OSTOMY LIFESTYLE AND NUTRITION INFORMATION

It is generally recommended eating a low fiber diet for the first 6 weeks after intestinal surgery. The intestines are swollen and it may be harder to pass high fiber foods. Gradually add foods back into your diet. Eat slowly and chew food well. Those with colostomies will later be able to eat what they want. Those with ileostomies will always need to be cautious with high fiber foods.

• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Fruits & Vegetables with skins and seeds
• Coconut
• Chinese vegetables
• Celery
• Meats with Casings (hot dogs, sausages)
• Mushrooms
• Dried Fruits
• Cabbage family

Become aware of the effects of food on your stool. There are foods that loosen stool, thicken stool, and those that cause gas and odor.

It is normal to pass gas and have stool odor. If you have an ostomy that drains stool, you can no longer control when the gas will be released from the stoma. What causes gas can differ, however there are some general tips to know.

• Gas can occur from swallowed air, such as drinking through a straw, chewing gum, talking while eating, sucking on hard candy, and smoking.
• Get to know which foods cause YOU to have gas. Use the food table as a guide, but it can differ from person to person.
• If you feel ready to pass gas through the stoma, place you arm over the stoma to muffle the sound.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need medication to reduce gas.
• Get to know which foods cause odor, using the food table as a guide.
• Pouches are made of odor-resistant material. You should not have odor when the pouch is properly in place. Odor will be present when emptying the pouch in the bathroom. The place where everyone has stool odor!
• You can use a pouch with a filter which deodorizes and releases gas.
• A pouch deodorant can be used in the pouch to reduce odor. There are also deodorants to take by mouth to eliminate stool odor.
• Gas and odor are more bothersome for a colostomy than ileostomy. There is more gas forming bacteria in the large intestine.

Having an ostomy should not keep you from returning to exercise and sports you love. A few tips:

• Ask your doctor when you can return to sports.
• Return slowly to exercise until your strength returns.
• Empty your pouch before starting an activity.
• Pouch wear-time may be decreased with heavy exercise and perspiration.
• If you engage in a contact sport, such as karate, talk to your doctor or WOC nurse. There are coverings on the market which can protect your stoma during such activities.

Water will not harm or go inside the stoma. You can return to taking baths, showering, and swimming. Here are some water tips:

• You can bathe with your pouch on or off.
• One method is to bathe without a pouch on your change day and keep the pouch on for other days. If your skin barrier has a tape border, blot this dry with a towel or a use a hair blower on a cool setting.
• If bathing without a pouch, use mild soap that does not leave a residue.
• Check your pouch seal before swimming. Waterproof tape may be helpful on the barrier edges.
• If enjoying a hot-tub, your pouch wear-time may decrease because of the heat.

You will be able to wear your normal clothes after ostomy surgery. No one will know that you have an ostomy unless you tell them. Pouching systems are designed to be as flat as possible. Women can wear tight garments, such as pantyhose and panty girdles. Just be cautious about pressure from belts or tight clothing rubbing the stoma. You can wear your pouch inside or outside your usual underwear depending on your preference. There are companies that make specially designed ostomy underwear to provide fuller coverage and pockets for the pouch.

In time, you can return to a satisfying sexual relationship. It will not be the ostomy, but your attitude toward your ostomy that will affect your relationships with others. It is normal to feel sensitive about the change in your body image. Some surgical procedures can affect sexual function, which is usually discussed prior to surgery by your doctor and WOC Nurse. Some helpful tips when you feel ready:

• Talk with your surgeon about when it is safe to resume sexual activities.
• Be honest and talk with your partner about each others’ feelings and concerns.
• Empty your pouch and check the pouch seal before proceeding.
• Mini pouches are available to use for short periods of time, known as "passion pouches"!
• Pouch covers and specially designed underwear and lingerie may enhance your comfort.
• Seek professional help if you are unable to physically or emotionally return to a satisfying sexual relationship. Ask your doctor or WOC Nurse for assistance.

The most important thing about traveling is to not forget your supplies! Other tips include:

• Carry extra supplies for unexpected events.
• Carry a list of supplies with product names and Liberty Medical’s numbers in your purse or wallet.
• Watch what you eat and drink in other countries.
• If you are flying:
  • Pack your supplies in carry-on luggage.
  • Pre-cut your skin barriers to avoid scissors on the plane.
   
• If you are driving:
  • Do not put supplies in the trunk where they will get overheated.
  • Make sure the seatbelt does not rub the stoma. You can protect the stoma with a small pillow or towel if needed.