Ostomy: this is life with a bag attached to the body

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I have to admit that I am not much of a

, among other things because I believe that we should not dedicate ourselves to talking about certain topics only one day a year, and especially when it comes to problems that affect us on a daily basis, but I will make an exception .

, and their day has just been celebrated.

I invite you to continue reading and to know everything about these openings that allow you to continue living.

Is an ostomy that of 'carrying a bag'?

You have probably heard more than once that a person

, or that they have put a bag on them.

Yes,

A communication that the surgeons open in the patient after a long surgery to save his life, since

What exactly?

The most common is that this happens at the abdominal level, and then a communication is opened from the intestine directly to the abdomen so that the patient

.

But it can also happen that the problem occurs in the urinary system and then a urinary ostomy must be opened so that urine can be evacuated without a problem.

It can even happen in the trachea and then a communication is opened in the front of the neck, a tracheostomy, but in this case a bag will not be placed.

Why is an ostomy opened?

The reasons are multiple and all of them serious, since

Suffering an accident in which an object enters the abdomen and injures the colon or bladder, a serious abdominal infection, an intestinal obstruction, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer...

Can

it happen at any age?

Of course yes.

Anyone of any age can suffer a health problem that requires the placement of an ostomy, and regardless of their previous health status.

If you get an ostomy, is it forever?

You don't have to, ostomies

.

Everything will depend on your pathology and the chances of recovery.

It may open for a few months while reconstructive surgery is performed on another area of ​​the bowel or bladder, then that ostomy can be removed so that you can go back to having a bowel movement naturally.

Or this may not be possible and you may have to wear that ostomy for the rest of your life.

How is the bag that is attached to the body?

Devices have come a long way in recent years, and continue to do so.

, and for this purpose they are placed around the stoma trying to injure the surrounding skin as little as possible.

They have an adhesive that must be cut according to the necessary diameter and an area to collect the content with a capacity of about 600 milliliters, which can be

according to the needs of the patient.

They also have special filters to be able to release the gases without releasing unpleasant odors that make it difficult for patients to socialize.

Do I always have to wear the bag?

People with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy have no control over evacuation,

, and at any time content can come out through the stoma.

That is why

.

Adapt to a new way of life

Life with an ostomy is something that

for most patients.

They must change their personal hygiene habits, get used to handling bags, introduce changes in their diet... These challenges are even greater when we talk about young people or those with an active lifestyle: going to school or to work with the bag, having sex, going to the beach or even interacting with friends are barriers that they have to overcome, and

Conforms to The Trust Project criteria

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