Living with a stoma is not easy, but it can be a life-saving solution for diseases like cancer, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. An ostomy involves creating an opening in the abdomen to redirect waste from the rectum or bladder and collect it in a special bag that adheres to the skin surrounding the stoma. While this procedure may relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, it also requires a significant adjustment period and ongoing care.
The first thing that stoma patients need is proper care and support from healthcare professionals, such as nurses, doctors, and nutritionists. They can provide information about stoma management, hygiene, diet, physical activity, and potential complications. Stoma care products, such as pouches, adhesives, wipes, and skin barriers, also play an essential role in maintaining the stoma’s health and comfort. Patients should learn how to apply and change these products, recognize signs of infection or irritation, and contact their healthcare team if they have any concerns.
Besides medical care, stoma patients also need emotional support from their families, friends, and communities. Ostomy surgery can affect a person’s self-image, confidence, and relationships, as well as trigger anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Talking openly about their feelings, concerns, and goals can help stoma patients and their loved ones cope with the changes and find mutual understanding. Joining a support group or an online community for ostomy patients can also provide a sense of belonging, peer advice, and inspiration.
Lastly, stoma patients need to cultivate a positive attitude towards their ostomy and their life as a whole. This may sound challenging, but many people with stoma have shared their stories of resilience, creativity, and success, from sports achievements to advocacy work. With the right mindset, stoma patients can turn their ostomy into a source of empowerment, freedom, and self-expression, rather than a burden or a shame.
In conclusion, living with a stoma is a complex journey that requires medical care, emotional support, and a positive attitude. By taking care of their stoma, seeking support from others, and embracing their new reality, ostomy patients can live fulfilling and meaningful lives.