I wanted to put together a list of my best tips based on my own experiences of living with an ostomy. With time everyone figures out what works best for them, so for the newbies out there just remember there is a lot of trial and error.
- Ask for samples from all the medical supply companies. These companies will send you a bunch of different ostomy products to sample, this way you can figure out what works for you.
- Always carry a small bag of emergency supplies. You never know when you’ll need them and in case of an emergency, you’ll be glad you were able to change your bag.
- If you have a leak, don’t try and patch it with stoma paste. Take off the bag, clean your skin and stoma, and put on a new bag. You’ll thank me. It’s worth the extra five minutes because a patch job won’t help much and your skin will be irritated.
- ALWAYS empty your bag once it’s about 2/3rds full. You don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t. Eek.
- After surgery, you will slowly reintroduce food into your diet and see what works best for you. It’s important to discuss this with your doctor.
- I wear maternity bands that help keep the bag snug and prevents chaffing. It also helps me wear whatever I want without anyone knowing I have a colostomy.
- I always carry around Poo-Pourri to help mask the odor when I empty my bag. Don’t leave home without it.
- When it comes to swimming, I always empty my bag before and never go swimming with a new bag on without waiting for a few hours. It helps to give the adhesive time to really dry and set. I don’t use tape or anything else to help keep the bag on, but some people do. You can read more about my advice for swimming with an ostomy here.
- I always empty my bag before I go to bed and am able to sleep through the night without having to get up. I usually empty my bag as soon as I wake up, there’s always output from the night.
- When it comes to intimacy and sex, definitely empty your bag beforehand, you’ll be more comfortable.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about living with an ostomy with someone. You don’t have to be so public like I am, but there are resources out there for support. Below are a few good organizations that support patients with ostomies:
United Ostomy Association of America
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
