With the arrival of autumn and the end of summer, students everywhere are getting ready to return to school. If you or your child is getting ready and has recently had an ostomy procedure, the dread and worry are certainly palpable. After all, having an ostomy and knowing that you’ll be in a social environment can be stress-inducing. 

Preparation and Planning 

First, you must realize that many people who undergo an ostomy procedure lead productive, happy, and healthy lives. Returning to school after having an ostomy is possible, all it takes is preparation and planning. Before the semester begins or at the very start, notify any medical staff that you’ve recently had an ostomy. Faculty will be notified, and special arrangements can be made to make the start of the school year easier. 

If physical activity is a part of the curriculum for the upcoming semester, special arrangements can be made with the staff. Many people who have had an ostomy performed still engage in physical activities. It takes some getting used to, but the quality of life after an ostomy can be maintained with relative ease. 

Navigating the School Grounds 

The school year is already stressful enough with the hierarchy of the school grounds, and the academic pressures that students have to deal with. Returning to the blackboard jungle can already be an ordeal, but returning after an ostomy procedure has been performed can be frightful. Luckily, there are many ways in which this can navigated. 

One of the advantages of modern ostomy procedures is that they’re more discreet than they used to be. Your peers don’t have to know about your procedure unless you’re comfortable with telling them. There are many ways in which waste can be disposed of discreetly without lingering odors. 

Additional Help 

The important thing about returning to school after an ostomy procedure is that you don't have to go through the burden by yourself. There are always support groups that meet up in person or in public. These can help you navigate the adjustment period after an ostomy. 

Fortis Medical Products 

If you or someone you know has recently had an ostomy and is getting ready to return to school, our products and services can be essential in making living with one much easier. Visit our website or give us a call at 855-550-2600 for more information.