Ostomy
Welcome to the Mayo Clinic Ostomy Surgery Page. An ostomy is a surgically created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body. It takes time to become comfortable with an ostomy. Our goal is to connect you with others and provide you with information and support.
Follow the Ostomy page to learn about ostomy care, read experiences of others and find resources for all your ostomy needs. Post a comment and share your thoughts.
written by Mary Famorca MAN, RN, COCN
REDUCING RISK OF COMPLICATIONS: Recovering after surgery
After a major surgery, it is necessary to recognize that each individual have different levels of energy and strength to meet the physical demands of their job, school or life in general. It is important for a person to listen to their own body and be guided by how you feel. It is important to be patient and don’t expect too much of yourself too soon. However there are a few gentle activities that you can do to aid in your own recovery.
Appropriate gentle activities to do in the early phase of your recovery might include:
The suggested activities need to be balance with appropriate amounts of sleep and rest in order to recover. Remember to always consult with your provider when you can start increasing your activities and exercise. For further information please go to the United Ostomy Association of America or you can also look up the Me+ program by ConvaTec.
REDUCING PARASTOMAL HERNIA
Parastomal hernia is an abnormal bulge around the stoma. This is technically an extra loop of bowel that squeezes through between the stoma and abdominal wall and sits between the skin and the muscle of the abdominal wall. There are things that you can do to reduce your risk: