1. Skin problems. Peristomal skin is the skin surrounding your stoma and should look and feel just like the skin on the rest of your abdomen (not irritated or red). Learn more about how to care for your peristomal skin and catch any problems early so they can be addressed.

Check out this peristomal skin assessment tool from the Wound, Ostomy Continence Nurses Society.

Learn more about skin irritations here.

2. Hernia. This happens when an organ or other tissue pushes through your abdominal muscles and creates a bulge. Since having ostomy surgery increases your risk of developing a hernia, you will want to follow these guidelines:

•  Limit your lifting to 5-10 lbs. for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery (or as directed by your surgeon) and always use proper lifting technique.

•  Support the area around your stoma if you sneeze, cough, or laugh by squeezing a folded blanket or pillow.

Learn more about hernias and how to protect yourself here.

Hear Nurse Melody talk about hernias and how to prevent them here.

3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). About 25% of patients with a urostomy have a urinary tract infection (UTI) each year. The symptoms usually are fever, pain, and strong-selling urine. Diabetes increases the risk of a UTI.

•  Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids each day.

•  Eat food and drink fluids that inhibit the growth of bacteria. Examples include cranberry juice, blueberries, peppers, cherries, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A UTI

4. Dehydration. Dehydration is a common reason why patients with a urostomy return to the hospital. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than it takes in.

Signs of dehydration:

•  Being thirsty

•  A dry mouth

•  Decreased urine output

•  Dizziness when standing up

•  Muscle or abdominal cramps

5. Diarrhea. is common because part of your intestine was removed and re-routed to make the urinary diversion. This can affect the absorption of fluids from your intestine, resulting in watery stools. Vomiting and nausea are also common in the first few weeks following a urostomy. Patients often report having a loss of appetite and experience weight loss.

6. Nausea/Vomiting . following a urostomy, patients sometimes report weight loss, tasting food differently and feeling nausea or full soon after eating. It is not unusual to lose 15-20 pounds after surgery.

Learn more about hydration from our dietitian, Danielle.

Essential Hydration Tips

Oral Rehydration Solutions

7. Problem Solving. You may encounter problems like skin irritation, leaks, no output and others. Click here for more details.

8. Medical Emergencies. Review this list so you will know when to call your surgeon/nurse or go to the nearest emergency room.

One of the most frequent questions asked by ostomates regarding sports and exercise is, “Can I swim?” and the answer is YES! You can also enjoy other water sports like surfing, waterskiing and scuba diving.

•  Your pouching system is water resistant and designed not to leak with the proper seal. Just like taking a shower or a bath, water will not harm or enter your stoma.

•  Empty your pouch before swimming, and make sure your wafer has been on for at least an hour before you do your first cannonball.

•  If your pouch has a filter (allowing gas to escape) cover it with a sticker that probably came with your pouches. An uncovered filter won’t work if it gets wet or clogged with sand.

•  There are bathing suits and swim wraps specially designed for ostomates and with all the options in swim wear available today, you will likely find something you are comfortable in.

•  If you ever receive questions from a pool operator or facility manager, you can share this informational handout from the UOAA. → Using Pool Facilities

•  If you are ever denied access to a public facility, remember, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice if you feel it is necessary. → ADA.gov File a Complaint

While some people like to “disguise” their ostomies there are others, like Maggie, who are quite happy rocking their bikini. → Watch the video.

•  Find fun and easy ways to exercise – join a group, play with your kids, spend time outdoors.

•  Schedule time for exercise on your calendar each day and remember – even spending just a few minutes is better than doing nothing.

•  Find a workout partner who is counting on you – accountability can be very helpful.

•  Focus on breathing – deep and focused breathing will enhance your workout and help you get the most out of it.

•  Check out these simple leg exercises from PT, Heather Marra to get you started → Heather Marra: Simple leg exercises

Hear grateful Amy say that her ostomy was the “best decision she ever made”.

We offer our sincerest thanks to Joan Scott — a kind ostomate and brilliant writer — for allowing us to include excerpts of, her book, “The Ostomy Raft”, in Alive & Kicking. To purchase a copy filled with tons of practical tips for living with an ileostomy or colostomy, click the button below.

Rolf Benirschke is a former NFL Man of the Year and All-Pro placekicker who played 10 seasons in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. His career was briefly interrupted when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease that required ileostomy surgery in his third season. Remarkably, Rolf returned to play seven more years with the Chargers, becoming the first ever professional athlete to play with an ostomy appliance. He has been an outspoken champion of the ostomy community for the past 40 years and created Embracing Ostomy Life™ to provide the hope, education and encouragement to ensure that no one goes through ostomy surgery alone.