FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1.     Can you wear the same clothes after surgery as you wore before surgery?     Yes. Not right away but should be able to in 2-6 weeks, depending on the individual.

2.     Can you eat anything?         This would be a question for the doctor. If he gives you the OK, then you can eat what you ate prior to surgery. Reintroduce    roughage food in moderation. Start out with bland non-roughage foods. (Ex: mashed potatoes, bananas, green beans, chicken, and turkey).

3.     What is the difference between an ileostomy and colostomy? The output of an ileostomy is much more runny than a colostomy. If the whole colon is taken out, (all of the large intestine is removed), this is an ileostomy. If only part of the colon, large intestine is removed this is a colostomy.   Placement of the stoma is very important. This procedure is done by a Wound Ostomy Continent Nurse (WOCN). Sometimes this can’t be helped if there is emergency surgery.  

4.     After having ostomy surgery you will have lifting restrictions. Please listen to your doctor and adhere to his rules. By following instructions you will reduce or eliminate other complications. If you do not get lifting restrictions, do not lift anything over 25 lbs for 6 weeks and then be very careful for the next 6 months. (Ex: sweeping, hauling groceries, pulling luggage, lifting a child, pushing a lawn mower, shoveling snow)

5.     Are you able to do the same activities as you did prior to surgery? You are able to do whatever you did prior to surgery. This comes with a doctor discussion. Everyone is different and might have different circumstances. (Ex: swimming, traveling, canoeing, camping, bicycling, soccer, softball, baseball, scuba diving (unless you have an internal procedure), working out, hot tubs, zip lining, parasailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, jet skiing). I wouldn’t suggest bungee jumping.

6.     Where can I get ostomy supplies?   Work with the nurse assigned to you. She will help you get started. A lot times the insurance you have dictates where you get your supplies. The Kansas City area has some local vendors: Georgetown, Ostomy Care Center and Restored Images. If you have no insurance and need supplies, contact Collaboration Works.

7.     If you have ostomy issues contact your surgeon first and then if you still need assistance, contact your nurse or Becky Wills (WOCN) at Restored Images.

8.     Within 24 hours of surgery, the nurses will have you up and walking. This is a very good thing to do. The sooner you get up and walk the sooner you will get out of the hospital.

9.     If you are going out of the country on vacation or business take 2-3 times as many supplies as you normally need. I would suggest you carry on all these supplies, as you don’t want them to get lost. If you were staying for a long time, I would look for local suppliers in the area of where you are traveling too. These can be found in “The Phoenix” magazine. 

10. Can you have sex with your partner after ostomy surgery? Just like before surgery. You can’t hurt them. Also, there are intimate apparel stores if you want to cover the bag.

11. If you have bag odors, there are deodorizes that you can use. Contact your supplier and they can maybe send you samples.

12. Having gas in your bag and making noises is normal. Ways to cover this noise up is to put your hand over your bag where the stoma is and put pressure on it. Not a lot of pressure just some. I always say to people if they heard the noise, “my stomach is growling”. That seems to work every time!!!!!!!!

13.If you have a rash around the stoma and the bag has a short time wear try some of these suggestions. Wash skin with mild soap to get residue off the skin or just warm water. Sometimes soap can leave a residue. Use a flexible or ridged wafer. Apply karaka powder if needed. The less used on your skin the better off you are. The typical wear time for an Ileostomy is 3-5 days, Colostomy is 5-7 days. 

14.If you have a rash beyond the adhesive of the bag, you can develop an allergic reaction. Even if you have worn this bag for a long time. Contact your doctor, nurse or local supplier for advice. You might need to change you appliance type or brand you are using. Throughout your life you chemistry in your body changes which can change you skin too. 

15.Prior to surgery your input and output of waste is very comparable. After surgery sometimes your input is much more than the output. Some things that could be happening: If the gut is not distended, nutrients are being absorbed into the body and burned as energy. This all depends on how much colon you have. If your gut is distended and you are having abdominal pain contact you doctor immediately. This could be a sign of other complications.

16.If you get a peristomal hernia, this can always get worse. If the stoma gets bigger and a lot of pain, get to the surgeon quickly. Also, if you have a hernia you can use a hernia belt. This can be purchased at your supplier.

17.If your stool is runnier than expected, this can be caused by a bug (flu, bacteria) in your system or possible antibiotics.

18.When being discharged from the hospital and having home health care I would ask these questions: Who is going to come see me? What is their contact number? When should I expect them?

19.If for any reason you need to contact a WOCN in your area the website is: www.wocn.org. Also 1-888-224-WOCN(9626)