Living with a Urostomy
Information Provided by ConvaTec®
Clothing
To see if Medicare covers the cost of your ostomy supplies, call 1-866-486-2379.
To enroll online, click here.
Don't worry - you will not need a new wardrobe. Modern colostomy pouches are inconspicuous under almost any kind of clothing because they're designed to lie flat against the body. Ostomy pouches for both men and women can be worn inside or outside underwear - whatever feels most comfortable.
No special underwear is necessary. But if your stoma is at or near the waistline, be sure to avoid pressure from tight-waisted pants or belts. Girdles or panty girdles can be worn, as long as they are soft and stretchy, without stays or a front panel. For men, if you wear an athletic supporter, it is helpful to wear it one size larger.
Returning to Work
Check with your doctor and ET nurse before returning to work. The recovery time will vary.
- Ask your employer if you can work at home or part-time for the first few weeks you're back on the job.
- For peace of mind, find a more private restroom.
- Keep spare pouches and a change of clothes at work.
Activities
Whether you play tennis or golf or enjoy jogging, swimming, water- or snow-skiing, you can still keep fit. With your doctor's permission, after you're feeling stronger you can go back to the same sports and activities in which you engaged before your surgery.
However, you should avoid heavy lifting and refrain from rough contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, or football without special protection for your stoma.
Traveling
Here are some tips that will make traveling pleasant and worry-free.
- Always carry your ostomy supplies in your hand luggage, in case your suitcases are lost or stolen.
- Pack twice as many supplies as anticipated for emergencies.
- Fasten your seatbelt below or well above your stoma.
- Store your supplies in a cool place. Heat can melt the adhesive on your pouch.
- Carry all your products' order numbers on a reference card in your wallet.
Relationships
Personal
Very few people, even those you see on a daily basis, will ever know that you have had ostomy surgery-unless you choose to tell them. Whether you tell others is entirely up to you. Most likely your relatives and friends already know you've had a health problem that required surgery. But you may feel uncomfortable about revealing more, fearing they might have negative attitudes about ostomies. It's true that some people have uninformed ideas, but if these people are important to you, you can either help to educate them or simply not mention your surgery.
Intimate
Communication and trust are at the heart of the healing process. It is normal to feel sensitive about the change in your body. Yet it's important to share your feelings with your spouse or loved one, and to respond to their concerns as well. Also, let your partner know that sexual relations won't hurt your stoma. With time, understanding and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a mutually satisfying sexual relationship.
There are a few things you can do to enhance intimacy. You may wish to wear a small pouch. Be sure to empty your pouch first. If you feel uneasy about your partner seeing your pouch, you can cover it with specially designed underwear, lingerie, or pouch covers.