If the stoma bag fits well there should be no smell except when changing it. If you do notice a smell from your bag, you should check it as there may be a leak under the flange and the bag will need changing.
Very spicy foods and some vitamin and mineral supplements also cause odours. Try cranberry juice, buttermilk, yogurt, or parsley to help reduce odours. You also can use odour-proof ostomy bags or special deodorants for the bags.
Coffee and tea are fine, but as with anything else be aware of any reactions in your digestive system. Carbonated drinks in general can cause gas. Beer can cause the output from the ostomy to become more liquid. You can drink alcohol.
The BBC Radio 1 presenter had a stoma bag, which she refers to as Audrey, fitted last October after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. The operation diverts one end of the colon, which is part of the bowel, through an opening in the abdomen called a stoma.
Many people enjoy leaving their skin uncovered for 15 to 30 minutes after taking their pouching system off. This is called a skin break. Taking a skin break can help with irritation or keep it from happening. You can decide if you want to take a skin break.
Can a colostomy bag qualify for disability benefits? Yes. As a general rule, if you have a colostomy bag that makes it difficult to work, you'll qualify as disabled. If your colostomy bag is functioning well or if you expect to have it reversed within the year, you probably won't qualify.
As you may have gathered so far, there is not a major difference between a colostomy and an ostomy. A colostomy is actually a type of ostomy that allows the body to pass stool when the colon is not working properly, or if a disease is affecting a part of the colon and it needs to be removed.
Most stoma pouches have charcoal filters built into the bag. These allow the wind to be released. However, if the filter capacity cannot handle the amount of wind produced, or if the filter has become wet or blocked by the stoma output, ballooning can occur.
If you've had colostomy or ileostomy surgery: Certain foods may increase the odour of your stoma output. To help minimise odours, try avoiding onions, garlic, fish, cauliflower, and cabbage.
If your bag is fitted around your ostomy correctly and adhered effectively to your skin, you should not smell anything from your ostomy apart from when you empty and change your bag. If you do notice a smell, it may be worth checking around your bag to see if any output has started to seep under the adhesive.
Baking soda can neutralize odors throughout your home, including inside your bags. Either sprinkle some into the bag, or put some in a plastic bag and leave it open inside the bag.
Rinsing your ostomy bag
After you've cleared your bag from all its contents (with a good aim, hopefully), you can rinse the bag with water.
Clean around the stoma with warm water and a soft washcloth each time you change the pouch. Water does not harm the stoma. You can even take a bath or shower without your pouch if you choose: There are no nerves in the stoma, so there is no feeling.
You can bathe and shower as normal with your stoma and, unless you have been specifically advised otherwise, you can do so with the stoma bag on or off. It won't fall off in the water if you choose to keep it on and if you bathe with the stoma bag off, soap rinsing over the stoma isn't a problem.
Jerry Kramer
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame on August 4, 2018. During his career, Kamer had surgery due to a perforated intestine. After the procedure, Kramer had a colostomy bag while his intestines healed. He described the colostomy as “a horror movie that hasn't been made yet.”
Rolf Benirschke is a former NFL player with the San Diego Chargers. His ulcerative colitis resulted in two ostomies. He became the first professional athlete to have an ostomy while playing. Jerry Kramer is a former NFL player with the Green Bay Packers.
You must still include fibre in your diet. Choose some foods from the following list daily: Wholemeal bread. High fibre cereal e.g. Weetabix, porridge.
The low fibre versions are better tolerated so try white bread, breakfast cereals like rice krispies or cornflakes, white rice/pasta, and avoid skins on potatoes. These provide protein, vitamins and minerals which is essential for health and repair of body tissues.