(Newswire.net — September 27, 2021) — If you have been suffering from any kind of bowel disease, it’s possible that you may need to have a stoma installed by your doctor. Or perhaps you have a loved one that is now using a stoma and you need to learn to support them. It can take some time to adjust to using and caring for a stoma. This article will give you some tips on stoma care and help you to get used to your new health needs.
What is a Stoma?
A stoma is a hole in the front of your abdomen that is created by your surgeon to allow waste from your intestines to exit your body through the stoma and collect in a bag outside the body instead of exiting through the rest of your digestive system and into a toilet like it normally would. Once the waste is collected in the bag, then it can be disposed of manually.
There are a few different types of stomas, depending on what type of condition it is assisting with. It may be only for urinary tract waste, only for fecal waste, or for both according to the situation. Stomas can be either temporary or permanent, depending on your unique situation and health needs.
Caring for Your Stoma
While it can be strange to adjust to living with a stoma at first, with practice you should have no issues living a full life. And anytime you get a stoma, you will be given detailed stoma care instructions by your nurse and time to practice moving and changing the bag.
It could be frightening to think of life with a stoma at first, but there is no need to worry. All stoma bags are designed to fit discreetly beneath your clothing and to not have any unpleasant smells around them. They are also not painful or uncomfortable to have and use.
Skin Care
One very important part of stoma care is looking after the skin around your stoma where the bag attaches to your body. This area can become irritated from the adhesive attachment or from exposure to any bag contents. Every time you change your bag, make sure this skin is cleaned well and kept dry to avoid any skin discomfort.
Emotional Care
One of the most difficult parts about living with a stoma can be the feelings associated with the changes to your life. Many people can experience anxiety surrounding possible smells, their bag being visible, or their personal body image. It is often helpful to talk through these feelings with your nurse, close family, and friends, or other individuals who have stomas.
General Living
Once you get used to changing the bag, you should be able to adjust well and do nearly all your regular activities while caring for your stoma. With a little planning and consideration for your stoma care needs, after recovering fully from the surgery, you will be able to exercise, work, and travel normally.