I don’t know if others have pondered how they are going to change their ostomy bags in the middle of a week-long snowstorm on a glacier or up on a 6000-meter peak. That one might just be me. Ostomy surgery can raise numerous questions about your daily routines and how to adapt to life with an ostomy with a body that may feel unfamiliar post-surgery. Frequently asked questions may revolve around ways to minimise the risk of hernia after surgery, steps to take when changing the bag with an injured hand, the impact of an ostomy on personal relationships and methods to strengthen the core and resume exercising post-surgery.
Luckily, there are professionals out there who can help answer these questions and navigate life after surgery!
Charlotte had to change her ostomy bag while camping
Occupational therapy services
Occupational Therapists (OT) are professionals who help individuals through use of ‘everyday life activities (occupations) to promote health, well-being, and your ability to participate in the important activities in your life’ (American Occupational Therapy Association, 2023).
OTs take a holistic approach to healthcare, examining all factors that might impact their clients’ lives. This includes considering the biological functions specific to their client’s health problems and ostomy surgery, such as strength and coordination. It also involves taking into account the psychological impact of ostomy surgery and the mental and emotional wellness of their clients. Finally, OTs consider the social or interpersonal factors that may affect their clients’ ability to socialise or interact in their life outside of the home.
In simpler terms, this means that an OT can assist you in resuming your normal activities after ostomy surgery, such as dressing, bathing, using the restroom, and managing household tasks. Moreover, an OT can help you return to your hobbies and other activities you enjoy, including community events. Because life is not just about recovering from surgery and coping with an ostomy, an OT can support you in getting back to doing the things you love.
You might be wondering: ‘what exactly would I work on with an OT?’ This can look a little different for everyone. An OT session may include, but is not limited to:
- Training on therapeutic breathwork
- Coping with the changes of having an ostomy
- Learning to walk or move your body after surgery
- Education on exercises to increase core strength and control
- Learning strategies to decrease your risk for developing a hernia
- Figuring out how to navigate your hobbies or meaningful activities after surgery
- Soft tissue work and training on exercises for scar tissues and/or adhesion management
- Learning adaptive strategies or training on assistive devices to manage your ostomy more independently.
Charlotte had to change her ostomy bag while camping
Practising breathwork
Where to begin
As an OT, I usually start working with my clients on breathwork right after their surgery. This establishes a solid foundation for their body by engaging the diaphragm, deep abdominal muscles, spinal muscles and pelvic floor. Practising breathwork helps the core become more mobile and coordinated, which reduces the risk of injury as clients gradually return to more demanding activities after surgery. Additionally, it promotes relaxation of the nervous system and facilitates healing. One example of a breathing exercise is 360-degree breathing:
Start by sitting comfortably or lying on your back. Place your hands on your abdomen right at the bottom of your rib cage
- Take a deep breath in through your nose as you expand your abdomen, your sides, and your back (360 degrees around your body)
- Think about your body as a balloon and filling that balloon up with air
- Exhale through pursed lips, letting all the air out until you are relaxed again
- Repeat.
How to find an OT
If you are intrigued by the idea of working with an OT, you can find them in many different areas. In the hospital, before or after surgery, you can talk to your doctor and request OT services. If you are at home
Charlotte Foley, MS, OTR/L, CBIS, received her Occupational Therapy degree from Boston University. She has experience working in the adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care hospital settings in Anchorage, Alaska. Charlotte’s speciality areas of practice include neuro-rehabilitation and ostomy rehabilitation. Charlotte founded and runs her own education and consulting business, Restorative Ostomy Solutions, to empower individuals in their recovery from ostomy surgery., MS, OTR/L, CBIS, received her Occupational Therapy degree from Boston University. She has experience working in the adult inpatient rehabilitation and acute care hospital settings in Anchorage, Alaska. Charlotte’s speciality areas of practice include neuro-rehabilitation and ostomy rehabilitation. Charlotte founded and runs her own education and consulting business, Restorative Ostomy Solutions, to empower individuals in their recovery from ostomy surgery.