Waking up in a hospital with a stoma can evoke a range of emotions, often very deep and profound. At this point, it is possible to feel lost or bewildered as the truth about what has occurred sinks in.
Fear and anxiety may also be present, as you grapple with the uncertainty of your health and the unfamiliarity of having a stoma bag attached to your body.
When accepting changes in lifestyle and body, you may feel extremely exposed and the sense of losing oneself. It is usual to have a mixture of sorrow, irritation and at times mourning for no longer being able to do what one used to physically or the way things were previously done.
Embracing Change: A Journey of Acceptance and Resilience.
In 2023, I underwent a colostomy , and even though I was scheduled for a stoma reversal, the knowledge that my situation was not permanent did little to ease the struggle for acceptance. Even knowing this was a temporary measure, the adjustment felt monumental, and the journey toward acceptance was as challenging as ever.
About a month into living with the stoma, acceptance and determination set in, prompting adaptation to the new reality and a shift toward the path of recovery.
The first time I laid eyes on the stoma, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is this truly how my insides appear? Is that my colon, a part of myself exposed to the world?
The fear crept in, accompanied by thoughts of stitches unraveling and everything spilling out.
Amidst the uncertainty, there was a flicker of relief. Surprisingly, the stoma didn’t hurt when I touched it. This small comfort made the overwhelming situation marginally more bearable.
Embarking on the Stoma Care Journey: Lessons, Challenges, and Triumphs.
During my first week back home, I received a comprehensive lesson in stoma care—a vital orientation covering daily cleaning, pouch changes, skin protection, output monitoring, dietary considerations, hydration, and regular checkups.
Despite the wealth of information imparted to me, did I feel confident? Far from it. Instead, I was consumed by nerves, realizing the weight of responsibility placed upon me to care for my “insides” that now resided on the outside.
Nervousness hardly encapsulates the depth of emotion I experienced after our lesson. However, there was a glimmer of relief amidst the apprehension. Dressing the stoma together and practicing pouch application provided a sense of reassurance. Knowing that the bag I had after the lesson could last seven days brought a wave of relief, sparing me from the daunting task of managing it all alone.
Unfortunately, on the morning of the second day, the bag came loose, and I was greeted with stool leaking through the sides of the bag base. Discovering the dampness of my sheets, my heart sank as I realized I would have to address the situation once more, this time alone. Panic set in as I grappled with the daunting task ahead.
During my orientation, I received a crucial reminder: always have your cleaning essentials at hand.
Allow me to introduce you to the extraordinary world of stoma care preparation. Gone were the days of relying solely on the occasional tissue or toilet paper.
Brace yourself for the comprehensive list, designed to ensure thorough care and cleanliness. Behold the arsenal of tools for impeccable stoma care:
- Normal Saline: a sterile cleansing solution fit for royalty. If you’re feeling adventurous, tap water will suffice.
- Cleaning Trays: elegant vessels carrying the finest wet gauze for cleansing.
- Sterile gauze pads or strips: delicate pads to cleanse, dry, or halt any bleeding of the stoma. For those with a taste for luxury, baby wipes or soft washcloths are an exquisite alternative.
- Ostomy bag: the pièce de résistance of stoma care, a plastic pouch fit for a monarch’s excretions. Choose from the regal one-piece pouch or the grand two-piece pouch with a base adorned with adhesive.
- Stoma measuring guide (tracing template): A tracing template worthy of admiration, ensuring a precise fit around the stoma with no leaks.
- Scissors: noble tools to cut a hole through the pouch base with grace and precision.
- Stoma powder: a non-medicated powder fit for a king, absorbing moisture from raw, weeping, irritated skin and aiding in its majestic healing.
- Stoma paste: a shield of protection for the royal skin surrounding the stoma, warding off irritation and extending the ostomy bag’s reign.
- Dust bin: a majestic bin lined with a disposal bag, reserved for the noble task of disposing of used ostomy bags and cleaning materials.
- Soft tissue or toilet paper: Royal shields are placed beneath the stoma’s body during changing, safeguarding against any regal droplets of stool. Truly, it is a lavish touch to complete the stoma care ritual.
As part of my orientation, I was advised to arrange the aforementioned items meticulously on a nearby table, in the precise order of their use. This ensured that I had everything at my fingertips before embarking on the task of changing the bag—a strategic approach to streamline the process and minimize any disruptions.
The methodical arrangement of items during my first bag change proved immensely beneficial. It provided a clear roadmap of tasks to follow, instilling a sense of confidence and mastery over the situation—something I yearned for at that early stage of my journey.
This newfound control was a beacon of relief, illuminating a path forward and infusing me with a sense of pride. In that moment, optimism blossomed, casting a ray of hope that made the entire ordeal feel 20% more manageable.
Adapting Sleeping Positions After Ostomy Surgery.
That particular bag lasted a whole 5 days. I discovered thereafter that the sleeping position mattered as well.
Before having a colostomy, I enjoyed the freedom to sleep in any position that felt comfortable. Whether it was on my back, side, or stomach, I could drift off to sleep without giving it a second thought. However, having an ostomy bag introduced new considerations when it came to sleeping positions.
With a stoma, particularly during the initial adjustment period, finding the right sleeping position became essential. Sleeping on the side opposite to the stoma often provided the most comfort, as it minimized pressure on the stoma and reduced the risk of leaks or discomfort. However, even this preferred position wasn’t always perfect, as the presence of the stoma could sometimes make certain positions less comfortable or even painful.
Moreover, I had to be mindful of the placement of the stoma pouch during sleep to prevent it from becoming twisted or displaced. Securing the pouch with specially designed belts or wraps helped to keep it in place and provided added peace of mind during the night.
I also realized that comfort was key, Listen to your body; if you feel any strain around the stoma, change the position. Do not sleep on the side with the stoma
Strategies for Post-Stoma Adjustment and Digestive Health.
Since the first week post-surgery, each day has brought new revelations, some of them quite intriguing. I must admit, I found myself both curious and amused by the changes in my bodily functions.
While some functions remained unchanged, I realized I needed to assist my body in performing them. For instance, the process of waste elimination through the stoma was initially uncomfortable and, at times, painful. To ease this discomfort, I discovered the following strategies to be beneficial;
- Hydration is key. Consuming ample fluids aids digestion, softens stool, and facilitates easier passage.
- Establishing a consistent bathroom schedule helped me regain a sense of routine, mirroring my pre-surgery habits. In certain situations, I found that drinking warm water in the morning facilitated the process.
- Maintaining warmth around the abdominal area, while ensuring the warmth doesn’t directly affect the stoma, can increase blood flow to the digestive system, thereby stimulating digestive organs.
- Herbal teas like chamomile and ginger can have soothing effects on the digestive system.
- Incorporating natural fiber laxatives, such as fybogel, can help regulate bowel function effectively.
- Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial, focusing on high-fiber foods and incorporating nourishing soups occasionally to ease the strain on your digestive system. Be mindful of tough foods and portion sizes, recognizing the limited control over excretion processes.
- Supplements play a vital role; consider those with anti-inflammatory properties, good for gut health, minerals, and vitamins.
- Exercise proved beneficial in enhancing gut health, alleviating constipation, and boosting metabolism. However, exercise wisely, avoiding excessive strain, to prevent discomfort. Overexertion can lead to significant pain—I experienced this firsthand, finding myself in tears.
- Moderate exercise, such as regular walks both in the morning and evening, coupled with periodic standing and activity breaks every two hours, proved effective. Listening to my body’s cues and adjusting accordingly helped manage discomfort—a practice I’ve maintained even months after my ostomy reversal, grateful for the routine’s benefits.
- Maintain a positive outlook and surround yourself with supportive individuals. Elevated stress levels can impact bowel movements, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive environment for overall well-being.
Managing Itchiness and Skin Care Around the Stoma.
Indeed, the area around the stoma and the stoma itself can become itchy, prompting an irresistible urge to scratch. However, since the exact location of the itch isn’t always clear, scratching can inadvertently damage the delicate skin surrounding the stoma and even bruise the stoma itself.
I learned this the hard way when, days later, I discovered wounds and blood while changing the bag—a stark reminder of the consequences of giving in to the temptation to scratch without caution.
Fortunately, I discovered that applying stoma powder to the area surrounding the stoma and allowing it to dry proved highly effective. This process necessitated leaving the stoma uncovered for approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
During the next bag change following the forementioned method, I was delighted to find that the skin had healed. This newfound improvement brought excitement and relief, especially considering the initial distressing sight I had encountered.
I discovered that itchiness often signaled a potential leak at the base of the bag, leaving the surrounding skin vulnerable to exposure. Each time I felt an itch, I knew it was time for a bag change—and remarkably, I was correct about 90% of the time. Even in instances where there was no visible leakage outside the base, the inside of the bag felt loose, indicating that the stoma paste had dissolved.
Empowering Discoveries: Navigating Stoma Care Through Trial and Error.
In addition to the standard procedures of stoma care, I learned that trial and error is an integral part of the process, a lesson I gleaned from my own journey.
Initially, I applied the stoma paste directly onto the adhesive part of the bag base, but I soon realized its effectiveness was lacking. Uneven skin led to gaps and subsequent leakages.
Determined to find a solution, I decided to apply the stoma paste to the skin surrounding the stoma first, then place the adhesive base on top. This simple adjustment proved remarkably effective for me. This innovative approach brought a newfound sense of control and comfort to my situation.
For once, I didn’t feel like my stoma was a barrier to my life; instead, it became something I could manage and overcome. I couldn’t wait to share my discovery with a close friend, beaming with pride as I explained my solution. It was a moment of realization that things could indeed get better.
Managing Stool Flow During Ostomy Bag Changes: Strategies for a Smoother Experience.
The sudden release of stool from the stoma during an ostomy bag change can be incredibly frustrating. Unlike a simple two-step process, there’s a significant amount of time between removing one bag and applying another.
During this interval, more stool can emerge, potentially soiling the cleaned area. I learned the importance of ensuring that I had allowed all or nearly all of the stool to pass before initiating the bag change.
This strategy minimized the amount of stool expelled during the process, resulting in a smoother and more hygienic bag change.
I discovered that placing a paper towel or tissue on my lap directly beneath the stoma entrance during the change helped to safeguard against any stool flow, minimizing mess and streamlining the overall process.
Navigating Changes and Challenges.
Over time, I noticed changes in the shape and position of my stoma, which caused concern. Sometimes it would protrude significantly, like the entire colon was on the verge of coming out, while at other times, it would appear limp and lifeless. The surrounding area also lost its firmness over time.
After my third month, the frequency of my bag leaks increased significantly. I found myself changing the bag every two days, which became exhausting. This heightened frustration is pushing me to desire the reversal procedure sooner.
The leaks were particularly embarrassing when they occurred at work, as the noticeable odor drew unwanted attention from my coworkers. I remember once shedding tears while changing the bag in the bathroom. This was not solely due to the embarrassment, but because I felt a loss of control over my situation, a stark contrast to how I felt in the prior months.
Indeed, trial and error, adapting to change, and going with the flow are essential phrases to describe the process of adjusting to life with a stoma. Additionally, you might consider phrases like “experimenting with different techniques,” “finding what works best for me,” or “embracing flexibility.
As for my experience of changing the position for placing the stoma bag, perhaps you could say, “One day, I decided to experiment with changing the position in which I applied the stoma bag. While I had initially been instructed to do it standing up in front of a mirror for accurate placement, I found this helpful at first but less effective three months later.
I decided to lie on my back while placing the stoma bag, and to my surprise, it provided relief. This prompted me to experiment with various other positions. Eventually, after trying different approaches, I discovered the optimal position that worked best for me until the stoma reversal.
Closing Reflections: An 8-Month Journey of Resilience and Growth.
Reflecting back on my journey with a stoma, initially expected to last six weeks but extended to eight months, I realize it was anything but dull. That experience unveiled aspects of myself that continue to inspire me today. It showcased a depth of strength, creativity, and a realization of genuine beauty. It was a truly humbling experience.
I am reminded of the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges that have shaped my experience. From the initial apprehension to the empowering moments of discovery, each step was a testament to resilience and adaptability.
As I embark on the next chapter, I carry with me the knowledge that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and every challenge is a chance to learn. With resilience as my guide, I am confident in my ability to overcome whatever lies ahead, knowing that I am stronger for having traveled this path.
“Where there is trust, courage will appear also.” Trust that everything is a process, and that includes living with a stoma. With that in mind, you get the courage to “live” and not just survive.
Some source for the post.
What Is an Ostomy Bag 2023 29 August verywell health
Ostomy Care BC Open Text Books
