Patient Education Colorectal Cancer: Your Care and Recovery | Page 50

Showering and Bathing: You can bathe or shower with or without your pouching system in place. Normal exposure to air or contact with soap and water will not harm the stoma, and water does not enter the opening. Choose a time for bathing when the bowel is less active. You can also leave your pouch on while bathing. Clothing: You should be able to wear the types of clothing including swimwear that you wore before surgery. Some minor changes may be needed, such as larger pantyhose and underwear for women, or a larger athletic supporter for men who exercise. Sports and Activities: With a securely attached pouch you can swim, camp out, play baseball and take part in almost all types of sports. Caution is advised in heavy-contact sports. Diet: There may be some changes in your diet depending on the type of ostomy surgery. You should be able to return to your normal diet after a period of adjustment. Be sure to: • Introduce foods back into your diet a little at a time. • Monitor the effect of each food on the ostomy function. • Chew your food well. • Drink plenty of fluids. Some less-digestible or high-roughage foods are more likely to lead to blockage problems. These foods include corn, coconut, mushrooms, nuts, and raw fruits and vegetables. Travel: The only steps needed for traveling are advance planning and packing enough ostomy supplies. 49