How to Live With a Permanent Stoma

A stoma is a surgically created opening that connects a portion of the intestine or urethra to the outside of your body for waste removal. In some cases, the stoma is temporary, created so that remaining tissues can have time to heal. In other cases, if the disease is extensive or you have lost normal function of the intestine, the stoma is permanent. Living with a permanent stoma can be comfortable, offering you increased freedom and more robust health.

Instructions

Live Your Life

• 1

  Take time to adjust to living with a stoma. As time passes, you will gain knowledge about the foods that cause you increased output or gas, the frequency of emptying the pouch system and all the things you are able to do.

• 2

  Adopt a healthy diet and enjoy food. Food can affect the output of your stoma, but with a few simple steps, you can enjoy any menu to the fullest with confidence. Be sure to eat regularly and drink adequate amounts of fluids. Thoroughly chew your food to help start the digestive process, and only try one new food at a time. There may be some foods that will give you a problem, but you should be able to easily identify them.

• 3

  Engage in physical activity. If you love to swim, ski, play tennis or jog, do it! Check with your doctor or nurse to make sure you have no limitations and then seize the moment. Most doctors will, however, recommend that you avoid contact sports such as wrestling or boxing because of the potential to injure your stoma.

• 4

  Rediscover the joy of sex. If you are an adult with a stoma, that does not mean you have taken a vow of celibacy. Communication will be crucial to increasing intimacy and accepting your stoma. Talk to your partner and learn to accept your own body, stoma and all. Before engaging in sex, empty your pouch. There are smaller pouches on the market as well as specially designed lingerie and underwear that can cover it if you feel uncomfortable.

• 5

  Travel. You are not limited by your stoma, only by your imagination. Be sure to pack plenty of stoma supplies, both in your carry-on and check-in luggage. Cut your barriers in advance at home to avoid having to try to smuggle stoma scissors onto the plane. Take extra supplies with you just in case they aren't available at your destination, and bring documentation of your need for stoma supplies, in case security needs it.