An ostomy is a surgery that creates an opening in the abdomen called a stoma, which provides a new pathway for waste to leave the body. In a colostomy, the stoma is connected to the large intestine, and in an ileostomy, it’s connected to the small intestine. A urostomy helps urine leave the body without passing through the bladder.

There are multiple reasons why you or someone you know might need an ostomy. These include:

• Colorectal, rectal, or bladder cancer
• A bowel or bladder injury
• A bowel condition such as Chron’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• An infection

Depending on the reason you need one, an ostomy may be temporary or permanent.

Stigma can make it hard for people to come to terms with their ostomy. However, it’s important to know that you’re not alone – roughly 1.3 million people around the world have an ostomy, with an estimated 750,000 of those in North America. To help you feel more confident about living with ostomy, we’ve put together six top tips.

Tips for living with an ostomy

1. Wear whatever you like

Ostomy pouches are designed to be discreet and fit close to the body, so you should be able to wear the same clothes as before without anyone noticing it. You may find certain garments – such as those with tight waistbands – less comfortable depending on where your stoma is. In that case you may want to experiment with different styles. If it makes you feel more comfortable, there are specialized clothes, including underwear, wraps, and swimsuits, made especially for people with ostomies.

2. Eat what you want

As long as your doctor has said it’s ok, you should be able to enjoy the same food as you did before your surgery. Certain foods may cause more gas and odour, so you may wish to avoid these when eating in public. These can include asparagus, broccoli, beans, eggs, fish, and garlic.

3. Continue doing the things you enjoy

People with ostomies can live full lives and do all the things they previously enjoyed, including physical activity, travel, and having sexual relationships. Sweating can cause the tape that holds your pouch in place to loosen, so you may want to consider a specialized pouch for working out. You may also want to carry a doctors note when you travel by air, so security officers know about your ostomy and aren’t intrusive during searches.

4. Learn how to manage your pouch

Most people prefer to empty their pouch when it’s less than half full to avoid it bulging under their clothes. It’s therefore a good idea to keep supplies on you at all times. You may also choose to manage your food and fluid intake before a long event or journey to help control waste output from your stoma.

5. Reach out to others

Some people find it helps to talk to friends and family about their stoma, while others prefer to keep it private – who you tell and when you tell them is completely up to you. Finding a support group – either in person or online – for people with ostomies might help you feel less alone. Professional counselling is also an option if you’re struggling with your mental health.

6. Make sure you have the right supplies

There’s a wide range of pouches, flanges, and ostomy accessories available to make living with a stoma easier and more comfortable. At first, you might need to experiment with different types to find what’s right for you. At Wellwise by Shoppers™ locations, our expert staff will be able to discreetly advise you on the different types of products available. You can also browse our wide range of ostomy supplies here.

Living with an ostomy can be hard to get used to at first, but we hope that these six tips help you feel more confident and in control.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/surgery/types-ostomy/how-live-with-ostomy-bag#:~:text=An%20ostomy%20is%20a%20surgery,starts%20in%20the%20small%20intestine.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22100-colostomy

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/in-depth/ostomy/art-20045825

https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/colorectal-cancer-ostomy-overview

https://www.ostomycanada.ca/information/