Tips To Live With An Ostomy

Although adapting to a life with an ostomy seems challenging to most ostomates, it is just a matter of time that you will be able to return to your previous routine. You can go to work, play sports, and socialize with your friends and family a few weeks after ostomy surgery.

In this article, we will discuss some tips to live to the fullest with an ostomy.

Medicine

Since most medicines absorb in the small intestine, your ability to absorb them will depend on your functioning intestinal tract length. You may not be able to absorb coated pills and time-release medicines as they will pass out through the stoma pretty quickly. The best way to get all your medicines absorbed is to have them in liquid form. You can discuss the type of ostomy you have with your healthcare professional. He or she will recommend the best form of medicine and suggest the correct dosage.

Diet

Right after surgery, you will not be able to take solid foods. Initially, you will need to have a liquid diet to avoid putting stress on your intestinal tract while it is in a vulnerable state. You can move to solid foods gradually as your bowel recovers. After six to eight weeks, you will be able to have your favorite diet. You may have to commit to a specific diet routine, though.

Generally, you will have to drink plenty of water if you have an ostomy. It also depends on the length of the functional intestinal tract in your abdomen. If you have the entire colon removed, you may not be able to absorb a significant amount of moisture and a high content of minerals and electrolytes in the digested foods. So, you may have to drink plenty of water and get an optimum supply of other minerals and electrolytes to make up for the loss of those fluids and electrolytes. You can also consider taking some supplements, but be sure to discuss it with your doctor first.

Work

You will be able to continue working on your present job unless it requires you to lift heavy objects. You can speak to your doctor about your occupational limitations.

Clothing

The good thing about present-day ostomy pouches is that they have a flat profile, which makes them easy to conceal under the clothes. Even if you wear some fitting clothes, you will be able to keep your ostomy pouches most of the time. You can discuss this matter with an ostomy care nurse.

Travel

Whether you want to hit the road or fly to a distant location, your ostomy will not bother you if you take some necessary measures. For instance, your first concern will be to have enough supplies while you are away. That is why it is crucial to buy all those supplies beforehand and pack them in your carry-on luggage. Make sure to have some supplies ready to deal with unanticipated circumstances during the travel.

Sports and exercises

While you may not be able to lift heavy objects and engage in intense physical activities, you will get there in some weeks after surgery. You can discuss your physical activity regimen with your healthcare provider to know the exact amount of physical exertion you can engage in every day.

Hikes with an ostomy bag

I enjoy seeing the outdoors and taking hikes to be with nature. On my hikes, I feel free and alive. Living in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, I am surrounded by mountains and plenty of trails to explore. Taking a breath of fresh mountain air in the morning, there is nothing like it. However, my life took a turn a year ago when I found out I had to get a colostomy surgery. 

Last year it was like any typical day. I went to work and went about my day as I would usually. After my lunch, I was having some indigestion witch did not feel all that good. Around four o’clock, I had collapsed, and my coworkers rushed me to the emergency room. Once there, I was put into a room. Shortly after arriving in the exam room, I was seen by a doctor. I told him what had happened, and one of my coworkers was there to fill in any gaps. After telling the doctor about the indigestion I experienced, he wanted to get a CT scan. This scan revealed I had an infection in my intestines, and the only solution would be a colostomy procedure. I was devastated as I feared this would impede my ability to hike and work effectively. He assured me that I did not have anything to worry about and I will be able to do everything I wanted as well as I had before. 

The adjustment period was rough. It took me about three months to be used to carrying around this pouch with me. I still hike to this day with a greater appreciation of the nature around me. There is not much of a difference hiking with an ostomy bag, really. The nice perk is that I do not have to stop to use the bathroom ever. I can get to the end of the hike a bit slower as I am trying to take in all the sights and smells around me. 

I usually take hikes after work to unwind and forget about the day. I have come to appreciate the quiet of it all. The hikes after work are great for my mental, I use this time to think about goals to set for myself and I mentioned unwind from the stresses of work. I enjoy trying to spot animals while on my walks. I keep an eye out for bears as they are known to be in the mountains I hike. It would be interesting to see one, just from a distance of course. Hikes are my passion and I am glad to still be able to go on them and take in the sights.

 

Hiking with an ostomy bag is not any different than hiking without one, other than being able to use the bathroom without needing a bathroom. I was relieved when I found out I was able to still take my hikes. If I could not be out in nature I think I would go crazy at some point. Living and working with an ostomy bag is not horrible, it is not much different from my life before I had one. However, now I am determined to see and learn more about the environment around me and how I can help keep it safe and thriving. Taking hikes helps me forget about my situation and focus on the surroundings. In a way, I am happy to have needed this surgery it is making me slow down and appreciate the little things.