Life Expectancy With A Colostomy Bag

Posted by MeetAnOstoMate

The life expectancy for someone with a colostomy can vary widely depending on many factors such as the underlying health condition that led to the colostomy, age, lifestyle, and the overall health of the individual. In general, having a colostomy should not significantly affect life expectancy as long as the underlying health condition is well managed, and the individual takes good care of their health and colostomy.

A colostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdominal wall through which the end of the colon is brought to the surface of the skin. The opening is called a stoma, and a colostomy bag is attached to the stoma to collect waste.

Based on the discussions from the MeetAnOstoMate Discussion Forum, the life expectancy with a colostomy is influenced by various factors and individual experiences. Here are the insights and advice shared by forum members:

- Individuals have lived well into their 90s and 100s with a colostomy, especially if the surgery was necessary due to underlying health conditions.
- Actuarial charts indicate that ostomates can live a normal lifespan.
- Bob Hope lived to 100 years as an ostomate, indicating that life expectancy is not necessarily shortened.
- Quality of life is more important than sheer numbers of years, and every day above ground is considered a good day.
- Having an ostomy does not necessarily shorten one's life and can even improve quality of life by allowing individuals to do more and stay active.
- Practical tips for managing ostomy-related issues include using softer and more manageable masks for CPAP, finding ways to keep the mouth shut during sleep, and using olbas oil in the tubing to clear nasal passages and sinuses.

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