That being said, colostomates also like one piece bags. Changing the whole system once full works well for colostomy patients as this is predictable and can happen at a set time during the day. However, taking a bag off your abdomen every day – or sometimes, multiple times a day – can impact on the peristomal skin. Your stoma nurse can advise you about products you can use to help reduce any smell and give you dietary advice to reduce gas.

A one piece system is a bag which has the pouch and baseplate fused together in the manufacturing process. All three types of stoma can use a one piece system. for the best results, irrigation should be carried out at the same time every day, which may be difficult when you're away from home on holiday or with work If your job is particularly strenuous and involves a lot of heavy lifting, you may need to wear a support belt or girdle. Your stoma nurse can advise you about this.This is not to say that you can’t use a different system for your stoma. Ileostomates favour two piece systems as much as colostomates and urostomates. It’s all down to personal choice and preference. A specialist stoma nurse, who usually sees you before and after the colostomy operation, will help you choose the most suitable colostomy equipment.

Being able to experience with two piece system if you have always used a one piece is a good learning curve. It can be used well if you are travelling, if you go walking alot without a bathroom break, if you swim or enjoy showering without your bag. On all three, you can see thevisible flange area, where thecutting range sits and where the stoma sit inside of the ring to help stabilise the baseplate when it attaches to a pouch. Pros and Cons Pros – One Piece Adhesive coupling can also leak if not connected together correctly – either on first application or when changing the pouch.

You'll have more gas than usual immediately after having a colostomy, but this will slowly reduce as your bowel recovers.

It's likely to take several months before you're ready to return to work. It depends on how well you recover and the type of work you do. However, different manufacturers do different things: Salt’s only do two piece in closed and drainable pouches, not for urostomies. And Dansac and Pelican only do one piece bags. How well you recover will determine how much exercise you can do. If you feel any pain, stop immediately. There's no reason why you cannot travel after having a colostomy, but you'll probably need to plan extra time into your journey.

There are also drainable bags that need to be replaced every 2 or 3 days. These may be suitable for people who have particularly loose poos. You'll be given an initial supply of colostomy appliances, as well as your prescription information, before you leave hospital. You can get further prescriptions from your GP. Colostomy equipment is discreet and secure, and you should be able to do most of the activities you enjoyed before. Drainable also applies to urostomy pouches but they have a tap or bung on the end; which make it’s easier to empty the urine. Colostomy appliances are made from hypoallergenic materials to reduce skin irritation. They also contain special filters to prevent any unpleasant smells.

After surgery, many people find their vaginas are much drier. Applying a lubricating jelly before sex may help. Once you've recovered from the operation, you should gradually be able to return to your previous exercise routine. You may find it very tiring when you return, so to start with it may be possible for you to work fewer hours than normal and do lighter duties.Above: The Coloplast Sensura Mio one piece system and the Hollister Moderma Flex one piece system. What is a Two Piece System?