Common questions people have about ostomies

I’m facing colostomy surgery.  Will my life change much?

Having a colostomy will not change your life too much.  The biggest change is that you have a hole “ostomy” in your abdomen where your waste products leave your body. Thus, instead of going to the bathroom like everyone else, you go into a bag or pouch that is attached to your tummy. 

Will there be an awful odor with a colostomy?

No one’s bowel movements smell like roses, for sure.  Most of the odor will be contained in the pouch or bag. The fecal material that collects in a colostomy bag has a more sour smell than regular fecal material that would exit the body in the normal way.  The odor is temporary; when you change the bag, there will be an odor, but it will go away soon. It’s good to keep a good deodorizer to spray around the immediate area when you change a colostomy bag.

What about accidents? Can a colostomy bag break?

Colostomy bags and pouches are quite strong, but it is imperitive that you change them before they get too full. Don’t let the colostomy bag get more than half-full or just a little more than half-full.  It it gets too full, the bag can separate from the stoma cover, and then you would have a terrible, smelly mess on your hands.

Can I still make love with my spouse after having a colostomy?

Your intimate life won’t change, or it shouldn’t need to change. It’s important that you remain open with your partner. Try not to hide the colostomy from your partner. He/she might be shocked for the first time he/she sees you, but that is natural. If your partner is in love with you, your ostomy won’t matter.

How will my family and friends feel about me now with a colostomy?

How do you feel about yourself? Your friends and family will take their cues from you.  Get accustomed to the new you.  There’s nothing wrong with the way you look. You just have a body image change now. Get used to it. Look at yourself in the mirror and get used to how you look. Let your partner see you, and there should be no issue with body image.

Will my bag be visible?

If you don’t tell anyone, no one will know.  The colostomy bags and connection appliances are very thin and durable. They won’t be visible under your clothing.

Photo credit goes to Wikipedia.com.