Recovery And Lifestyle Changes After A ColostomyRecovering from a colostomyIt usually takes around 8 weeks to recover from a colostomy and get back to your usual activities. It's important to rest and take the time you need to adjust to the change in your body. You'll usually need to eat a low fibre diet after your operation while your bowel heals. You may feel tired after surgery but you could try gentle exercise like a short walk when you feel ready. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 8 weeks while your tummy muscles heal. Wait until you've recovered from your operation to drive. Lifestyle changes and living with a colostomyMany people find their daily life improves after having a colostomy because they no longer have pain or uncomfortable symptoms. Having a colostomy should not stop you from living a full and active life, but there may be some lifestyle changes you need to make. Stoma bagsThere are two main types of stoma bag:
Some bags have a drain so you can empty them into the toilet through an opening, and others are closed and need to be changed when full. How often you have to change the bag varies between people but you'll soon find what works for you. If you have a permanent colostomy, your GP will give you a prescription to order stoma bags for free on the NHS. If you have a temporary colostomy you may need to pay for stoma bags. You can choose where you get the bags from and what type suits you. Your stoma nurse can give you more information about how to order the bags. DietWhen things have settled down, you can reintroduce your usual foods and should aim to have a healthy, balanced diet. Some foods can cause farting or bad smells from the stoma so you may want to avoid those. Eating regularly without long breaks between meals and chewing your food well will stop your stoma getting blocked. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Read more information about eating and drinking after having a colostomy on the Colostomy UK website. MedicinesMany medicines are designed to dissolve slowly in the digestive system. This means they may not be as effective if you have a colostomy, as they could come straight out into your bag. Speak to your doctor about alternative ways of having medicines, such as in liquid or powder form. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicine without speaking to your doctor. WorkYou should be able to go back to work when you feel well enough and comfortable looking after your stoma. Speak to your employer if your work involves heavy lifting or lots of manual work. Body image and relationshipsIt's normal to worry about changes to your appearance after having a colostomy. Stoma bags are well designed and you should be able to wear your usual clothes. Once you feel ready, you can continue with your sex life as before. If you feel any discomfort, trying different positions might help. Talk to your stoma nurse about any issues you are having with sex, relationships or body image. Getting pregnantHaving a colostomy will not affect your fertility, but check with your doctor that you're fully recovered before trying to get pregnant. Your stoma nurse can advise and support you. For more information and support about living with a stoma after a colostomy: Sexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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