What are colostomy pouches and how to live with them?

The colostomy pouches are a little-known reality despite the fact that in Spain, almost 45,000 people have been affected by colon cancer. We will often hear sighs of surprise and impotence whenever the possibility of relying on a colostomy pouch for a living is mentioned. Actually, it doesn't have to affect your daily life at all.

What is a colostomy?

To fully understand the usefulness of colostomy bags, one must know what a colostomy is and why it occurs. The Spanish Association Against Cancer describes an ostomy as "a surgical intervention that allows a viscus to communicate with the outside world". Those that connect the colon to the abdominal wall are called colostomies.

The function of colostomies is to pass stool when it can no longer be done naturally. Although the digestive process is modified, this does not affect the nutrient absorption process. Instead of leaving through the original exit point (the anus), the waste will end up being deposited in what are known as colostomy bags.

Types of colostomies

There are three types of colostomies:

• Temporary colostomies: This occurs in cases where the large intestine is required to rest due to problems in its lower part. In order to allow the large intestine to heal, a temporary colostomy is created that can last from weeks to years.
• Permanent colostomies: These, unlike the former, cannot be removed. They occur when a part of the intestine has to be removed by disease.
• Transverse colostomies: Are at the top of the abdominal area to prevent stool from reaching the descending colon.

So, a colostomy pouch is...

Colostomy bags are a collection system that stores waste that is expelled through a stoma. It is important to make sure that you choose the type of bag that best fits your body and stoma.

When you're looking for a bag to buy, you should look at the guides offered on the same website to make sure that the one you're going to buy fits you well.

Also, look for colostomy bags that are easy to change and have a good seal against leakage. Paying attention to the fact that it is odour-proof is an aspect that you should of course also take into account in order to feel more comfortable with it.

Finally, the more imperceptible under clothing, the better. Look for a discreet model, most brands are already experts in it, so it will not be difficult.

 

Types of colostomy pouches

The main function of colostomy bags is the same, no matter what type of bag it is. However, there are a number of differences that you should still keep in mind. These consist mainly of the number of pieces that make them up.

First are the one-piece colostomy pouch systems. These have an adhesive part that is placed directly on the skin and must be changed each time they are filled.

Then there are the two-piece colostomy bags. These in addition to the bag also have a base that is placed on the skin of the area in question and then adhered to the bag. They are very comfortable because you can change the bag without having to remove the base.

Finally there are the two-piece mechanical systems. The only difference with the previous ones is that the bag is put through a mechanical system. It is not as flexible as the other two colostomy pouch systems but can be very useful in people with reduced mobility.

Care and living with a colostomy pouch

First of all, we recommend you to make sure you solve all your doubts with a nurse specialist in ostomies and follow their advice. From Ostocare we also want to remind you that thanks to the advanced technology of the ostomy pouches you can return to the normality of your life without problems and continue with your day to day life perfectly.

The most important thing is that you establish a daily cleaning routine. This one is not very complicated, you will only have to wash the skin that surrounds the stoma with warm water, neutral PH soap and a sponge. After this dry the area carefully and without rubbing and place the bag again.

The 6-8 weeks after the operation you will have to follow a diet low in fiber, reintroducing it later in a progressive way so that your stomach can get used to it. Drink water and take care of your diet, perhaps avoiding foods that produce gas or can cause blockages.

Colostomy Accessories

Among the colostomy accessories you may need are the following:

• A wrap or wrap, whether postoperative, daily or for swimming . Getting one of them is betting on your comfort and the safety of your colostomy pouch. These will protect the abdominal area and keep the pouch secured in its place while you do all your daily activities or sports.
• Protective creams or powders to help you take care of the stoma and the area of your abdomen that surrounds it. Keep your skin hydrated and avoid irritation.
• Ostomy belts. Like the Wraps and wraps, they ensure that the pouch is securely fastened and does not come loose.

As you may have seen from reading this post, living with a colostomy pouch is not complicated and you shouldn't have to worry about it more than necessary. After surgery and postoperative rest, we recommend that you return to your daily life without problems.

If you want to learn about the experience of other people living with ostomies, we recommend that you read this post where we tell you the testimony of a girl with an ostomy.