After surgery it can seem daunting at the start of your personal journey but we can assure you that life with a stoma bag can mean living life to the fullest.
As a patient, when we hear the word ‘ostomy’, many associate it with significant life alterations, but our extensive list of customers continue to prove that this isn’t the case at all. Although adapting to your new life with a stoma bag can seem overwhelming in the beginning, you’ll soon be capable to resume to your normal life, and you’ll become accustomed in no time.
Whether you’ve recently undergone a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, or about to undergo surgery, there’s a wealth of help and advice available on how to return to life with your stoma bag. There’s also an abundance of means of accessing such information, whether it be joining a local support group, speaking with a Support Nurse, or talking to a member of our team.
Check out what our NHS Specialists have compiled as guidance for returning to life after surgery:
Immediately after surgery, what should I expect in the first few weeks?
It’s important that you rest and let your body recover during the first few weeks after surgery, its normal to experience initial pain, discomfort, swelling, and lack of energy during the first few week’s. Although this might seem like a difficult period, it’s important to note that you have just had major surgery, and this period immediately after surgery is the same for all kinds of post-op patients.
At this point it’s important to;
Acknowledge any emotional changes
Take advantage of all available support options
Take the time you need to understand the new version of yourself
Connect with others on a similar journey
Be easy on yourself
Remember, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 1 in 500 people in the UK have had an ostomy!
Many support groups for a range of areas in the UK and ROI, with list of contacts to speak to, you can see Colostomy UK support group listings here.
Returning to normal life
Roughly 8 weeks post operation, you will be able to partake in normal activities and return to your everyday activities, with only some minor alterations to keep yourself happy and healthy. Typical recovery time is usually 8 weeks or more, however it is always best to consult with a medical professional if you’re not 100% certain.
Once you’ve made a full recovery, you’ll be able to get started doing the things you love once more, whether it’s exercising, working, dining out, traveling, or maintaining intimacy within your relationships. The world is your oyster post-stoma surgery, as typically patients suffer many more problems prior to an ostomy rather than after.
Returning to work
The first taste of normality is when you’re able to return to work. Depending on your line of work, things might be exactly the same, or things might’ve changed slightly.
If you’re in an office-based role, it could be beneficial to ease back into your working day and opt for hybrid working. Don’t avoid spending time in the office, but in the first few weeks, take it slow and adjust to the new routine you have.
If you have a dedicated person for employee wellness, it could be useful to talk to them about your current situation. Your employer also has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to a person’s work, or the workplace itself if a condition is causing a disadvantage, so be open with your employer so you can go back to your career!
If your profession is a much heavier duty role, it’s also worth looking into specialised stoma support bags and protective accessories, making the transition back to work much easier.
Exercise
After your recovery period, it’s likely that you’ll be itching to get up and move about again with freedom. Typically, most people can return to a light form of exercise 8 weeks post-op, however sometimes it can take up to three months to be able to do strenuous exercise as your abdominal muscle must fully recover.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor before you start exercising, discuss what you’re planning to do and how often and they’ll advice accordingly. However, common queries often include, what exercise can I do? Can I swim? Will my bag cause issues during a gym session?
Ultimately, you can return to whichever exercise suits you and makes you happy. In the long run, you can crack on with whatever exercise you’d like, whether it’s dancing, gardening, karate, hiking.
Swimming should not be an issue either, it’s just a case of being prepared and making sure you have all the additional accessories needed for extra security. This can range from a stoma cap to a smaller (mini) stoma pouch or even waterproof tape.
Intimacy in relationships
Sexual activity usually doesn’t cause any harm to your stoma with any issues that do arise being down to the emotional impact of the surgery rather than the physical.
Depending on the type of ostomy surgery you’ve had, there can be some impact on your sexual functions, but this is usually few and far between. Just like in everyday life, how and when is completely dependent on the individual. Intimacy within relationships shouldn’t be comprised due to your new stoma bag. There’s lots of options available, with many choosing to empty and fold up their pouch and other choosing to cover it with made-to-fit underwear and nightwear. Take a look here for more information.
Dietary and nutritional considerations
During the first 8 weeks, your diet should be low in fibre to discourage bowel blockage, this is because increased flatulence is common during this period, and so limiting foods that can exacerbate this is recommended. Whether it’s broccoli, beans or cabbage.
After 8 weeks, you should be able to resume to your normal diet, with doctors continuing to recommend following a healthy and balanced diet. Introducing new foods is recommended to do so slowly. Try one type of new food per meal to assess its effects on your bowel movements. It may be useful to keep a food diary at first to monitor any changes and identify any culprits.
Keep in mind, that gas and other consequences of eating certain food types can still have an effect on bowel movement and your new stoma bag. For example, spicy food can cause ballooning, so take any necessary precautions. You’re also at a much higher risk of dehydration, so keep eye of your water intake.
Finding the right supplies and where to get them
Now that you’re back in action and living life to the fullest, it’s important to be prepared and ensure you have everything you need to get on with each day. You can send your prescription to a chemist or work with an independent specialist supplier who can provide discreet deliveries, like us!.
The minefield is navigating the range of available supplies and stoma accessories available. Depending on your specific needs, certain bags won’t measure up to provide you daily comfort. Just like finding the right pair of glasses, there’s a custom and unique stoma solution to suit you! Whether it’s support belts, lotions and creams, skin protective wipes, wipes, adhesive removers, rings, disposal bags, you name it, there’s something out there for you!
All modern appliances have odour neutralising components so all that you need to worry about is finding a bag and some accessories that fit your body and your lifestyle.
Speak to a member of our team today, we offer a range of bags and relevant accessories as well as independent, unbiased advice! Contact our team here for guidance.