Colostomy

Published on: September 11, 2019

COMPLICATIONS FROM A COLOSTOMY

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Colostomies are performed in some cases of colon cancer, or severe cases of gastrointestinal illness or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. After a colostomy, stools are no longer emptied through the rectum and the anus. Instead, they are passed into the colostomy bag or pouch which must be replaced 2 to 3 times a day.

A colostomy can be the very last resort for persons who suffer from severe gastrointestinal illnesses. It is often the only choice for persons who suffer from colon cancer, requiring removal of parts of their large intestine or colon as part of treatment.

There are several complications associated with the use of a colostomy bag after a colostomy. There may be a stoma blockage when stools do not get emptied in time. This can cause cramps, pain, swelling in the stoma, nausea, and diarrhea. A warm bath and intake of fluids can help ease the blockage. If this does not help, however, get in touch with your doctor immediately. Other complications include a stoma prolapse in which the stoma extends far beyond the surface of the skin. In this case, internal leakage may necessitate additional surgeries.

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Published on: December 10, 2014

Pre-surgery Exercise and Diet Help Ease Recovery After Colon Cancer Surgery

By Lisa Siegel

According to new studies, exercising, maintaining a healthy diet and practicing relaxation techniques in the weeks before colon cancer surgery could actually help a person recover quicker.

The results came from a study consisting of 38 patients. These patients were put through a “prehabilitation” program for roughly 24 days. During the prehabilitation, they took part in approximately 50 minutes of physical exercise three days a week, and were administered a personalized nutrition program that included whey protein supplementation. They were also given lessons for relaxation techniques to help reduce stress.

After surgery, patients who were put through the prehabilitation program were compared to another group of patients who were only put through the rehabilitation program, and were not given pre-surgery prep. Researchers found that those patients who had been given prehabilitation preparation before the surgery walked approximately 25 meters longer in six minutes, compared to patients in the group that did not undergo prehabilitation. According to the researchers, this clearly indicates that rehabilitation helps a person recover after a surgery, and better prepares them for the stresses of surgery.

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Published on: October 24, 2014

Colostomy and Social Security Disability Benefits

By Lisa Siegel

Colostomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat numerous gastrointestinal conditions and injuries, as well as certain types of cancer. During this procedure, one end of the large intestine is brought out through the abdominal wall. Stools are emptied into a bag that is attached to the abdomen.

Sometimes referred to as bowel diversion therapy, colostomies are typically performed when the person is suffering from problems with the lower bowel. Permanent colostomies are very often performed in the case of colon cancer. Colostomy may also be performed when a person suffers from ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, colonic polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, and colorectal cancer.

If you have suffered from any of these conditions, and have undergone a colostomy, it’s recommended that you discuss a potential claim for disability benefits with a Social Security lawyer in Atlanta. The Social Security Administration will consider whether you are unable to work and earn a living as a result of your condition. For instance, if you are unable to lift heavy objects as a result of the surgery, and this condition is likely to be permanent, the SSA may rule that you are unable to go back to a job which did involve lifting heavy objects.

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