by Melissa J Luther

Created on: June 02, 2010   Last Updated: October 05, 2010

If you've recently found out that you need an ostomy, you probably have a lot of questions, including how it will affect your ability to live the life you want. You may have heard stories about odor and the obviousness of the bag, but today's ostomy supplies are much more advanced than the products of the past, and it's nearly impossible for anyone to guess your secret.

> What is Ostomy? <

Ostomy involves cutting a hole (called a stoma) through your abdomen so that waste, either feces or urine, can exit your body. This procedure is necessary when a disease, often cancer, damages some portion of your digestive tract or bladder, requiring its removal.

There are several different kinds of ostomy, including:

Colostomy: Your colon is attached to the stoma after removal of your rectum. Waste excreted from a colostomy is fairly solid, because the colon can still remove liquids.

Ileostomy: If both your rectum and colon need removal, the ileum (the bottom of the small intestine) attaches to the stoma. This waste is more liquid than that from a colostomy.

Urostomy: After removal of your bladder, the ureters are redirected to the stoma.

> Day-to-Day Life with Ostomy <

At first, you may worry about damaging your stoma, but, although it needs proper care, it’s actually less fragile than you might think. A nurse trained in enterostomal therapy can help you learn how to care for it.

In most cases, once you have healed from surgery, you can resume normal activities. You may need to take it slow in the beginning, but this is normal after any surgery, and soon you will develop a routine and be able to live comfortably with your ostomy.

First, the skin around your stoma needs special care to protect it from digestive enzymes, bacteria and the adhesives that will hold your ostomy pouch in place. Skin barriers will help, but you also need to clean the skin gently every few days. The stoma itself consists of the lining of your intestine, which will clean itself by secreting mucous. If the skin's appearance changes tell your nurse or doctor.

You will also need to get used to applying and emptying your ostomy bags, which come in several types and sizes. One-piece pouches have a barrier material built in. A two-piece pouch uses a separate barrier system that you leave on your skin when you replace the bag. Bags are also either closed, which you remove and discard when full, or drainable, which you can empty and reuse.

You will probably attach your pouch with a hypoallergenic glue, although belts are also available for people who cannot tolerate the glue. A belt can also provide extra support during sports or other vigorous activity.

There are many additional ostomy products available to help you successfully manage your new life. You many need to try different ones to find those that work best for you. Talk with your doctor or nurse for guidance.

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