How many people have colostomy

You might notice the smell when changing your bag in the toilet, but it would be no different from anyone else using the loo. You can find out more information on odours and odour management here. In the early days following surgery people can struggle to get back to a normal diet but the introduction of solid food helps the gut to begin to work as normal and allows the stool to thicken and become less watery.

It is important to eat as well as possible as soon as your surgeon allows, as this will help to establish a normal stoma output.

Click here to download. As with all major operations, it will no doubt take a number of weeks to recover from stoma surgery, but after this there should hopefully be no barrier to having a normal and loving relationship, or a full and active sex life.

A small percentage of men report issues with impotence but often trying a different position or using a sexual aid can prevent this. Although many people may be unfamiliar with what a stoma is, being open and honest with your partner can help dispel any concerns they may have and allow you to continue to enjoy an active sex life.

Suddenly playing sports or going to the beach can be difficult to handle. People first see an appliance and not a person. Anyone considering a colostomy should see an experienced, board-certified colorectal surgeon to have the surgery you need and be fitted for a bag. The good news is that bags can offer considerably more personal freedom.

For example, if you have inflammatory bowel disease, you know how often you need to visit the bathroom when your condition flares up. Having a colostomy bag actually gives you more freedom than you may realize. When people learn they are undergoing a colostomy, they usually have a lot of questions. Here are a few things you should know about colostomy bags to put you at ease.

Some people new to living with colostomy bags may worry that everyone around them will know. The good news is that technology has advanced quite a lot since the early days of ostomy pouch systems. In other words, unless your colostomy bag is faulty or you have another underlying health issue, you will not smell. While you should certainly feel free to share with others you know about your ostomy, you can maintain your privacy as well.

You may find the swimwear, underwear, or ostomy wraps at OstomySecrets helpful to keeping your pouch secure and discreet. Yes, having an ostomy is a big change. You will most likely be able to eat many of the same things as before your procedure.

If your job is particularly strenuous and involves a lot of heavy lifting, you may need to wear a support belt or girdle. Your stoma nurse can advise you about this. It's likely to take several months before you're ready to return to work. It depends on how well you recover and the type of work you do. You may find it very tiring when you return, so to start with it may be possible for you to work fewer hours than normal and do lighter duties. There's no reason why you cannot travel after having a colostomy, but you'll probably need to plan extra time into your journey.

This gives you access to public disabled toilets so you can change your colostomy appliance when you need to.

You may find that some sex positions you enjoyed are now uncomfortable after having surgery. Try different positions until you find what works for you. After surgery, many people find their vaginas are much drier. Applying a lubricating jelly before sex may help. Having a colostomy can also affect the blood supply and nerve endings to the penis. This can make it difficult to get or maintain an erection erectile dysfunction. There are many treatments for erectile dysfunction and your stoma nurse can give you more advice.

You should avoid having anal sex if the anus has not been removed after a colostomy because it can cause tearing and bleeding. Speak to your stoma nurse for more information and advice about this. Page last reviewed: 16 September Next review due: 16 September Colostomy bags and equipment A colostomy bag is used to collect your poo.