There are 3 main different types of ostomies. A colostomy is generally given when the patient has only had part of the large colon removed, either because of cancer or bowel disease. An ileostomy is given when the entire large intestine, and most often rectum, is removed. Both types of ostomies may be either temporary or permanent. A urostomy is performed when the bladder is either bypassed or removed.
A stoma is the opening that is created after surgery. It is basically a small part of the intestine that has been brought up through an incision in the side of the abdomen. The human body has an amazing capability of adapting whenever necessary. Within a few weeks, the stoma tissue has attached itself to the skin and most people usually do not have any problems with the healing of the site. Sometimes when the rectum is removed, healing will take much longer as it is often very difficult to avoid aggravating the incision. But for most people, this sacrifice of a little bit of patience and a lot of pain medication, is much better than the alternative of death, or suffering with a horrible bowel disease.
Ask most people what an ostomy is and they will probably tell you that it’s something that only old people get. Not true, there are many more young people who have ostomies than you think. If they don’t tell you about it, you wouldn’t even know! Having an ostomy is not the end of the world, in fact, to most people it is the beginning of a whole new life. An ostomate can go swimming, hiking, biking, skiing, hey even rock climbing if you want to! You can say you have the guts to do anything!! Having a great mental attitude is the first step to recovery.
Usually when a patient has been scheduled for ostomy surgery, they will have an opportunity to speak to an Enterostomal Therapy (ET) nurse. As with any type of surgery, there will always be many questions that need to be answered. The ET nurse is there to help you as much as possible and alleviate any concerns that you may have. She will also make sure the surgeon puts the stoma in the right place. The ET nurse will usually have you put on a pouch so that she can make sure it will not interfere with your belt line. This is a major problem with surgeries that are done under emergency situations, without the help of having a proper fit beforehand. Having a stoma along a belt line will make for a very uncomfortable fit. The pouch will not have a chance to fill up properly and will cause more leaks. The ET nurse will also be able to lead you any local support groups in the area. Being part of a support group is so very beneficial to the physical and emotional recovery of an ostomate. Knowing that you are not alone in this huge step in your life is the best feeling in the world
