Colorectal Cancer: Tips for Living with a Colostomy
Some people with colorectal cancer or other bowel problems may need a colostomy . This is when surgery is done to change the way food wastes leave the body. Stool
comes out through a new opening made on the belly (abdomen). This opening is called
a stoma. A pouch sticks to the skin around the stoma to collect stool. You empty and
change the pouch as needed. Living with a colostomy is a major change. But knowing
what to expect and how to deal with it can help you adjust.
What is the colon?
The colon is the part of the large intestine that goes from the small intestine to
the rectum. Food enters the colon from the small intestine. The nutrients and water
are absorbed by the colon as the food passes through it. Then the waste is stored
as stool in the rectum until it can be passed out of the body.
The colon has 3 main parts:
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Ascending colon. This part goes up the right side of your belly. It’s the part of the colon where the
food enters from the small intestine.
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Transverse colon. This part runs across the upper part of your belly.
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Descending colon. This part runs down the left side of your belly and ends at the sigmoid colon. The
sigmoid colon connects to your rectum. As waste moves through the large intestine,
water is absorbed, and stool becomes more formed.
What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is an opening through the skin that is created with surgery. A colostomy
is when the opening is made with part of the colon. Stool that comes out is soft to
firm. A colostomy may be needed when the colon isn't working correctly or when part
of the colon needs to be removed.
An ostomy may be either temporary or permanent. When you have an ostomy, you need
to wear a special pouch over the stoma to collect the waste.
A colostomy may be created at any point along the colon. The type of stool that comes
out depends on where the ostomy is. For example:
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If the ostomy is toward the lower end of the colon, more liquid is absorbed, and the
stool will be more solid.
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If the ostomy is very low along the descending colon, near the rectum, stools are
well-formed. They are a lot like stools from a normal colon.
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If the ostomy is on the ascending or transverse colon, less water is absorbed. The
stools are looser and more watery. They pass through the stoma more quickly and easily.
Having stoma surgery
In some cases, surgery is done within a few days of diagnosis. It's done to remove
as much of the colon cancer as possible. If a lot of the colon has to be removed or
the colon needs time to heal, a colostomy might be needed. A colostomy can be temporary
or permanent. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about surgery so you know
what to expect and how your body will work afterwards.
Before the surgery, your bowels will need to be cleaned out. You will have to drink
a special liquid to do this.
You will meet with an enterostomal therapy nurse or wound, ostomy and continence nurse
before surgery. You will learn about the ostomy and look at your stomach to find the
best place for the stoma. The nurse will teach you about the type of colostomy you'll
have and how to care for it. They will answer your questions and address any concerns
about ostomy care.
After surgery, you will be given pain medicine as you heal. You will stay in the hospital
for a few days but will need to sit up and walk short distances shortly after surgery.
Your stoma will be checked by the nurse every day. It may take a few days before you
are ready to look at the stoma. This is normal. The nurse will be there to support
you and answer any questions.
Caring for the stoma
When you go home, you may need a home healthcare nurse to help you with your stoma
care. They will also take care of your surgical wound to make sure you heal correctly.
You will be told:
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How to clean and care for your skin
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How to prevent infection
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Changes that you should watch for and tell your healthcare provider about
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What medicines to take, what they're for, and how to take them
Understanding the pouch system
Most colostomy appliances are a 2-piece pouch system. There are different brands,
sizes, and styles. You may need to try a few until you find the one that works best
for you. The system consists of:
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A flange. This is a rubbery circle that sticks to your skin around the stoma. It can be cut
to fit your stoma and protect the skin around it.
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A pouch. This is a small bag that attaches to the flange. It collects the stool. Some are
closed and some can be drained through an opening at the bottom.
Your nurse will teach you:
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What supplies you will need and where to buy them
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How to empty and clean the pouch
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How to change the pouch and flange
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How to get the best seal so the pouch doesn't leak
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How to shower while wearing the pouch
Changing the flange
Your skin must be clean and dry before placing the flange. This is so the flange sticks
(adheres) well for a long time. You may dry your skin with a hair dryer on the lowest
heat setting, or just wait until your skin air-dries fully. Your flange may need to
be changed more often in high heat or humidity, or if you exercise or sweat a lot.
Right after your surgery, you may have problems getting a good seal between the pouch
and the flange. This can cause the pouch to come loose. As the wound around the stoma
heals, it will be easier to get a good seal.
Living with the pouch
Finding out that you need an ostomy can be stressful. The idea of living with a bag
on your belly may be hard to accept. But for many people, a colostomy is life-saving
surgery. Learning to care for and troubleshoot your colostomy will take some time.
Your healthcare team will help you do this. You may also want to try an ostomy support
group. This allows you to meet and talk with people who understand what you're going
through.
It's common for an ostomy and pouch to go undetected. No one will know that you have
an ostomy and pouch unless you tell them. You may choose not to tell many people.
You can tell those who need to know. For instance, your workplace may need to know
that you can’t lift heavy items.
Wearing loose fitting tops and bottoms can help conceal your pouch when needed. Be
careful when letting your pets or young children to jump into your lap where the pouch
is located. Also, be careful when putting on your seat belt. The lap belt may cross
the area where the stoma is located.
The colostomy itself should not prevent you from having sex, traveling, or being physically
active. Some people choose to wear a wrap over the colostomy to protect it during
sex. When traveling, pack extra ostomy supplies. If you're flying, never pack all
your supplies in the checked baggage. You may also want to limit and be aware of what
you eat before you travel. For instance, some people find that certain foods cause
gas. Talk to your healthcare team about any precautions to take when exercising.
Liquid and solid products are available to help control odor. Some are placed into
the pouch, while others can be taken internally. It may help to empty your pouch often
as well.
Always carry an emergency kit with extra supplies, such as:
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Pouches
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Extra precut flange
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Roll of tape
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Wet wipes
Making changes to your diet
You may want to make changes in your diet. A person with an ostomy should be aware
of foods that cause gas. Of course, passing gas is a normal part of the digestive
process. Most people pass gas more than 10 times a day to rid the colon of gas and
pressure. Gas in the colon is a mix of hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. It's
caused by the breakdown of undigested sugars in the lower intestine. Some complex
carbohydrates can't be fully broken down by normal digestive processes. Gas is the
result. Changing your diet to limit these foods may help. Foods that can cause gas
include:
Tracking your stool
Depending on the type of surgery you have, stools may pass at any time. Blockage (constipation)
can be a problem for someone with a colostomy. Keep track of bowel movements. Note
how hard or soft they are, and how often they occur. You'll need to drink plenty of
water to keep the stools hydrated for as long as possible while they pass through
the colon. An occasional dose of a laxative may help keep stool softer. But check
with your healthcare provider first before taking them. Increasing vegetables, fruits,
and juices may also help.
Finding support
Connect with a local chapter of the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) at ostomy.org. The UOAA provides education, information, support, and advocacy for people with
ostomies.