Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 49

Living with an Ostomy
Work: Other than jobs requiring very heavy lifting, a colostomy should not
interfere with work. People with colostomies are in many fields such as
business, teaching, carpentry, and healthcare.

Friends and
Family: Each year,
about 100,000
people of all ages
have this surgery.
So chances
are you have
socialized with
people who have
ostomies and you
didn’t know it.
Today’s devices
are secure,
lightweight, and
unnoticeable.
Whom and what
you tell about
your surgery is up
to you.
Remember, this is a change to a part of your body. You are the same person,
and there is no reason why your relationships with family and friends should
change. Tens of thousands of ostomy patients attest to the fact that they lead
active and enjoyable lives.

Sex and Intimacy: Sexual relationships and intimacy may be important and
fulfilling aspects of your life that can continue after ostomy surgery. A period
of adjustment after surgery is to be expected. Your attitude is a key factor in
reestablishing sexual expression and intimacy.

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