You wake up from surgery and there’s your first pouch, already attached to you. Maybe it drains. Maybe it doesn’t. Either way, you’re going to have to change it periodically, and if it drains, you’re going to have to figure out that whole process.
Beyond changing and emptying, you may be wondering about other aspects of your life, now that you have a pouch. What happens when you shower? Speaking of water, can you still swim when you have an ostomy pouch? (Spoiler alert: yes!). How about sleeping – will you need to get up in the middle of the night to empty it?
Have more questions? Of course you do! It’s a whole new world! What should you do if you’re out and about and the only restroom available is “for employees only?” This article may help. Or maybe you’re worried about being able to dress just the way you used to now that you have a pouch you want to hide? We have an article and a video to help you with that.
Wondering if there’s anything you can put in that pouch to help eliminate odor? Yes, we have answers for that question as well.
You can find a few ostomy pouch basics here:
- How to Change Your Ostomy Pouch Video
- How to Empty Your Ostomy Pouch Video
- Helpful Tips For Everyday Stoma Care
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What is one thing you wish someone had told you about having an ostomy before you got an ostomy or when you were new to having an ostomy?
