Stoma is a Greek word meaning ‘mouth’ or ‘opening’. Ostomy surgery normally results in an opening on the surface of the abdomen in order to divert the colon or ileum through the abdominal wall; this allows the flow of fasces or urine, to be collected in an ostomy pouch.
It is estimated that over 900,000 people in the United States have some form of Ostomy. The most common conditions resulting in ostomy surgery are colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, ulcerative colitis, Cohn’s disease and accidental Injury.
A stoma normally looks like a small button, deep pink in color and although it appears to look sore it has no nerve endings hence no feeling and pain free.
Waste matter comes out of the stoma and is collected in an ostomy pouch; the type of pouch used depends on the type of ostomy.
Colostomy – coming from the colon uses either a Closed or Drainable pouch.
Ileostomy – coming from the ileum uses a Drainable pouch.
Urostomy – coming from the kidneys uses a Urostomy pouch.
Some colostomy or ileostomy patients have an ostomy on a temporary basis allowing the bowel to heal and settle before having a reversal surgery.
The length of time before reversal varies but most are not reversed before six months.
Living with an Ostomy
How you feel after ostomy surgery will depend on the reason behind your surgery. You may feel relieved that a problem has been addressed, or shocked / confused if your stoma was given though an emergency.
Post-Surgery you may feel strange and resent having a pouch on your stomach, having to care for it, and make adjustments to your lifestyle. You may also feel frightened or angry because you think the ostomy looks unsightly, smells or makes you feel less complete than before. Your ostomy nurse understands that you may have these feelings, so don’t be afraid to discuss these with her.
When leaving hospital you should have a good idea of how to cope with your ostomy but don’t worry if you still fumble or take a long time as practice makes perfect. As your health improves and you become stronger you will find it easier to adjust to the physical changes in your body. During the early weeks after your surgery there will be support from your ostomy nurse.
On leaving hospital your ostomy nurse will give you details on how to contact them and obtain further ostomy care products.
The process of adjustment both physically and physiologically is not instant; some people can take up to a year as we are all different everyone adapts at their own pace so don’t worry if it takes you longer.
The feelings and emotions can be similar to that of a bereavement, grief and anger. This is normal and can go on for a different periods of time depending on your attitude and outlook, even after the surgical wounds have healed.
With support and a positive outlook you will soon pick up the pieces of your life. Be realistic and allow yourself time to adjust to having an ostomy. Traveling, days out and the normality of life are still all possible. Having an ostomy can also affect other members of your family and friends as they may have concerns / questions and not like to ask you. Talking can help diffuse these fears. Sometimes talking to another person with an ostomy will also help.
Go out for short trips to the supermarket etc., before you embark on a longer journey. This can be helpful in overcoming any problems or concerns you may have. Always ensure on longer journey’s you carry a kit to be able to change your bag in the case of an emergency.
