Dietary Considerations

• Drink plenty of water and other beverages to maintain hydration.
• Consume foods and drinks rich in vitamins to help raise the pH of urine and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Avoid overeating and opt for smaller, frequent meals. Chew food thoroughly and slowly.
• Choose soft, gentle, and low-fiber foods, avoiding raw or cold fruits and vegetables.
• Gradually reintroduce a normal diet, adding one type of fruit or vegetable at a time. If there is no abdominal pain within 24 hours, it's safe to continue.
• Due to the secretion of intestinal fluids, increase fluid intake to around 1500-2000 mL daily. This helps dilute urine and reduce the risk of damage to the skin around the ostomy site.
• Empty the ostomy bag regularly. Use a drainage bag during nighttime sleep to ensure uninterrupted rest.
  

Bathing and Showering

• Bathing and showering are both safe for ostomy patients. It is recommended to take showers as they are less likely to expose the ostomy to excessive water pressure.
• Use lukewarm water and avoid high water pressure to prevent damage to the intestinal mucosa of the ostomy.
• Choose mild, pH-balanced shower gels or simply use water for bathing. Rinse thoroughly.
• Avoid direct water pressure on the edges of the ostomy baseplate during showering.
• Use waterproof tape to secure the edges of the ostomy baseplate before showering.
  

Clothing and Attire

• Most types of clothing, including dresses, are suitable for ostomy patients. Ensure that clothing is soft, comfortable, and loose-fitting to prevent pressure on the ostomy site.

Skin Irritation Around the Ostomy

• Skin irritation is a common issue. Prevention methods include exposing the ostomy site to air for at least 20 minutes daily and allowing the skin to stay dry.
• When changing the baseplate, extend the exposure time.
• Seek medical attention for severe skin irritation.
  

Work and Daily Life

• Return to work and normal daily activities as long as health permits. Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent the development of hernias around the ostomy.

Exercise

• Exercise is encouraged for ostomy patients. Begin with gentle activities such as Tai Chi, walking, or stretching during the recovery phase.
• As recovery progresses, more strenuous activities like cycling and rowing can be introduced.
• Avoid contact sports or activities that may lead to abdominal impact.

Outdoor Activities

• Always carry a spare set of clothing and ostomy care supplies when engaging in outdoor activities.
• Empty the ostomy bag before leaving home and be prepared for possible leaks.

Managing Increased Abdominal Pressure During Exercise

• Consider using an elastic abdominal belt for added support.
  

Entertainment and Travel

• For day-to-day entertainment, keep wet wipes, tissues, and at least one ostomy bag within reach for immediate use if needed.
• When traveling, be prepared with an adequate supply of ostomy care products, including some pre-cut baseplates, in your carry-on luggage.
• Familiarize yourself with local ostomy care product suppliers and their contact information in case of emergencies.
• Opt for pouches instead of bottles when purchasing liquids, and bring along a bottle of mineral water that can be used for drinking and flushing.
  

Monitoring Stoma Color

• The stoma should normally have a reddish and glossy appearance, similar to the color of oral mucosa. If it appears dark purple or gray-black, it may indicate circulatory issues, and medical attention should be sought promptly.

We hope these suggestions help you take good care of your ostomy and prevent any leakage.