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Disposing of your colostomy bag

There are a few ways to dispose of your used ostomy bag:

• If out of home: Most toilets have a disposal unit for sanitary towels or an ordinary bin. Just drain the bag into the toilet, wrap it in a disposal bag then place it in the unit or the bin.
• If at home: Some areas offer yellow bag collection whereby you put all of your used (empty) stoma bags into a yellow bag which gets specially collected by your local authority. If this service is not available in your area just empty your stoma appliance as usual, rinse it out, place it into a sealed bag and then into another large disposal bag.
• Flushable pouch inserts (inner pouch): These inserts are placed in the pouch before use. When the pouch is full you remove the insert from the bag and flush it away. It is completely biodegradable and works in all toilets.

Ostomy, Swimming and other Activities

After recovering from your ostomy surgery you should be able to take part in most sports and activities: swimming, dancing, playing games, skiing, cycling, etc. One-piece swim wear is best for female swimmers. Men should opt for a higher waist band on their swimming shorts.

As there is an increased risk of developing hernias after an ostomy surgery it is recommended that heavy weights are not lifted. It is also recommended that all ostomates wear a support belt during exercise.

For contact sports (like marshal arts) or any other activities that might damage your ostomy appliances it is recommended to use a pouch protector. This is a hard plastic cover that attaches over the bag and protects from an impact.

Ostomy and Relationships

After the ostomy surgery it will take you some time to recover and get back to your normal life and rebuild your self esteem. It is only natural to feel shy about your body. Don't isolate yourself from your family, friends and loved once. You will find they are very responsive and will want to do everything they possibly can to support you. If you feel the need to share your feelings and get advice, you can find plenty of information online in forums, chat groups and other support sites. A great place for meeting other ostomates is MeetAnOstoMate.com

Ostomy and Foods

Please read this great article on ostomy and foods.

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Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.