In the hospital
After entering the hospital, you, along with your surgeon and nurse, will determine the best place for your stoma on your belly.
This may also be discussed in your pre-surgery visit.
This is important for your future comfort and your ability to take care of your stoma.You will want to make sure the stoma is put on a smooth skin surface and that you can easily see and reach the stoma. This will help you manage pouch changes as independently as possible.
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK
After your surgery, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about living with an ostomy. Below are a few questions you may choose to ask your healthcare professional while you are in the hospital:
- How soon will I be able to eat?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What do I do if I am in pain?
- Who will show me how to use my equipment?
- Does everyone with a stoma need to use a pouch?
- Where do I get supplies?
- Does my insurance cover the supplies?
After your surgery, your specialized ostomy nurse may be there to talk about the operation to help you understand what has happened to your body, and to teach you how to manage as you recover in the hospital and later at home. You may get referrals to other specialists or clinics for more help.
It is important to remember that everyone is different, and we all adapt to change in different ways. The support you can expect to receive from your nurse will always be geared toward your individual needs. There are many people like you who have had the same operation, and your doctors and nurses are there to listen and help.