Living With An Ostomy, What's It Like

Living with an ostomy can be challenging at first, but many people adjust well over time. I have lived with mine now for almost 9 years.

Living with an ostomy can be very confronting and you will definitely be making some adjustments in your life.

It can sometimes be a large mental challenge as well. You need to develop routines that work for you.

Your husband, your wife, your significant other will be affected as well. It could be a challenge for them, as seemingly everything changes in and around things that you do or can't do anymore .

There are a number of support groups and resources available to help Ostomates cope with their new lifestyle

What Is An Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the body for the purpose of attaching an external system, called a stoma, to collect body wastes. 

The stoma is usually located in the abdomen and is connected to the intestine or urinary system.

An ostomy can be either temporary or permanent. It is typically performed as a last resort when other treatments, such as medication or dietary changes, have failed.

Ostomies are most commonly seen in people with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

The Decision To Have Surgery

Many people with an ostomy feel they have no choice but to have surgery. In some cases, surgery is the only way to save their life.

In other cases, it may be the only way to improve their quality of life. Either way, the decision to have surgery is a big one.

Before making a decision, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all of your options.

It’s also important to consider your own personal values and what you feel is best for you. 

For some people, the thought of living with an ostomy is worse than the thought of surgery. For others, surgery may be too risky.

No matter what you decide, know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you through whatever decision you make.

The Surgery Itself

The surgery to create an ostomy is usually performed as a last resort when other treatments have failed. The surgery itself is not overly complicated and can be done in a matter of hours.

However, the recovery process can be lengthy and difficult, and there are a number of potential complications that can occur.

The surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the abdomen. The section of the intestine that needs to be removed is then isolated and cut away from the rest of the intestine.

The end of the intestine is then brought out through the incision, and a stoma (an opening) is created.

A piece of plastic or rubber tubing, called a stoma appliance, is then placed over the stoma to protect it and keep it from closing up.

Recovery and Life With An Ostomy

The journey to recovery after surgery can be long and difficult, but those with Ostomies can live full and happy lives. Here are a few things to keep in mind during your recovery:

1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The road to recovery can be long, and you'll need all the help you can get. From family and friends to support groups, there are plenty of people who want to help you through this tough time.

2. Take things one day at a time. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but try not to focus on the big picture too much. Instead, take each day as it comes and celebrates the small victories along the way.

3. Be patient with yourself. It's normal to have good days and bad days, but don't get too down on yourself if things aren't going as planned.

Dealing With a Paristenial Hernias In a Stoma

A person with a parastomal hernia has a bulge near their stoma, where the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall.

This can be painful and cause the skin around the stoma to break down. If left untreated, a parastomal hernia can lead to life-threatening complications.

There are several ways to treat a parastomal hernia. One is to wear a supportive belt or garment that puts pressure on the hernia and keeps it from getting worse.

Another option is surgery to repair the hole in the abdominal wall. This is usually done by placing a mesh over the hole and stitching it into place.

If you have a parastomal hernia, it's important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

With proper treatment, you can live an active and healthy life with an ostomy.

A hernia occurs when an organ or piece of tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.

Hernias are most commonly seen in the groin area, although they can also occur in the abdomen, chest, and diaphragm.

There are two types of hernias: inguinal and femoral. Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for about 75 percent of all hernias. 

Femoral hernias are less common but tend to be more serious because they are more likely to become incarcerated or strangulated.

Treatment for a hernia usually involves surgical repair. The surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Recovery from surgery is typically quick, with most people able to return to their normal activities within a week.

Dealing With Body Image Issues

Body image is an important issue for many people, especially those who have recently undergone a major change to their appearance.

For someone who has just been through surgery and now has an ostomy, it can be difficult to feel comfortable in their new body. 

Here are some tips for dealing with body image issues:

1. Talk to someone who understands. It can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience, whether that’s a friend, family member, or support group.

They can offer understanding and advice based on their own experience.

2. Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s easy to look at other people and compare ourselves to them, but everyone is different and there is no “perfect” body type.

Accepting our own bodies the way they are is an important step in managing body image issues.

The Positive Aspects Of Living With An Ostomy

An ostomy is a surgically created opening in the body for the purpose of attaching an external pouch to collect waste. Ostomies are usually created following the removal of all or part of the colon, rectum, small intestine, or bladder.

The positive aspects of living with an ostomy are that it can improve quality of life and provide relief from certain medical conditions.

Living with an ostomy can be challenging at times, but there are also many positive aspects to consider.

For example, an ostomy can improve quality of life by providing relief from certain medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or cancer. 

In addition, an ostomy can allow people to lead more active lifestyles without fear of embarrassing accidents.

There are also many support groups and resources available for people living with ostomies.

Conclusion

An ostomy is a life-saving surgery that creates an opening in the stomach for waste to leave the body. 

For many, this surgery is a last resort option. The good news is, there are millions of people living happy and healthy lives with an ostomy.

While an ostomy may seem like a daunting diagnosis, it is important to remember that you are not alone.

There are millions of people living with ostomies, and there is a large support community ready to help you through your journey. 

With the right care and support, living with an ostomy can be a positive experience.

For further reading on my experience you can go to How To Get Through Radiation Treatments For Colorectal Cancer. 

This gives you more insight into what your experience may be like. Another suggestion would be my post on the mental side of this whole thing, 

Care For Mental Health of a Colostomy Patient-Two Sides to Examine