A Normal Life With a Colostomy or Ileostomy

Can a person with an intestinal stoma lead a normal life? Most patients can. But they must be rehabilitated quickly. If patients undergoing colostomy are instructed before and after surgery about irrigating the stoma, most can stop using an appliance in days or weeks. Patients with ileostomies present more of a problem, but they too can return to a useful life.