After surgery

Once you are home from the hospital, you may have questions about what is normal and what to expect. People want to know when and how to return to their usual activities, how to shower or bathe, and what are normal changes in their stoma.

Visit our page on rectal discharge to find out about having the urge to go to the bathroom after having ileostomy or colostomy surgery.

In this section

After Ostomy Surgery

Becoming comfortable with your ostomy takes time. You may have many questions and concerns as you adjust to this “new normal” in the way your body looks and functions. Learn More

Stoma Changes

The stoma is the part of the bowel the surgeon has bought to the surface of your skin on your abdomen. Learn More

Showering and Bathing

One of the most common concerns people have after ostomy surgery is about how to shower or bathe. Learn More

Rectal Discharge

Sometimes after ostomy surgery you may have the urge to have a bowel movement (go to the bathroom) like before surgery. Learn More

Resuming Activities

You can enjoy the physical and social activities you did before surgery once you have healed. Having an ostomy should not stop you from living an active life. Learn More