Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and discomfort in the GI tract. It has no known cure, but the symptoms can be managed with medication, enteral nutrition and colostomy bags. Colostomy bags are essentially an external storage device for the patient’s faeces. This helps avoid inflaming the colon and the anus even more due to the passage of food waste through it multiple times a day. The colostomy bag greatly improves a Crohn’s patient’s quality of life and reduces their pain. Patients can comfortably work, travel, go to the gym, play sports and sleep with their colostomy bag in place. They can also easily change their colostomy bags at home without having to go to the hospital.
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes swelling and inflammation of the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This causes abdominal pain, severe diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. The condition is debilitating and greatly affects the patient’s quality of life. It can cause life threatening complications such as bowel obstructions, GI ulcers, fistulas, anal fissures and colon cancer. There is no known cure for Crohn’s disease. However, there are a variety of therapies which can help the patient cope with the inflammation and function independently. The medication targets inflammation and calms the immune response that causes it. A range of anti-diarrhoea medication, pain medication, anti-inflammation medication, steroids, immunomodulators and antibiotics may be prescribed. Sometimes, patients are also recommended enteral nutrition and colostomy bags.
Repeated severe inflammation of the small intestine and bowel can wreak havoc on the system. Ostomy surgery is a procedure recommended to Crohn’s patients to drastically improve their quality of life when medication alone cannot keep it under control. This changes the trajectory of food waste generated in the GI tract through a surgically created opening in the abdomen called a “stoma”. This stoma is connected to a Colostomy bag where the waste is stored temporarily. Essentially, the colostomy bag stores your faeces outside your body, avoiding going through the anal route. This could be a temporary measure until the inflammation in your colon and anus subside, or a permanent solution. While there may be some social stigma attached to this process, when maintained hygienically, a Colostomy bag is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a tool that can help Crohn’s patients live less painful, more active lives and raising awareness about this is important.
If you have Crohn’s disease, the colostomy bag can become a fairly permanent fixture in your life. Changing the colostomy bag becomes a routine affair and it is impractical to make a hospital visit each time it needs to be done. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can independently and hygienically change your own colostomy bag at home:
Having a Colostomy bag is supposed to improve your quality of life. It shouldn’t stop you from doing the activities you enjoy and living life to the fullest. Once the stoma has healed completely after surgery, you should be able to work out and travel like you used to before. Here are some useful hacks for living life with a Colostomy bag:
Working out – You can work out with a Colostomy bag once your stoma has healed completely. The abdominal muscles can be slightly weaker around the stoma, so consult your gastroenterologist and educate yourself on the precautions you should take before you begin. Wear high-waisted leggings or a support band to hold the colostomy bag in place while you move around. We also recommend showering and changing immediately after the workout to avoid getting the bag sweaty.
Travel – Travelling with a Colostomy bag is something newbies are apprehensive about, but it’s really not such a big deal. Have a Colostomy kit packed with you, including all the supplies you need to change your bag and you’re ready to go. If you’re flying, make sure you keep the kit in your cabin baggage. During security check, inform the security officer of the colostomy bag before they frisk you. It’s also a good idea to make sure you will have clean restrooms along the way. This is something you would probably do even if you didn’t have a colostomy bag.
Fashion – Most patients with colostomy bags are worried about concealing it. High waisted pants and skirts can usually help with this, as the bag can get tucked inside. Make sure the waistband sits above the stoma, so it doesn’t put pressure on the ring seal. This could cause leakage. Peplum tops, empire waist dresses and A-line dresses can also help. These cuts have fabric flowing over the waist and hips, giving you some volume to hide the bag under.
Sleep – It can feel weird to sleep with the colostomy bag initially, but you will get used to it. It can help to empty the bag right before bed. This reduces the chances of leakage during the night as the bag is less full. We also suggest eating an early dinner, about 5 hours before you go to bed. This way most of the food has already made its way through the GI tract before you do your bedtime bag change.
Going to the Office – Having a colostomy bag is your personal business, and its understandable that you might not want your colleagues to know about it. You can easily hide your colostomy bag under your clothes, as mentioned above. Add a stoma belt to support the bag. Keep a back-up colostomy kit in your desk at work as well. While it is a personal matter, maybe you can let your immediate manager or HR know, so they can be sensitive to your needs and offer you support at work.
Need personalized Crohn’s and stoma support? Kauvery Hospital’s specialized teams in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Trichy offer advanced treatment, ostomy education and 24/7 care to help you live confidently with a colostomy.
Yes, you can. With the right supplies and hygienic practices, changing your colostomy bag at home is safe and manageable. Follow a step-by-step routine to prevent infections and skin irritation.
Most colostomy bags need to be changed every 3–5 days, or sooner if there’s leakage or odour. However, frequency can vary based on your stoma output and the type of bag you use.
Watch out for redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, unusual discharge, or foul smell around the stoma. If you notice any of these signs, contact your gastroenterologist immediately.
Stick to low-fibre, easy-to-digest foods post-surgery. Gradually reintroduce regular foods. Avoid nuts, seeds, and gas-forming foods initially. Always follow your doctor’s dietary advice.
Absolutely. Carry a colostomy kit with extra supplies, inform airport security discreetly if flying, and plan for restroom access during your trip. Travel doesn’t have to be restricted.
Not necessarily. You can easily conceal it under high-waisted pants, flowy tops, or stoma belts. Fashion adjustments can help you feel confident and comfortable.
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