Hey all! I’ve been reading mixed info online. Does having a colostomy bag actually shorten your life expectancy? I want to be realistic, but also hopeful. What are the facts from a medical standpoint?
That’s a great question, and you’re not alone in asking it. A colostomy changes your lifestyle, but it doesn’t necessarily shorten it. According to Safe n’ Simple, people can live full, healthy lives post-surgery. They explain that life expectancy with colostomy bag is influenced more by the underlying medical condition than the ostomy itself. Managing your care properly and staying active can absolutely support a long-term healthy outcome. Advances in ostomy products also make it easier to maintain quality of life, and stress reduction plays a big role too. The key is consistent skin care, good nutrition, and finding the right support network. With the right tools and information, most people adjust well and thrive for years.