A colostomy is a procedure to create a new way for bowel movements to leave the body. The doctor will make a small hole in your belly. Then he or she will connect your large intestine to this hole. After people have a colostomy, the bowel movements will come out through the hole into a bag attached to the skin. The hole on your belly is called a “stoma.”

An “ileostomy” is another procedure that creates a new way for bowel movements to leave the body. It is like a colostomy, but the doctor connects the small intestine (instead of the large intestine) to the hole. The information in this article is for people with either a colostomy or ileostomy.

What will my bowel movements be like with a colostomy? — You will probably have about 4 to 8 bowel movements a day. Your bowel movements will probably not be as solid as they used to be.

Managing colostomy — A special nurse (called an ostomy nurse) will teach you how to manage the colostomy.

• When and how to empty the bag that collects your bowel movements
• When and how to put on a new bag to collect your bowel movements
• How to check your stoma for problems

There are different types of colostomy bags that can use. Some bags are emptied, cleaned, and reused. Other bags are thrown out each time after the use.

Some people worry that their bag will leak, or that other people will be able to smell their bowel movements. But these things rarely happen. The bags are made so that they do not leak or smell.

People have a certain type of colostomy; they might be able to manage the colostomy using a process called “irrigation.” This is a way to make the bowel movements regular. It involves squirting water into your stoma on a regular basis to cause a bowel movement.

Problems happen with a colostomy — Different problems can happen with a colostomy, either right away or years later. Let the doctor or nurse know if people have any of the following symptoms or problems. That way, people can get treatment if needed.

• Stoma is swollen or larger than usual.
• Stoma is smaller than usual.
• Stoma turns purple, black, or white.
• Stoma leaks more than usual.
•  Have a rash or sores around the stoma.
• Have diarrhea.
• Have sudden belly pain, cramps, or nausea.
• Dehydration is when the body loses too much water. It can cause people to have dark yellow urine and feel thirsty, tired, dizzy, or confused.
• Haven’t had any gas or bowel movements for 4 to 6 hours (during the day). These symptoms could mean that the stoma is blocked.

About medicines — the body might not absorb certain medicines as well as it should. When possible, use liquid medicines instead of pills. Should not use pills that are labeled “enteric coated,” because the body will not absorb these types of pills. Also, the body might not absorb birth control pills well (if you use birth control pills). If the body doesn’t absorb the birth control pills, the pills might not prevent pregnancy.

Special diet-- the foods eat can affect the odor of the bowel movements, and how solid or loose they are. Certain foods can also make more gas.

Colostomy — People should be able to live an active and normal life with the colostomy. But might be worried about the following:

• Clothes – people do not need to wear special clothes. Other people should not be able to see the bag under the clothes.
• Bathing and showering – people can bath or shower with or without the bag on.
• Sports – people should be able to play most sports with the bag on. They might want to wear a special belt to protect the bag and keep it in place. the doctor will probably recommend that not play certain contact sports (such as football) or lift weights.
• Swimming – people can swim, but be sure to empty the bag beforehand.
• Sex – people should be able to have sex if they have a colostomy. They might want to wear special clothes to protect (and hide) the bag during sex.
• Traveling – Bring extra supplies for managing the colostomy when they travel. If they fly, keep the supplies within the carry-on luggage.

It is normal to feel sad, upset, or worried when people have a colostomy. If people have these feelings, talk to a family member, friend, or counselor. Some people also find it helpful to go to a support group for people with a colostomy.