Colostomy Education

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that will bring one end of the large intestine out through an opening (stoma) that is made in the abdominal wall.  Any stool that accumulates in the intestinal tract will drain through the stoma into a pouch that is attached to the abdomen.  A colostomy can either be short-term or long-term. 

A short-term colostomy for instance may be present after you have surgery on your large intestine.  The colostomy will allow the other parts of your intestine to rest while you recover.  Then once your body recovers, another surgery will be performed to reattach the ends of the intestine and reverse the colostomy.  An instance where a colostomy may be long-term and unable to be reversed is if colon or rectal cancer has progressed to where the individual will have no other choice for elimination.

As an individual with a colostomy there are some helpful hints to make dealing with your situation easier, such as:

ü  Eat a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables.  Eat on a regular schedule and try to drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day.

ü  To reduce gas, minimize the amount of air you swallow, so try to avoid chewing gum, smoking and drinking from a straw.

ü  Remember to empty your pouch when it is 1/3 full to make it less difficult.

ü  You may shower/bathe with your pouch on or off, your stoma will function regardless.

ü  If your weight changes, either you lose or gain up to 10 pounds, the size of your pouch may need adjusted.

There are several tips our professional staff at Total Home Health can share with you related to your colostomy.  Our nurses are trained to provide the best quality of care to you with your colostomy.  If you are motivated to learn, we are always ready to educate you on how to care for your colostomy in the event of our absence.

Warning signs related to your colostomy are also extremely important to become familiar with.  The following list includes signs and symptoms that if you observe you should immediately notify your doctor no matter what time it may be, these include:

ü  Purple, black, or white stoma.  This could indicate circulatory problems.

ü  Severe cramps lasting more than 6 hours.

ü  Severe watery output from the stoma lasting more than 6 hours.

ü  No output from the colostomy in 3 days.

ü  Excessive bleeding from your stoma.

ü  Severe skin irritation or deep ulcers.

ü  Bulging in your abdomen.

There are also some indications listed below that may not be as quite as severe.  In these instances you should just notify your ostomy nurse.

ü  Your pouch system frequently leaks.  You want your pouch system to fit well around your stoma in order to prevent the leaking that could occur and result in skin breakdown.

ü  The size/appearance of your stoma changes, causing discomfort or problems with your pouch. 

ü  If you notice a skin rash or if your skin is becoming raw.  This could lead to further skin breakdown and increase risk for infection.

ü  Any drastic weight gain or loss that may cause your pouch to not fit as well.  This should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent leakage.

If you have a colostomy or are supposed to undergo the procedure to get one soon, it is normal to experience negative feelings related to the colostomy itself and how others may perceive you.  Remaining open about your colostomy and able to talk to others about your situation would be recommended in order for you to express your feelings to feel more comfortable with yourself.

All in all, the professional Total Home Health staff is eager to care for you in your unique journey by being your teacher, friend, and caregiver to make your situation as easy and comfortable as possible.  We have the program that is right for you and all your colostomy needs.