Colostomy Care: A Practical Guide for Daily Life
Colostomy care is the day-to-day routine that helps you keep your stoma healthy, protect the skin around it, and prevent leaks—so you can live more comfortably and confidently. If you’re learning colostomy care at home, focus on three essentials: a pouching system that fits your stoma’s size and shape, gentle cleaning and skin protection around the stoma, and a consistent change schedule (instead of waiting for a leak).
What Is a Colostomy?
A colostomy is a surgical procedure where a portion of the large intestine (the colon) is brought through the abdominal wall to create an opening called a stoma. Waste then exits the body through this stoma into a secure pouch. Effective colostomy care begins with understanding your new anatomy.
Colostomy vs. Ileostomy vs. Urostomy
While they may look similar, there are key differences:
- Colostomy: Involves the large intestine. The output is usually firm or paste-like.
- Ileostomy: Involves the small intestine. The output is usually liquid and more frequent.
- Urostomy: Diverts urine away from the bladder.
Temporary vs. Permanent Colostomy
- A temporary colostomy allows the bowel to heal after injury or surgery.
- A permanent colostomy is used when the lower part of the rectum or colon is removed.
While the surgery type differs, the basic colostomy care steps remain very similar. Your specific care plan for colostomy will be tailored to your healing timeline.
Getting Started: The First Weeks After Surgery
The first few weeks are a learning period. Your colostomy care plan will mostly focus on healing and watching for changes in your stoma’s size.
What Normal Stoma Looks Like
- Color: Your stoma should be pink or red (like the inside of your cheek).
- Moisture: It should look shiny and wet.
- Swelling: It is normal for the stoma to be large right after surgery. It will shrink over 6 to 8 weeks, which is a key part of how to care for colostomy.
When to Call a Nurse or Doctor
As you manage your colostomy care at home, call your medical team if you notice:
- The stoma turns dark purple, black, or very pale.
- Severe cramping that lasts more than two or three hours.
- A sudden bad smell that doesn't go away.
- A major change in the stoma’s size (swelling or pulling inward).
Building Confidence
Creating a simple daily colostomy care plan helps you feel in control. Most people find that colostomy care at home becomes a quick habit after a few weeks of practice.
Colostomy Supplies Checklist
To succeed with colostomy care at home, you need the right tools. Your care plan for colostomy should include a "go-bag" for emergencies.
|
Item |
Purpose |
|
Pouches |
Collects waste (One-piece or Two-piece). |
|
Skin Barrier |
The “wafer” that sticks to your skin. |
|
Measuring Guide |
Ensures the hole fits the stoma perfectly. |
|
Adhesive Remover |
Helps take off the pouch without hurting skin. |
Helpful Accessories
To improve your colostomy care, you might use:
- Barrier Rings: To fill in skin dips and prevent leaks.
- Deodorant: Drops that go inside the pouch.
- Stoma Belt: For extra security during exercise.
Daily Colostomy Care Routine
Your daily colostomy care plan ensures your skin stays healthy and your pouch stays secure.
- Emptying the Pouch: Empty it when it is 1/3 to 1/2 full. If it gets too heavy, it can pull away from the skin. This is a key part of how to care for colostomy.
- Cleaning the Area: Use only warm water and a soft cloth. The UOAA recommends avoiding soaps with oils or perfumes, as they interfere with the adhesive.
- Skin Protection: Always dry the skin completely before putting on a new pouch. This is essential for colostomy care at home.
How to Change a Colostomy Pouch
Mastering the change is the core of how to care for colostomy.
- Prep: Gather all supplies. The best time for colostomy care is in the morning before eating.
- Remove: Gently peel the old barrier back while holding the skin tight.
- Measure: Measure your stoma. The hole should be 1/8 inch larger than the stoma.
- Cut & Apply: Cut the barrier and apply any paste or rings.
- Seal: Press the barrier firmly against your skin for 30 seconds. The warmth of your hands helps the seal stick. This is a vital step in your colostomy care plan.
Preventing Leaks: Common Causes
- Leaks are the biggest challenge in colostomy care at home, but they can be stopped.
- Wrong Size: If the hole is too large, waste touches the skin.
- Uneven Skin: Use barrier rings to fill in scars or folds.
- Sweat: If you sweat a lot, your colostomy care plan should include barrier extenders to keep the edges down.
- Wear Time: Most people change their pouch every 3 to 5 days. Changing it too often or too rarely can cause issues.
Diet, Hydration, and Gas Control
What you eat affects how to care for colostomy.
- Gas: Foods like beans and soda can make the pouch puff up.
- Odor: Onions and garlic may increase odor.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the output at a healthy consistency
A good care plan for colostomy involves introducing new foods one at a time to see how your body reacts. Always follow the specific dietary advice from your doctor.
Living With a Colostomy: Real-Life Situations
Your colostomy care plan is designed to let you live life to the fullest!
- Showering: You can shower with your pouch on or off.
- Clothing: Normal clothes usually work fine. High-waisted pants are often the most comfortable.
- Exercise: Once cleared by a doctor, you can swim, run, and lift weights. A support belt can help with your colostomy care at home during activity.
- Intimacy: Empty the pouch beforehand. Confidence comes with knowing you have a solid colostomy care plan in place.
By following these steps for how to care for colostomy, you can stay healthy and active. Remember, colostomy care is a journey, and there are many resources available to help you.
FAQ
Q: Can people smell my colostomy?
A: Modern pouches are odor-proof. You may notice a smell only when you are emptying or changing the pouch. If you follow your colostomy care plan properly, there should be no odor in your daily life.
Q: Can I still swim in a pool or the ocean?
A: Yes! Most barriers are water-resistant. You can wear a support belt or a wrap for extra security. Many people find that colostomy care at home includes testing their pouch in the bathtub first to build confidence for the pool.
Q: How often should I change my pouch?
A: A typical colostomy care plan involves changing the barrier every 3 to 5 days. Changing it too often can irritate the skin, but waiting too long can lead to leaks.
Q: Will the stoma hurt when I touch it?
A: The stoma has no nerve endings, so it does not feel pain. However, it is rich in blood vessels, so it might bleed slightly when cleaned—this is normal.
Q: What should I do if my pouch keeps "ballooning" with gas?
A: Try using a pouch with a charcoal filter. It allows gas to escape while trapping odors. Managing your diet is also a key part of how to care for colostomy gas issues.
Q: What if my output is very thick and won't drop to the bottom of the bag?
A: This is called "pancaking." You can put a little oil or a specialized lubricant inside the pouch to help the waste slide down.
Q: Is it safe to travel on an airplane?
A: Yes. The cabin pressure will not make your pouch explode. Just make sure to pack your colostomy care supplies in your carry-on bag so you always have them with you.
