So even though you should probably be less rude when asking about an ostomy, yes you can still be normal even after surgery. There are a lot of misconceptions behind ostomies and what they really are. Most people assume that once you have an ostomy, your life is completely over. This is just not true at all, and it makes me sad to think that there are actually people out there who believe that stuff. First of all, getting an ostomy does not mean that you are going to be a completely different person. In fact, from what I have seen in others and from my own personal experience, people with ostomies can pretty much lead normal lives when everything is said and done. Granted, there are a few complications that come from the concept of not being able to poop or urinate like most people do, but that is kind of obvious and I’m sure you knew that already. So whether you have no idea what an ostomy is and you are just trying to educate yourself, or you are a new ostomate and looking for some tips and tricks, hopefully this article will provide you with some helpful advice.

The first thing you need to know is that you can only use the ostomy pouch system that was given to you by the doctors after surgery. I am here to tell you straight away that this is not the case. In fact, your body may even begin to change quite a bit more as your surgery heals and you get more accustomed to your stoma. In many cases, it takes some trial and error to find the ostomy pouch system that is right for you. The important thing to remember here is that not all ostomy products are going to work the same way for you that they might for someone else. When it comes to buying ostomy supplies and gear, you never really know what you are going to get until you try it. Of course, it helps to find some reviews of different products that you might be looking at.

Another myth that surrounds ostomy is that your stoma should not change at all anytime after surgery. Well I am here to tell you that this is just completely untrue. I can’t believe that there are people walking around who actually believe this. After surgery, your stoma may look a lot more red and puffy simply because it is irritated. I mean, how would you feel if you got torn from your home and forced to live outside for the rest of your life? You would probably be really confused and reasonably upset or angry. We cannot blame the stoma for simply writhing against it’s unnatural existence. So if in the days following your surgery you experience a shift of colors and appearance, as well as size in general.

Another myth is that if you have an ostomy your family and friends or significant other will not love you the same. I am here to debunk this myth as well, because that is totally not true. I got an ostomy, and my wife left me and took the children but it was only because of my alcohol abuse and had nothing to do with my stoma or anything like that.