before disposing of them.
Before you left the hospital, your E.T. nurse had given you at least a week supply of stoma products. Probably they gave you specific advice about obtaining further supplies at home; each nurse’s practice may be slightly different regarding this.
Order new supplies when you start your last box, this way you will never run short. But don’t accumulate appliances, they can be damaged by moisture and temperature changes. You can get your stoma appliances from the local chemist, from delivery services or directly from the manufacturing companies.
Note:
You can obtain samples of stoma appliances to try out. Your E.T. nurse can give you the free phone numbers of the manufacturers (or by email through their website). Tell them what kind of stoma you have, and they will send you samples. If you try various stoma bags, keep a written note of the ones you like and those you don't. If you choose to use any new appliance, just give your E.T. nurse a phone call if you require the ordering information.
You can choose between whether you prefer to shower with or without a bag, both are possible. Our stoma bags and wafers are waterproof.
In all cases, avoid using products such as shower gels or bubble bath as they leave a greasy film on the body making it harder for the equipment to hold properly. This can lead to possible irritations.
Choose products with a neutral pH, preferably without fragrance and without colorant.
If you decide to keep your stoma bag while taking a shower, remember to close the filter (available on colostomy and ileostomy bags) to maintain its effectiveness.
Be aware that if you decide to shower or bath without your stoma bag, possible stool or urine output can occur.
Find more tips on our dedicated webpage.
Go to 'Showering and bathing with a stoma'Yes! However right after the surgery you may at first feel more comfortable in loose fitting clothes as your abdomen will be swollen and you will still be feeling a bit sore. This will gradually settle during the first couple of months, after that you will then be able to start wearing the type of clothes you want as the stoma bag will be perfectly hidden under your clothes. You might feel a little self-conscious about the bag the first few times you go out, but no worries this is perfectly normal! With time and as you go back to your usual lifestyle this feeling will gradually disappear.
You can be fitted for a girdle which will be made-to-measure. You should be able to wear tight fitting clothes and swimwear. Ask your E.T. nurse to advise you about the best mini bag for you.
If your operation was done in emergency or if the location of your stoma was not marked before the operation some slight adjustments to the waistline may be needed. Again ask your E.T. nurse for advice.
If the daily care is carried out simply, the risk of irritation is lesser. Keep in mind that the adhesive part of the stoma bag is also a skin protector meaning that its role is both to keep the bag in place, but also to protect your skin.
So changing it daily doesn't constitute a risk of irritation. Irritations are often due to leaks or improper care. However, there are ways of reducing the risk of irritation to the minimum:
A leakage problem is strong inconvenience, know that there are numerous reasons behind a leak. You must therefore quickly contact an E.T. nurse in order to determine the actual cause of the leak and to remedy it immediately. Depending on your type of stoma and the nature of your stools, the consequences of these leakage problems will differ. You can also try to find the cause:
Knowing the reason behind the leak will help you and your E.T nurse find the solution. If the leaks persist, don't hesitate to consult your stomatherapist, who can provide advice and, if necessary, change the equipment.
Try also a convex stoma bag system which might be an alternative for you.
Read more about convex stoma bagsAfter your surgery, you may think that going out with friends, participating in parties or other events isn't anymore possible with your stoma. Far from it! Continuing your social life is actually very important to your recovery and will help you to gain back self-confidence.
Exercises such as cycling, hiking or skiing are strongly encouraged. However, avoid any sports that put too much stress on the abdominal muscles such as weight lifting, rowing, fighting sports or rugby as it may injure your stoma.
You should start exercising progressively in order not to strain your stoma too much especially right after your surgery. Avoid any activity including any heavy lifting that put too much stress on the abdominal muscles as your abdomen has been made more fragile by the stoma also.
Actually, practicing a sport activity and maintaining an active life style can be key factors to your recovery and may help you to gain back your confidence.
Tip: Wearing a stoma belt or a protection band is sometimes useful.
Start driving when you feel comfortable while performing an emergency stop without hurting your abdominal muscles or wound (this can take up to 8 weeks). To be safe, the first time you start driving either start with a short distance or ask another insured driver to come with you in case you are unable to continue.
Having a stoma shouldn't prevent you from travelling, but you will need a bit of preparation to make sure that everything goes smoothly. At the beginning, start by going away for a weekend or going back to a familiar place where you will be able to relax.
Following these simple guidelines will help you go on vacation with peace of mind:
Prepare a bag:
Additional tips for colostomates and ileostomates:
Additional tip for urostomates:
There is no reason why your stoma should prevent you from working unless your doctor or E.T nurse says otherwise for a specific reason and your job is compatible with your stoma (physical efforts needed, place of work…). A lot of people are able to resume their previous employment within three months depending on their surgery and type of work. But every person is different, take the time you need.
Before going back to work think about the practical things. For example think about how you will change or empty your stoma bag in the toilets at work. Think of the time you will need, the equipment you will need and look to see if there is a specific toilet that would be best to use (one that may be larger, or that has a hook on the door, a shelf, a window, or simply one that is less used).
Also think about who you will tell and how much you want them to know. Remember no-one except your employer needs to know unless you want to tell them. The decision is yours.
If you are worried about going back to work, ask you employer if you can start by working part time. Start by working only in the morning, or only in the afternoon or on certain days of the week. Talk with your employer to find out what works best for you both.
Of course! You can customize your ostomy bag any way you want using different materials (duct tape, fabrics etc.). You can even find videos and tutorials on the web by searching “fashionable ostomy”, or “homemade ostomy bags” or "stoma bag covers". If you use airtight materials, make sure that the filter of the stoma bag is not blocked.
