About

Due to the procedure involved in its creation, a stoma has always been a confusing topic for many people. Since not many people are comfortable talking about bowels, most questions about stoma remain unanswered. That's why this subject continues to be surrounded by a lot of myths. Having a stoma can be scary, and it tends to change your life. However, it is necessary to be equipped with the correct knowledge to live a healthy life with a stoma.

You can speak to your ostomy care nurse to get to know how to live with a stoma. You can also join an ostomy support group to discuss your concerns with other people with ostomies and listen to theirs. You can also read online blogs from authentic resources to be well-aware of how it is to have a stoma and how you can lead an active and healthy life with it.

Part of gaining correct information about the stoma is to debunk myths related to it. In this article, we will answer some most common myths about stoma.

Myth # 1: The stoma will keep changing its shape.

Your stoma will reduce in size and change its shape during the six to eight weeks after surgery. That is due to the reduction of internal and external swelling. Your stoma tends to change its shape and size also when you lose or gain weight.

Myth # 2: You have to put up with the sore skin while having a stoma.

Although skin soreness is more common than any other stoma-related complication, not paying attention to it is the wrong approach. Irritation and soreness can damage the skin around your stoma. The most common reason for soreness in the peristomal skin is the leakage of urine or feces. One of the best ways to prevent leakage is to make sure that your ostomy appliance fits correctly. It is necessary to speak to your ostomy care nurse if you notice soreness in this part of the skin.

Myth # 3: Odor is a part of living with a stoma.

While it may take some time to contain your ostomy odors, you will be able to get there eventually. The good thing is that most ostomy pouches come with built-in filters that let the gas escape from the bag but not the odors. Using such ostomy pouches allows you to go into your social circles without losing any confidence. If you are concerned about odors while changing your ostomy pouch, you can keep a room freshener with you.

Myth # 4: A stoma restricts you to a specific diet plan.

Right after surgery, you may have to stick to a restricted diet plan for a few weeks. That's because your bowel is in a vulnerable state after surgery. Once you start recovering from the surgery impact, you can reintroduce your favorite foods into your diet. You will be able to eat everything you want once your bowel recovers. It is necessary to discuss all your concerns with your ostomy care nurse or healthcare provider.

Myth # 5: You have to take your pouch off before taking a shower.

Whether you want to swim or bathe, you can keep your pouch on, thanks to the high-quality adhesive used in the modern ostomy pouches.