If you need a
colostomy
As mentioned earlier, only a few people with cancer of
the bowel will need to have a colostomy. For those who do,
learning to look after a colostomy takes time and patience and
no one expects you to be able to cope straightaway. Like
anything new it will get easier with time and practice.
In most hospitals there
are specially trained nurses called stoma care nurses
who will show you how to look after your colostomy and help
you cope with any problems. You may also find it helpful to
talk to someone who has already learned to live with a
colostomy. Your nurse or doctor can often arrange for a
volunteer to visit you and talk to you about the more
practical and personal aspects. This advice, which can only
come from personal experience, can be invaluable, particularly
in the first few months after your operation.
Before your operation the
doctor or nurse will carefully plan the position of your stoma
so that your bag stays in place whether you are sitting,
standing or moving about.
For the first few days
after your operation the nurse will look after your colostomy
for you and make sure that the bag is emptied and changed as
often as necessary. At first your stoma will be slightly
swollen and it can take several weeks before it settles down
to its normal size. As soon as you are feeling well enough the
nurse will show you how to clean your stoma and change the
bags. There are several different types of bag or appliance
available and the nurse will help you to choose a suitable
one.
It is a good idea to keep
everything you need in one place so that you don't have to
start searching for things at the last minute. Make sure you
allow yourself plenty of time and privacy, so that you can
work at your own pace without any interruptions.
Some patients avoid the
necessity of wearing a bag by irrigating or flushing out their
colostomy about once a day. Although this method does not suit
everyone the stoma nurse will be able to discuss it with you
in more detail.
When the nurse is showing
you how to look after your colostomy it may be helpful for a
close relative to join you in case you ever have any
difficulties when you get home.
Before you leave hospital
your nurse will make sure that you have a good supply of
colostomy bags. When you are at home you can get all your
supplies from your chemist. As some chemists do not have a
very large stock it is a good idea to place your order well in
advance so that you don't run out. Sometimes it is better to
get your supplies direct from a local stockist. The British
Colostomy Association has details of these throughout the
country. The supplies are free but you will need a signed
prescription from your GP. If you are aged between 16 and 65
make sure that your doctor signs the form saying that you are
entitled to free prescriptions.
Once you are at home you
will still be able to phone the stoma nurse if you have any
problems. Your GP may also arrange for a district nurse to
visit you for a few days when you first leave hospital to make
sure that you are coping at home, or to sort out any problems
you may have with your colostomy.
