Call: Colostomy Bags: Busting the Top 3 Myths
If you’re preparing for colostomy surgery or adjusting to life with a colostomy bag, you may be wondering what other people will notice, what everyday life will look like, or whether you’ll always have to use the same pouching system.
Those are understandable questions, especially when so much of what people hear about colostomies is incomplete or simply untrue. Let’s take a closer look at three common myths about colostomy bags and what may actually help as you find a routine that works for you.
What Is a Colostomy Bag?
A colostomy bag, also called a colostomy pouch, collects stool that leaves the body through a surgically created opening in the abdomen called a stoma.
Because the stoma doesn’t have the muscles needed to control when stool leaves the body, a pouching system fits over the stoma to collect the output.
Colostomy pouching systems come in a variety of styles, including one-piece and two-piece systems. Skin barriers may be pre-sized, cut to fit, or moldable, and accessories are available to help with needs such as pouch support, odor, and skin barrier removal.
Why Might Someone Need a Colostomy?
A colostomy may be needed when part of the colon needs time to heal or can no longer function as it should. Depending on the reason for surgery and the person’s medical needs, a colostomy may be temporary or permanent.
Some common reasons for colostomy surgery include:
- Colon or rectal cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Diverticulitis or another serious infection
- An injury affecting the colon
Busting 3 Common Myths About Colostomy Bags
It’s natural to have questions before colostomy surgery or while getting used to a new pouching routine. These three common myths can make that adjustment feel even more intimidating, so let’s look at what life with a colostomy bag may actually be like.
Myth 1: Everyone Will Know I Have a Colostomy
Most people won’t know you use a colostomy bag unless you choose to tell them. Today’s pouching systems are designed to fit close to the body, and clothing can often be worn comfortably over the pouch.
Some colostomy pouches include filters designed to help manage gas and odor. Ostomy wraps, pouch covers, specialized underwear, and swimwear are also available if you’d like more support or coverage beneath your clothing.
If you experience ongoing odor, ballooning, leaks, or trouble keeping your pouch secure, an ostomy nurse can help you check the fit of your pouching system and explore products or accessories that may work better for your needs.
The Right Ostomy Supplies Can Make a Difference
Get help exploring covered ostomy pouching systems and accessories with free samples of eligible products and caring support.
Myth 2: Life as I Know It Is Over After Colostomy Surgery
Adjusting to a colostomy can take time, and it’s okay if the change doesn’t feel easy right away. Learning a new pouching routine and becoming comfortable with your stoma doesn’t happen overnight.
As you heal and gain confidence in your routine, many of the activities that matter to you may still be possible. With guidance from your healthcare team, that could include exercising, traveling, swimming, eating a varied diet, dating, and spending time with the people you care about.
Your routine may look different after surgery, but an ostomy doesn’t erase the interests, relationships, and experiences that make you who you are.
Talk with your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse before returning to strenuous activity or making significant changes to your diet or ostomy-care routine.
Myth 3: I’m Stuck With the Colostomy Supplies I Received After Surgery
The pouching system you begin using after surgery may continue working well for you, but it isn’t necessarily your only option.
Colostomy pouches, skin barriers, and accessories come in different sizes, styles, and features. You may be able to choose between:
- One-piece and two-piece pouching systems
- Drainable and closed-end pouches
- Pre-sized, cut-to-fit, and moldable skin barriers
- Pouches with or without filters
- Different pouch colors and materials
- Accessories for needs such as added support, odor management, or easier pouch removal
Your needs may also change as your body heals or your daily routine changes. If you’re experiencing leaks, skin irritation, discomfort, or another concern, talk with an ostomy nurse before switching products. An ostomy specialist can also help you explore available supply options based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
Finding Colostomy Supplies That Work for You
Finding a comfortable pouching routine may take some trial and error. The goal isn’t to choose the most popular product. It’s to find supplies that fit your stoma, support healthy skin, and work with your everyday routine.
180 Medical provides home-delivered colostomy pouches, skin barriers, and accessories from leading ostomy brands. Our Ostomy Specialists can help you explore available product options, verify your insurance benefits, and understand which supplies may be covered under your plan.
Coverage and product eligibility vary by insurance plan, prescription, and other requirements. For questions about your stoma, skin, or medical care, please speak with your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse.
Jessica is the Senior Marketing Specialist at 180 Medical, where she's spent the past 17 years blending creativity with a passion for helping others. When she's not working, she's usually with her husband and their dogs, browsing garden centers for "just one more" plant, or getting lost in her favorite video games.
