An ostomy is a small opening which is made through a surgery
when a person’s bowel or bladder stops functioning normally. The stoma created
as a result of surgery allows the wastes to be removed from the body. The types
of ostomy include urostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy. Each of these different
types is made to perform on the opening of a particular organ.
Colostomy Bags and Supplies
Colostomy bags are made to collect the bodily wastes which
are passed out through the stoma. The colostomy bags are used to collect stool,
which is firm in most of the cases. In such cases, the colostomy bags that are
used are the closed pouches. However, if the stoma output is more liquid, the
preferable colostomy bags are the drainable ostomy pouches.
Ostomy bags are easy to carry, and you don’t need to wear
special clothes to adjust those bags. Those bags are designed to lie flat
against the abdomen, and so they remain undetected. If adjustment and
management of your stoma is difficult to you, you can consult your doctor.
Traveling with a colostomy bag
There shouldn’t be any problem in traveling after a
colostomy surgery. However, some planning is suggested.
First of all, think about the number of appliance changes
that you will need while you are away. And make sure that you have all of the
ostomy supplies that you are going to need while traveling. Having some extra
supplies will ensure peace of mind. And you are going to be careful about the
food intake. Be careful while putting on seat belts, as your stoma needs to be prevented
from the pressure which is caused by seat belt.
If you have to take flight, make sure that all of your
colostomy bag supplies are in the hand-carry bag. You need to be fully prepared
to manage the colostomy bag during flight.
Going back to work
Going back to your office with a colostomy bag is not going
to be quite challenging. But you have to make sure that you are recovered
enough to return to your office.
You can talk to your employer about gradually building your
working hours. Moreover, you will have to inform your employer about your
inability to carry heavy items for a while. Since carrying a colostomy bag is
not going to change your appearance, you don’t need to tell your colleagues
about it unless it is absolutely necessary.
Odor management with a colostomy
Individuals carrying colostomy bags worry a lot about the
possibility of emitting the smells which people can notice. This odor can be
managed by limiting the intake of foods that can produce odor. You can also use
certain products to reduce the odor coming out of the ostomy pouch.
