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What is an "ostomy" or a "stoma?
What about love, friendship and sex?
What help is available for people who are close to me, if they need it?
Will I be able to exercise and play sport?
Q. What is an “ostomy” or a “stoma”?
The term “ostomy” and “stoma” have slightly different dictionary meanings but they are commonly used interchangeably to describe a surgically created opening, usually on the abdominal wall, through which a small end section of the bowel is brought to allow waste evacuation when a person has lost normal bowel or bladder function as a result of disease, injury, birth defect or other causes.
People who have a stoma are called ostomates. Usually ostomates are able to:-
Q. Do I need a special diet?
Your Stomal Therapy Nurse and hospital dietitian can provide information on diet and nutrition.
As individuals, we have different reactions to food. For a period after surgery, you may be on a bland diet. Gradually, you will be able to manage most foods. It may take several weeks before your appetite returns, especially if you have been unwell for a time. Initially, try eating small appetising meals at regular intervals and gradually introduce new foods into your diet. When introducing new foods, its best to try them at home so that any adverse reaction, for example high output, can be monitored and managed without embarrassment or inconvenience.
All foods, but especially nuts and seeds, should be thoroughly chewed as they could cause a blockage. Blockages can be caused by eating coconut, popcorn, some vegetables and some fruit. A blockage may cause colic pain, which is usually temporary. If pain persists or becomes more than a discomfort, seek medical advice without delay.
Some foods may cause flatulence and others may have a laxative effect creating the need for frequent emptying of your pouch. There are also some foods which have a tendency to generate strong odour for ostomates.
While at times dietary modifications may be necessary, ostomates can and do enjoy eating in restaurants and eating with friends without unpleasant side-effects. Just remember, everything in moderation.
While the effects of food and beverage on stoma output will differ from person to person, following is a ready reference guide of what some foods and beverages can do to stoma output.
FOODS THAT CAN OBSTRUCT-
These need to be chewed thoroughly. Apple skins, raw cabbage, celery, chinese vegetables, citrus fruits, coconut, coleslaw, corn kernels, dried fruit, frankfurters, grapes skins, mushrooms, nuts, peas, pineapple, popcorn, potato skins, sausage skins, seeds, tomato skins.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT CAN INCREASE OUTPUT-
Alcohol, beef, bran cereals, broccoli, cooked cabbage, fresh fruit (with the exception of bananas), grape juice, leafy greens, licorice, milk, prunes and prune juice, raisins, spicy foods, raw vegetables.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT CAN THICKEN OUTPUT-
Applesauce, stewed apples, bananas, bread, buttermilk, cheese, marshmallows, boiled milk, noodles, pasta, creamy peanut butter, pretzels, white rice, tapioca, toast, yoghurt.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT CAN PRODUCE WIND-
Alcohol, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carbonated drink, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, dairy products, meringues, mushrooms, nuts, onions, peas, radishes, soy, spinach, whips.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT CAN CAUSE ODOUR-
Asparagus, baked beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, strong cheese, cod liver oil, eggs, fish, garlic, mustard, onions, peanut butter, spices.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT CAN HELP ODOUR CONTROL
Buttermilk, cranberry juice, orange juice, parsley, tomato juice, yoghurt.
FOODS & DRINKS THAT COULD HELP WITH CONSTIPATION
Warm/hot beverages, cooked fruits, cooked vegetables, fresh fruits, fruit juices, water.
Q. Will I need special clothes?
Minor modifications may need to be made to what you choose to wear. Comfortable clothes to suit your lifestyle are best. Avoid wearing anything tight over your stoma. Generally, no one will know that you are an ostomate unless you chose to tell them!
Q. Who should I tell?
Who you tell about your stoma is entirely up to you. Some ostomates choose to ‘go public’ but many prefer not to do so. The decision is yours. Talk it over with your partner, your family and your Stomal Therapy Nurse and then do what you feel and believe is right for you.
Q. What about love, friendship and sex?
The most important thing to do here is love, respect and be kind to
yourself. Know that you are always a lovable being of worth, no matter what happens to your body. Communicate love and respect to others.
As regards sex, most people with stomas can, and do, enjoy a healthy sex life. Believe and have faith in yourself, be positive, communicate openly with those close to you. Keep your sense of humor and always practice good hygiene so that you can be clean and confident.
Do remember that your body has undergone a major change and that it takes time to heal. While sexual difficulties can be due to surgery, they can also be linked to anxiety, fear of failure or concern about your partner’s feelings.
Information booklets and brochures on ostomate intimacy and sexuality are available from your Stomal Therapy Nurse and your local ostomy association.
Q. Will my family life suffer?
Most ostomates enjoy happy, healthy family lives with the support of family and partners. Some partners of ostomates do experience difficulty in adapting to the new situation but, in most cases, relationships not only survive, they grow stronger.
Q. What help is available for people who are close to me, if they need it?
Just as you (the ostomate) may need assistance and support to adapt to the change, so will your family and friends. Partners and other family members are welcome to attend local ostomy association meetings and functions to meet with other partners and to learn from the strategies that have worked for them.
Q. What about birth control?
Oral contraceptives may not be fully effective as they may not be able to be absorbed completely. Discuss the situation with your GP and, if necessary, be prepared to consider other methods of contraception.
Q. What about Pregnancy
Some special care may be required during pregnancy. You need to ask questions and make sure that your medical professionals understand your situation. You may need to discuss the method of delivery with your obstetrician.
Yes, you can usually return to normal activities however you will need a suitable period of convalescence before undertaking housework, or returning to employment. Begin gradually and seek advice from your surgeon, doctor or Stomal Therapy Nurse.
Being an ostomate should not preclude you from any employment. If you encounter any problems at work because of your changed condition, again seek advice from your surgeon, doctor or Stomal Therapy Nurse. You may also need to consult the Medical Officer or Occupational Health person at your place of employment.
Q. Will I be able to travel?
You can travel wherever you like. Just remember to:-
Q. Will I be able to exercise and play sport?
While you should be able to do most of what you did prior to ostomy surgery, its wise and recommended that you consult your GP before you begin.
When exercising as an ostomate:
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