Recommendations for people with ostomy

Ostomies are surgical procedures with an important impact on the lives of both those who undergo them and their families. People with an ostomy should adopt a series of hygienic and nutritional care. To this is added the psychosocial tension that they usually experience.

The first way to counteract the new pressures is to obtain ample and adequate information. It is also necessary to be patient, because people with an ostomy cannot adapt to changes overnight, but they will require time to achieve it.

Also, we must understand that not all people with ostomy are equal. Factors such as age, occupation, previous psychological status and daily activities They will influence your recovery and adaptation process.

What is an ostomy?

Remember that The ostomy is a surgically created opening in the abdomen area, to allow fecal matter or urine to leave the body. That opening that is created outwards is called a stoma.

In most cases, the debris that comes out of the opening goes to a bag that is attached to the stoma. Almost all ostomies are carried out in the colon, ileum or bladder. The most frequent complication after surgery is skin problems in the immediate vicinity of the stoma.

People with an ostomy need some time to acquire the necessary skills that allow them to remove the waste bag and empty it, without leaking. In addition, stomata are not perfectly circular. This irregularity facilitates the leakage of waste. There are products that allow the stoma to be molded and adapted conveniently.

Also read: Steps to replace a gastrostomy tube

Nutrition in people with ostomy

One of the purposes to be achieved is that the feces of people with an ostomy are not bulky, have a solid or semi-solid consistency and do not generate a bad smell or too much gas. This is achieved, in principle, with an adequate diet that avoids these problems and also satisfies nutritional needs.

It is important that people with ostomy eat slowly, chewing well and with their mouths closed. Likewise, The most appropriate is to maintain stable food patterns, avoiding skipping any of them. All this, together, helps to prevent the formation of gases.

It is important to moderate the consumption of caffeine and fat. Too, It is convenient not to smoke or drink alcohol. In addition to this, it is necessary to recognize the intestinal reactions that are usually produced by the consumption of certain foods. In general, the following:

• Gas production. Beans, asparagus, beer, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, soda, onion, peas, cauliflower, etc.
• Thick stools. Pasta, rice, banana, cheese, applesauce, peanut butter, tapioca, unpeeled potatoes, etc.
• Soft stools. Fritters, foods with a lot of sugar, spicy, grape juice, plum juice, etc.
• Incomplete digestion. Corn, celery, cabbage, coconut, mushrooms, nuts, dried fruits, popcorn, fruit and vegetable peels, seeds, pineapple, etc.
• Intensification of odor in waste. Eggs, fish, alcohol, asparagus, broccoli, onion, garlic, peas.
• Decreased odor. Yogurt, buttermilk, parsley, cranberry juice.

Visit: Thoracostomy with tube: patient preparation

General recommendations

People with ostomy They can play sports without any problem, unless they are contact disciplines. In this case, there is a risk of a stoma lesion. You can only perform these types of activities if the doctor gives his approval.

There are special girdles to protect the stoma, when running or swimming. Weights are not advisable except under medical supervision.. With regard to work activities, it is best to resume work gradually. It is important to know how to take care of the stoma, so that this is not a concern.

People with an ostomy are not obliged to tell others. You can dress as you want. If the bag empties when it reaches a third of its capacity, probably nobody will notice that it is there. In specialized stores there are special garments for those who have an ostomy.

There is no restriction to travel, taking, of course, everything that is required to carry out the necessary care. People with ostomy can lead a normal and unrestricted sex life, but it is important to maintain an open dialogue with the couple.