Sage-Tips

What happens after a colostomy?

After a colostomy, you can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you may get tired quickly at first. Your belly may be sore, and you will probably need pain medicine for a week or two. Your stoma will be swollen at first.

What can you do after colostomy surgery?

It is important that you rest following your surgery. You do not need to remain in bed though and it is also important to remain mobile to aid your recovery. Just take it slow and don’t expect to be able to go straight back into your normal routine. It takes around 8 weeks to feel fully recovered from stoma surgery.

What is the colostomy care?

What is colostomy care? Colostomy care includes how to change, empty, and clean your pouch system. You and your family will be taught colostomy care before you leave the hospital.

What’s the best thing to eat after a colostomy?

It’s best to eat mostly bland, low-fiber foods for the first few weeks after your surgery. Bland foods are cooked, easy-to-digest foods that aren’t spicy, heavy, or fried. Eating bland foods will help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms, such as: Diarrhea (loose or watery bowel movements)

What are the complications of a colostomy?

Risks of a Colostomy

• a blockage of the colostomy.
• damage to other organs.
• a hernia, which occurs when an internal organ pushes through a weak area of muscle.
• an infection.
• internal bleeding.
• problems from scar tissue.
• a prolapse of the colostomy.
• a wound breaking open.

What happens when you have a colostomy bag?

So you can’t control when you move your bowels. Instead, a pouch, called a colostomy bag, goes over the stoma to collect your poop when it comes out. Whether you’ll only need it for a brief time or it’s a permanent change, a colostomy bag can take some getting used to.

How do you deal with a colostomy bag?

You will need to keep the skin around the ostomy clean and dry. Avoid applying products that contain alcohol as they can cause dry skin. Do not use skin products made with oil. They will make it difficult for the pouch to stay attached.

What are the primary goals of care for colostomy?

Caring for a Colostomy

• Use the right size pouch and skin barrier opening.
• Change the pouching system regularly to avoid leaks and skin irritation.
• Be careful when pulling the pouching system away from the skin and don’t remove it more than once a day unless there’s a problem.
• Clean the skin around the stoma with water.

Why is colostomy care important?

The purpose of colostomy care is for skin protection and care for patient acceptance and to prevent stoma related complications.

What foods should be avoided with a colostomy?

Foods to avoid

• all high-fiber foods.
• carbonated drinks.
• high-fat or fried foods.
• raw fruits with the skin.
• raw vegetables.
• whole grains.
• fried poultry and fish.
• legumes.

What foods should I avoid with a stoma?

Some foods can swell in the bowel and may cause a stoma blockage….Tips to avoid food blockages:

• Nuts.
• Coconut.
• Celery.
• Mushrooms.
• Sweetcorn.
• Raw fruit skins.
• Bean sprouts and bamboo shoots.
• Dried fruit such as currants and raisins.

How do you take care of a stoma?

Stoma Care

1. Wash your skin with warm water and dry it well before you attach the pouch.
2. Avoid skin care products that contain alcohol. These can make your skin too dry.
3. Do not use products that contain oil on the skin around your stoma.
4. Use fewer, special skin care products to make skin problems less likely.