A Successful Ostomy Surgery Recovery

By Diana Gallagher, MS, RN, CWOCN, CFCN
Facilitator for the NWA Ostomy Support Group

For many, ostomy surgery is lifesaving, but initial feelings can sometimes be negative. For individuals with years of unresolved incontinence or inflammatory bowel disease, however, life after surgery is frequently viewed as a positive improvement and the promise of a return to a normal life.

The following are important tips to help you transition into your new life and embrace living with an ostomy. For more information visit
www.ostomy.org or contact United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)  at 1-800-826-0826.

1. Select a surgeon with valuable experience in the type of surgery that you are facing. General surgeons  and specialty surgeons can perform ostomy surgery. Specialty surgeons are those who have completed additional education, training, and fellowships within the specialty. These surgeons will be identified as Colorectal or Urology Surgeons. You can find a local physician through the websites for the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons or American Urological Association.

2. See an ostomy nurse. Before surgery, your surgeon may refer you to a specialty nurse, like a Certified Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN).
If not, you can call your local hospital, wound/ostomy clinic or local support group for assistance in locating an ostomy nurse. This nurse will help ease your transition into living with an ostomy.

Your ostomy specialist will provide comprehensive education including practice pouch changes before surgery. In addition, he/she will identify and mark the best location for your ostomy. During surgery, it is difficult for your surgeon to know where the waistband of your pants sits, where creases or irregularities exist and other special considerations to consider when selecting the optimal site.

3. Attend a UOAA Affiliated Support Group (ASG) meeting in your community. You may think that you do not need a support group or do not feel comfortable in a group setting. Put those feelings aside; listening in the beginning is a good start. Join your local group, even if you don’t initially find someone your age with a similar story. There is a lot to learn. UOAA affiliated support groups are truly one of the BEST places to obtain the necessary education, helpful hints, support, and resources. Don’t feel that you are alone.

4. Determine which supplies will work best for you. In the beginning, you will most likely receive sample products from a number of companies. It is helpful to keep the two-piece products from each manufacturer together; wafers from one company will not necessarily snap onto a pouch from another company. The sampling program will help you try a variety of products to learn which ones work best for you.

5. Order your regular supplies. Once you know what you like best, an order can be placed through a distributor. There are countless distributors from which to choose from and depending on insurance, your supplies can be delivered monthly or every three months. The first time that you order, it is logical to order a month’s worth of supplies. As your expertise develops, you may fine-tune your list. Insurance normally pays 80% of supplies that are medically appropriate. If you have a secondary plan, the remaining 20% may be covered. Check for a list of the limits for each product. Reorder supplies early so that you are never without what you need.

6. Select a place to keep your ostomy supplies organized. Many people keep their basic supplies in a bathroom drawer. Others buy a plastic organizer with several drawers that can be moved about. Excess supplies can be stored in a closet but regardless of where you choose to keep supplies, it is best to avoid temperature extremes and high levels of humidity.

7. Be prepared. In addition to the extra supplies that you keep on hand at home, always keep a small pouch with all the supplies necessary for a complete change with you. Like your other supplies, these should be kept away from temperature extremes and humidity. Hopefully, you will rarely need to make an unplanned change, but being prepared makes most ostomates feel secure and confident. If you anticipate an occasional return to the hospital, keep a bag packed with your preferred supplies. The hospital may not have the brands that work best for you.

8. Promptly consult your ostomy specialist for any problems. This might be a decrease in normal wear time, a change in your stoma, or a problem with your peristomal skin. A good practice for all is to hydrate properly to avoid complications.

9. Recover from surgery and LIVE life to the fullest. Having an ostomy does not change who you are or what you are able to do. After recovery, work to strengthen your abdominal muscles to help prevent hernia risk and enjoy all your old activities including swimming. Every October UOAA holds the Run for Resilience Ostomy 5k where people of all ages prove that living with an ostomy does not need to be limiting. Visit www.ostomy.org/5k for more information.

10. Advocate for yourself. Educate others when possible, but always be willing to advocate for yourself and others. You can also help by supporting UOAA’s advocacy program and taking part in events like Ostomy Awareness Day held on the first Saturday in October. UOAA works toward a society where people with ostomies and intestinal or urinary diversions are universally accepted and supported socially, economically, medically, and psychologically. Self-advocacy tools and resources can be found at www.ostomy.org/advocacy.

11. Tell your story. Your story has the power to help others as they begin their journey. Connect with others at a support group meeting, online or contact The Phoenix ostomy magazine (www.phoenixuoaa.org) to help the next person who has this lifesaving surgery.