Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
An ostomy is not a disease itself, but a surgically created opening (stoma) in the body that allows waste to leave the system when the normal digestive or urinary tract is compromised. You do not "have" an ostomy unless you have undergone this specific surgical procedure; it is diagnosed by your surgeon during the post-operative recovery process rather than through screening symptoms. What is an ostomy and why is it performed? An ostomy is a life-saving surgical intervention performed to treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or severe trauma.
3 people with Ostomy have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
How do I know if I have Ostomy?
Could you have Ostomy? Early signs that prompted real patients to seek diagnosis, plus medically reviewed guidance.
An ostomy is not a disease itself, but a surgically created opening (stoma) in the body that allows waste to leave the system when the normal digestive or urinary tract is compromised. You do not "have" an ostomy unless you have undergone this specific surgical procedure; it is diagnosed by your surgeon during the post-operative recovery process rather than through screening symptoms.
What is an ostomy and why is it performed?
An ostomy is a life-saving surgical intervention performed to treat conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, or severe trauma. If you are experiencing symptoms like chronic abdominal pain, blood in your stool, or bowel obstruction, these are indicators of underlying conditions that might require an ostomy, not symptoms of the ostomy itself. Currently, 286 people with an ostomy are sharing their lived experiences on DiseaseMaps.org to support others navigating this transition.
When should I talk to my doctor?
If you have already undergone ostomy surgery, you should contact your healthcare team immediately if you notice:
- A significant change in the color or texture of your stoma.
- Persistent leakage around the appliance (skin irritation).
- Complete cessation of output from the stoma for more than 4-6 hours.
- Severe abdominal cramping or nausea.
How is an ostomy managed and monitored?
Management involves regular appointments with a WOC (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence) nurse. If you are preparing for or adjusting to an ostomy, diagnostic testing typically focuses on the underlying disease rather than the stoma. You should ask your physician about the following:
- Stoma site marking: Pre-operative mapping to ensure the best placement.
- Peristomal skin assessment: Checking for dermatitis or infection.
- Output monitoring: Tracking volume to prevent dehydration, which is common in ileostomy patients.
Next steps
- Consult a colorectal surgeon or a certified WOC nurse if you have questions about stoma care.
- Connect with the 286 members on DiseaseMaps.org to read real-world experiences.
- Maintain a log of your stoma output and skin condition to share at your next check-up.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA): uoaa.org
- NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): niddk.nih.gov
- WOCN Society (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society): wocn.org
Posted Sep 8, 2017 by ShelleyMLC 2502
Posted Sep 8, 2017 by Laura 2001
Posted Feb 24, 2019 by Dawn 2500
