The quality of life for a patient with a colostomy may be affected by a number of problems. Identifying problems and resolving them can improve the patient’s life.
Patient selection: ostomy (referencing patients with colon cancer)
Potential problems for a patient with an ostomy include:
(1) sexuality
(2) depression
(3) gas and/or smell
(4) constipation or diarrhea (with possible leakage)
(5) appearance
(6) change in clothing
(7) travel difficulties
(8) feeling tired or fatigued
(9) worry about noises
(10) problems in caring for stoma including skin changes
(11) embarassment
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