Returning to your daily routine

Whether your condition allows you to return to work or not very much depends on the operation you have had and your doctor's advice. If you do plan on returning to work, it is important to discuss your options with your employer as soon as possible. Some may be able to offer you to work reduced hours for an initial period as your body is still adjusting.

The same advice goes if your condition allows you to return to your studies. Talk to your student counsellor about starting out slowly by only following a few subjects, until you know what you are capable of.

A few weeks before you return to work or your studies, it may be helpful to dress and plan your day as if you were going to work or school, sort of a 'trial run' to establish a routine. Consider your meals and how many times you need to change or empty your bag – and plan your day accordingly.

Whether it’s a quiet drink in your local bar, a meal out with your partner or going out with friends, nothing should stop you from enjoying all the social events that you were doing before your operation.

It may be helpful to set yourself small targets to start with. It could be something as simple as using a public toilet for the first time, visiting a restaurant or relative or planning a day away. Before long, you will be thinking about booking a holiday or even going out dancing.

When you meet new people, you don’t have to tell them about your condition, unless you are comfortable doing that. It’s entirely up to you.

Having any type of operation can affect how you look and feel about your body. Try and accept that it will take time to adjust. It’s not just about your stoma but your whole body.

Sexual activity doesn’t put you at risk of damaging your stoma and most people are able to resume a healthy sex life. It is natural to feel nervous so only do what feels comfortable, take your time and talk to your partner.

There are small stoma pouches that can be used during intimate moments. View our range of ostomy appliances and supporting products for complimentary samples, or contact one of our consumer specialists. Whether it’s a quiet drink in your local bar, a meal out with your partner or going out with friends, nothing should stop you from enjoying all the social events that you were doing before your operation.

It may be helpful to set yourself small targets to start with. It could be something as simple as using a public toilet for the first time, visiting a restaurant or relative or planning a day away. Before long, you will be thinking about booking a holiday or even going out dancing.

When you meet new people, you don’t have to tell them about your condition, unless you are comfortable doing that. It’s entirely up to you.

Your stoma shouldn't stop you from travelling. However, you do need a little extra preparation, especially in the beginning.

Whether you are travelling by car, boat, train or plane, it is important to pack a small changing bag, where you can keep extra ostomy bags and any other supplies you may need with you.

If you are travelling by car you might find it helpful to take a small cushion. Place it in your lap between the seat belt and your ostomy bag. That way you can avoid having the seat belt rub against your stoma.

Before you travel overseas, you should check how your condition and circumstances are covered by your travel insurance policy. Maybe you need to look for additional insurance coverage – if so, make sure to declare your ostomy surgery.

It is also well worth the trouble to find out in advance where and how you can get medical assistance at your destination.

If going on a longer trip, you should check whether it is possible to get the ostomy care supplies you need locally where you're going. Your regular supplier might even arrange delivery overseas for you, if you ask well in advance.

You can bathe and shower as normal with your stoma and, unless you have been specifically advised otherwise, you can do so with the stoma bag on or off. It won't fall off in the water if you choose to keep it on and if you bath with the stoma bag off, soap rinsing over the stoma isn't a problem. But make sure you use a soap that is oil and residue-free. Shower gels, bath foams, and some moisturizing lotions making it difficult for your ostomy bag to adhere.