Things To Know About Stoma Before Having This Procedure Performed

By Karyn Shields


Special openings may need to be created in the body for waste collection due to surgery or illness. These are called stoma. People can have these on a short-term basis or they may be permanent.

Doctors can create one of three types of openings. Among these are ileostomies, urostomies and colostomies. Your illness and the way that this affects your digestive processes will determine which procedure is best suited to your needs. Whether your digestive waste will be rerouted in a permanent or temporary fashion is also a deciding factor.

Once this incision is complete, you will be fitted with innovative equipment for the collection and monitoring of waste. This typically comes in the form of a small, discreet pouch. Once the pouch is filled, an interior liner can be removed and replaced so that the waste can be discarded. These units are very efficient at containing liquids, solids and odors.

You will probably be able to continue wearing the same clothes that you currently own. The nature of your unit and the way that it is positioned, however, could necessitate the need for a larger or more flexible waistline. This is often essential when seeking continued comfort and lots of convenience.

Once an incision area has been created, you will find that the opening looks similar to the inside of your mouth as it will be soft and pink or red. There will likely be some soreness, which is not uncommon. Should you experience any inflammation or swelling and if the area becomes hot, you should notify your provider right away as this likely indicates infection.

People often have lots of questions before their surgeries given that they are eager to continue living their lives in a normal fashion. For instance, many people want to know if their bags will produce or emit unpleasant odors. Collection bags can be very effective at restricting unpleasant smells so that these are not noticeable.

Once people have had these incisions, they do not normally have to make radical changes to their diets. There are not a lot of foods that you will have to eschew after having made this change. There may be, however, some changes that your doctor recommends in an effort to better control any chronic digestive ailments that you currently suffer from.

People are also able to enjoy regular exercise with these devices. Your doctor should give you clearance before you become active again. Your device is going to be watertight and thus, swimming is something that you can still enjoy. Other activities such as biking, running and jogging will be possible as well.

Those who are recovering from these surgeries should attempt to take it slow rather than trying to throw themselves headlong into a range of challenging activities. It is important to gradually build up endurance and strength. By pacing yourself, you will find that you are soon able to engage in many of the recreational and sports activities that you once enjoyed, with minimal interference from your device.




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