Everyday Questions

Personal Hygiene

You can bathe or shower with or without your ostomy appliance. Washing with warm water is sufficient. If using bath additives, choose mild, pH-neutral, and non-moisturizing products to avoid compromising the adhesion of the skin barrier. Special skin care in the peristomal area is not necessary. Visiting swimming pools and saunas is not a problem; however, check the seal of the ostomy appliance afterward and replace it if necessary.

Diet

After ostomy surgery, you do not need to follow a special diet, but there are a few basic rules to keep in mind.

• Eat several small, balanced meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids (at least two liters), but wait 30 minutes after a meal if you have an ileostomy to optimize nutrient absorption.
• Pay special attention to maintaining adequate electrolyte levels with isotonic beverages if you have an ileostomy.
• Chew your food thoroughly and take your time while eating—well-chewed food is half-digested.
• Adjust your food choices to your planned activities (e.g., avoid foods that cause bloating).
• Avoid foods that caused problems even before the surgery.
• Dietary guidelines due to other medical conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus) still apply after ostomy creation.

Exercise and Sports

After ostomy surgery, you can resume physical activity. There are few restrictions, but you should avoid sports that put heavy strain on the abdominal muscles to prevent complications such as hernias.

Traveling/Being on the Go with a Stoma

• Bring twice as much supply as you would need at home for the same period of time, since sweating and frequent swimming can shorten the time the ostomy bag can be worn.
• Be cautious with unfamiliar foods (e.g., fruits, spices), as these can cause gastrointestinal infections and may require more frequent changes.
• Colostomy patients are advised to bring outflow bags with them.
• Check before your trip to see if the products you need are available in your destination country.
• Keep your ostomy supplies and ostomy passport in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is lost. Change your ostomy pouch before your flight and use a larger pouch.
• Protect the supplies from extreme heat or cold, as this can impair their adhesive properties.
• Place a small cushion between the seatbelt and the stoma for padding.
• Make sure to stay well-hydrated.
• Plan breaks during longer trips.
• Plan breaks at well-equipped rest stops.

Accessible restroom – Access via EuroKey
EuroKey – A Key to Greater Independence – Austrian Council for People with Disabilities

Work

• Physical Strain: Heavy physical labor should be avoided to prevent overexertion of the abdominal muscles.
• Workplace conditions: Is it possible to change your dressing without interruption? Are there regular breaks for eating and drinking?
• Contact your occupational health department

Relationships and Sexuality

The surgery or the resulting changes in body image may lead to sexual dysfunction.

Don’t hesitate to discuss this topic with your ostomy counselor!