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      Colostomy Care

      General Information

      A colostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that allows stool to leave the body through a stoma (an opening on the skin). Waste collects in a pouch outside the body. Many people live active, full lives with a colostomy — it just takes some adjustments to daily routines.

      Skin Care Around the Colostomy

      • Keep skin clean and dry: Gently wash with warm water (avoid harsh soaps, oils, perfumes, or alcohol wipes). Make sure to wash your hands before and after caring for your stoma/ostomy.
      • Check skin daily: Look for redness, rashes, or sores.
      • Make sure pouch fits properly: A good fit prevents leaks and skin irritation.
      • Use skin barrier products if needed: Powders, wipes, or creams can help protect skin. Ask your healthcare provider for specific product recommendations.
      • Call your nurse or doctor if: Skin irritation does not improve, or you notice open sores.

      Diet and Colostomy Care

      General Eating Tips

      • Most people can return to a regular, balanced diet after recovery.
      • Try to avoid constipation
      • Eat small, regular meals and chew food thoroughly.
      • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

      Foods That May Cause Gas or Odor

      • Beans, broccoli, cabbage, onions, garlic
      • Carbonated drinks
      • Dairy
      • Eggs, fish

       

      Foods That May Cause Blockage

      • Corn, popcorn, nuts, seeds
      • Raw fruits/vegetables with skins (like apples, celery)
      • Coconut, dried fruit

      Adjusting Diet to Stool Consistency

      • If stool is too loose: Try foods like bananas, applesauce, rice, pasta, potatoes, creamy peanut butter, and cheese.
      • If stool is too thick/hard: Increase fluid intake; add peeled, seedless fruits (like prunes, pears, peaches), vegetables (peeled, seeds removed)
      • If gas is a problem: Limit gas-producing foods and eat slowly to avoid swallowing air. Avoid drinking through straws and chewing gum.
      • If odor is bothersome: Try yogurt, parsley, orange juice, or peppermint tea

      Monitoring for Complications

      Call your doctor if you notice:

      • Persistent skin irritation, bleeding, or sores around the stoma
      • Severe abdominal pain, swelling, or cramps
      • No stool or gas output for more than 4-6 hours throughout the day (possible blockage), or more diarrhea than usual
      • Unusual stoma changes (color turning very dark, pale, or purple), or changes in size (smaller, larger, swollen, a bulge under/next to stoma, inside of stoma sticking out through opening more than usual)
      • Nausea, vomiting, or fever
      • Leaks that cannot be managed with pouch changes, or more leaking than usual
      • Bloody fluid or bleeding from the stoma

      Key Takeaway

      With proper care, a colostomy does not have to limit your lifestyle. Focus on skin protection, healthy eating, and monitoring changes. Your healthcare team (nurse, doctor, or wound/ostomy specialist) is there to help you stay comfortable and confident. This guide is not meant to be comprehensive. Please ask your healthcare provider for a full, comprehensive guide to caring for your ostomy/stoma, advice on signs/symptoms to watch for that warrant a call to your healthcare provider, and dietary recommendations.

      Emotional Tips & Support for Living with a Colostomy

      Adjusting to life with a colostomy can be just as emotional as it is physical. It’s normal to feel a mix of relief, worry, frustration, or even sadness. Many people find that with time, support, and self-care, they regain confidence and return to activities they enjoy.

      Common Feelings You May Experience

      • Concern about appearance or body image
      • Worry about odor, leaks, or noises in public
      • Fear of social situations or intimacy
      • Frustration with daily adjustments
      • Relief after surgery (less pain, improved health)

      Coping Strategies

      • Give yourself time: Adjusting is a process—both your body and mind need time to adapt.
      • Talk about it: Share your concerns with trusted family, friends, or a counselor.
      • Practice self-care: Gentle exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques can improve mood.
      • Rebuild confidence gradually: Start with short outings and build up as you feel comfortable.
      • Stay informed: The more you learn about colostomy care, the more in control you may feel.

      Support Resources

      • Ostomy support groups: Many local hospitals or community centers offer group meetings.
      • Online communities: National groups like the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) provide forums, resources, and peer support.
      • Counseling or therapy: Talking to a professional can help manage anxiety, depression, or self-esteem concerns.
      • Peer mentors: Some programs connect you with another ostomy patient who has “been there.”

      Encouragement

      • A colostomy does not define who you are—it is simply one part of your health journey.
      • Many people with ostomies travel, swim, play sports, enjoy intimacy, and live full, independent lives.
      • Remember: you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide live with colostomies, and support is available every step of the way.

      National Ostomy Support Resources

      United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)

      Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)

      • Website:org
      • Services: Find certified ostomy nurses, clinical resources, and patient education materials.

      American Cancer Society (ACS)

      • Website:org
      • Helpline: 1-800-227-2345 (24/7)
      • Services: Support for cancer patients who have undergone ostomy surgery, educational resources, and local referrals.

      Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

      • Website:org
      • IBD Help Center: 1-888-694-8872
      • Services: Information for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), some of whom may need an ostomy. Offers education and community connections.

      Convatec Me+ Support Program (Ostomy supply company, but with free patient services)

      Coloplast Care Program (Ostomy support line)

      • Website:us/care/
      • Phone: 1-888-726-7872
      • Services: Personalized nurse support, educational materials, and peer connections.

      Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

      • Toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227
      • TTY: 1-877-486-2048
      • Website: cms.hhs.gov
      • Ostomy care and supplies are covered under part B of Medicare. These same supplies and care may be covered under Medicaid (this is state regulated and varies). Check with an ostomy nurse about which health department or other agency in your state may be able to help you.

      Ostomy Support Helplines & Websites


      This content was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.