• Relieve pain and suffering
• Prevent disease, infection or an obstruction from becoming more serious
• Improve general health
• Save lives

• have rewarding careers
• have children
• be physically active
• eat what they want (with few exceptions)
• travel anywhere
• lead active social lives.

It may give people a new lease on life!

• ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• cancer
• diverticulitis
• obstruction
• birth defects
• injury or trauma
• familial polyposis (abnormal growths in the colon)
• chronic inflammation of the bladder or kidneys
• other conditions

A stoma may be temporary or permanent, depending on the medical condition.

• In most cases, a pouch (also called an appliance) is worn to collect waste. Or, a plug and discharge bag may be used.
• An enema (self-washout/irrigation) or natural elimination may be used, depending on the type of colostomy and your medical condition.

• Standard
• Continent (Kock Pouch)
• Ileoanal Reservoir

• For standard ileostolmies, an external pouch is used.
• For continent ileostomies, waste is stored in a surgically created pouch inside the body. A small tube (catheter) is used to empty the pouch.
• For ileoanal reservoirs, waste is passed by natural elimination.

• Single ureterostomy
• Ileal Conduit
• Continent
• Bilateral Transuretero
• Double-barrel

• For continent urostomies, urine is stored in a surgically created pouch inside the body. The pouch is emptied with a catheter.
• An external pouch with an outlet tap is used for other types.

Your SCN will help you choose a pouch that is:

• odourproof
• leakproof
• flexible
• lightweight
• easy-to-use
• comfortable
• non-irritating to the skin.

You will be given information on how and where to obtain pouches and other equipment before leaving the hospital.

Use a pouch that you have confidence in.

Some self-care tips:

• Read all instructions.
• Use equipment designed for your pouch (belt, closure, tape, skin barrier, deodorant, etc.)
• Have all necessary equipment within reach.
• Wash hand before and after you remove or change the pouch.
• Centre the pouch over your stoma carefully when you put it on. (Stand and use a mirror or paper quide strip for help.)
• Empty the pouch when 1/3 full, and before you go to bed.
• Sit on the toilet seat or a chair and empty your pouch into the toilet.
• Prevent leakage from your stoma when you remove the pouch by holding a piece of toilet paper or tissues over it.
• Dispose of the empty pouch by sealing it in a plastic bag or wrapping it in newspaper. Put it in the dustbin. Do not flush it down the toilet.

If you have any questions or concerns, ask your doctor or SCN.

Take good care of your skin

Waste products can irritate the skin surrounding your stoma, so special care is required.

• Make sure your pouch fits properly, sticks well and doesn’t leak.
• Change your pouch as recommended.
• Measure your stoma frequently to be sure the pouch you use is the proper size.
• Gently clean the skin surrounding the stoma each time you remove the pouch.
• Use lots of warm water and, if necessary, only mild soap to clean the skin.
• Don’t use creams, powders, etc., unless recommended by your doctor or SCN.
• Pat your skin dry, then air dry –don’t rub.

Note: Your stoma probably won’t need to be cleaned because it’s made of body tissue that is normally in contact with waste products.

Whenever you remove your pouch. Look for:

• a rash
• redness
• sores
• blisters
• bleeding
• weeping (oozing)

Take care of minor skin irritations

• Wash affected area with mild soap and warm water only.
• Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry skin, if necessary.
• Don’t dry a rash with a heat lamp.
• Make sure the pouch is secure and doesn’t leak.
• Don’t use ointments or creams unless recommended by your doctor or SCN.
• Change your pouch as recommended.

At times, your stoma may bleed slightly when you change the pouch or clean the surrounding skin. It is not a cause for concern.

Contact your doctor or SCN immediately if:

• your stoma bleeds excessively, has a black colour, is swollen or sunken, or has a strong, lasting odour
• you have any unusual changes in body waste
• minor skin irritations last more than a few days
• any problem becomes severe or causes pain
• you have any questions or concerns.

Start by overcoming these two common worries:

• Use an odourproof and/or a flatus filter (to let the wind escape).
• Make sure the pouch is well sealed around the stoma.
• Use a pouch deodorant (drops or powder).
• Avoid foods that cause odour or wind, such as beans or asparagus.
• Eat foods that are natural deodorants, such as applesauce, cranberry juice and yoghurt.

A stoma and odour don’t have to go together.

Usually, whatever you want. Here are some tips:

• Ask your doctor or SCN when you can resume a normal diet
• Try only one food that you haven’t eaten since surgery, each day.
• Avoid foods that cause diarrhoea.
• Take small bites and chew well.
• Drink plenty of water – about 8 glasses per day.
• Never take any medicine unless you have your doctor’s approval.

The only thing that can hold you back is your attitude.

• Have a positive attitude.
• Communicate honestly with others.
• Keep your sense of humour.
• Always practice good hygiene so you’ll feel clean and confident.

Note: Note: Most people with a stoma can enjoy a healthy sex life. If you have questions, ask your doctor or SCN. Most people with a stoma can enjoy a healthy sex life. If you have questions, ask your doctor or SCN.

What about exercise?

You should be able to do just about anything. Consult your doctor before you begin.

• Choose an activity you enjoy.
• Start slowly and build up gradually.
• Use the proper equipment.
• Use caution when lifting heavy objects, especially during the first year after surgery.
• Contact your doctor if you feel pain, or have any problems.

Can I travel?

Yes – you can travel wherever you like!

• Always take plenty of supplies (pouches, skin barrier, etc.)
• Keep your supplies with you on the plane, train, car or coach.
• Obtain a list of doctors and/or SCN in the area you’ll be visiting.
• Take steps to prevent diarrhoea. (If necessary, use bottled water for drinking and irrigation.)

What about my career?

People with a stoma can have successful careers – just like anyone else.

• Talk to a health-care professional about the type of work you’ll be doing.
• Keep enough supplies at work for your needs.

 How can I look my best?

That’s up to you, because you can wear almost anything you like!

• Choose clothes to fit your lifestyle.
• Be sure they fit comfortably.
• Avoid wearing firm belts and tight waistbands directly over your stoma.

More questions and answers

What should I tell others?

That’s up to you – tell them whatever you feel comfortable with. But, remember, when you answer questions honestly, you help teach others the facts about a stoma.

What about pregnancy?

Having a family usually isn’t affected by having a stoma. However, consult your doctor to discuss your concerns.

Where can I get help?

Contact:

• Your doctor
• Your stoma care nurse
• Other people with a stoma
• Local stoma support groups
• Suppliers of stoma equipment
• Local pharmacists.

Healthy eating with a stoma

All over the world, people with a stoma are leading rewarding lives. YOU CAN, TOO!