The Stigma of a Stoma

It is an inevitable thing that people will stereotype other people who are different. It happens all the time and in many ways those stereotypes are correct, but it is a shame that it happens so often to those who have an ostomy.  The immediate thought is that they are untouchable or you shouldn't be close to them.  It really does hurt me on the inside to think about it and it is really only because of a lack of education on the general public.  My goal has always been to enlighten and not shun those who are ignorant or who follow their misconceptions.  Kindness when explaining and kindness when teaching a newcomer to the ostomy world is also a big part of the movement. For family members, this is extremely important.

When a person in your family goes through a surgery for an ostomy the family is part of it.  They need to be educated on how to keep their loved one safe and really most of all they need to be educated on the fact that their loved one is still the same person with really the same capabilities.  Yes, you are a more prone to hernias now that you have a stoma, but in general, with some training, most individuals live their life almost the exact same as before.  So letting the family know that vacations are still on, and beach time is still a go is not only important to the family dynamic but also to the individual who just had surgery.  Now I will say always listen to your healthcare provider because everyone's needs are different but in general, most people with an ostomy are fully capable of doing great and even crazy things.

Athletics are not off the table for people with a stoma.  In fact, there are even Iron Man finishers who have done it with a stoma.  That is an incredible feat as they are running a marathon, swimming several miles and biking 100 miles or so.  All in one day. That is incredible and if you can train your body to do that with an ostomy then truly anything is possible.  So take heart and have hope that all is not lost.  Now, most Ostomy Doctors and Nurses are amazing and give such good information on care and how you go about living a happy life.  I suggest listening to them and soaking up all the information even though it may feel a bit overwhelming.  Learn, take your time, and jump into how your stoma works and all the gear that you will use and then master it.  The faster you find what works best for your body the sooner you get to literally get back to doing your normal life.

For the most part, it is a big learning curve and then it is over.  The learning more about gear that will help you be more athletic and get in the water is a bit of a learning curve, but I suggest youtube and of course, your doctor first is a good source of information.  Follow people who live the lifestyle you have or want.  They can give you amazing tips on how to do the things you are interested in and to do them without your own personal fail curve.  Failing is a great part of life, but reinventing the wheel when the information is readily available is simply silly. So be safe and have fun!

Managing Your Recovery From Stoma Surgery

A stoma is any hold that opens into the human body; the plural form of the word is stomata. Occasionally artificial stoma is used surgically to treat different health conditions. Recovering from stoma surgery can take a little while, but as long as you do what is necessary, it should not be a problem.

Stoma Appearance And Pain Management

The first few dozen days after your surgery, the stoma will be swollen and large. It could even start to use bodily fluids. Over the first couple of months after your stoma surgery, it will reduce in size significantly.

Most patients are given control over analgesic medication after their surgery with a patient control button.

These allow you to control the painkillers' level in your body to manage pain post-surgery effectively.

Immediately After Your Surgery

When you wake up from your surgery, you can expect to be in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks recovering. You will be discharged once your new stoma is functioning correctly. During the time you are at the hospital, the nurses and doctors will help teach you how to take care of yourself.

Learning How To Take Care Of Yourself

Eating and drinking need a bit of relearning after stoma surgery. Immediately after surgery, you will likely only be able to digest liquids.

Over a few days, your gastrointestinal system will come back online. Some foods that are difficult to digest are essential to avoid if you have a stoma. These can include things like popcorn or potato skins.

Moving Around Again

Avoid the temptation to just lay around in bed all day after your surgery. The quicker you get up and moving again, the faster your recovery will be. It is normal to feel a little weak after your surgery, but you should regain your strength quickly.

What To Expect Once You Arrive Back Home

When you get back home, expect to still feel soreness around your stoma and bowels. Do not live over actively for the first few weeks after leaving the hospital. Eight weeks is the typical length of time for a full stoma surgery recovery.

Exercise Precautions

Lifting heavy weights is important to avoid for at least the first eight weeks after your surgery. If you raise more than 10 pounds, your chances of creating a hernia at the stoma site are extraordinarily elevated and can cause future issues if the stoma ruptures.

Showers And Baths

When you take a shower or a bath, it is your choice to leave your stoma back on or off. You do need to make sure that any bath products you use do not leave any remaining fits behind on your skin, or it could interfere with the functioning of your ostomy wafer.

Changing Your Stoma Bag

It would be best if you had been taught how to change your stoma bag at the hospital. Make sure to regularly take measurements during your first few weeks home to monitor the size changes. Ensure you have an excellent hermetic seal around your stoma to prevent your banks from leaking when you change them.