Good news.  You are not alone.  A large percentage of colostomy patients think the same as you do.  They are overwhelmed at the types of materials you have to choose from.  The work involved seems endless.  So many questions you may have but may be afraid to ask.

 

The thing is, if you look at the situation from a different perspective, you may even be releived to receive one.  Being that there are 'so many options of materials' out there it gives you a wide range of things to choose from that will suit you best.  10 years ago, there were practically 10% of the options you have now.

 

Being overwhelmed by the whole colostomy system is normal.  At first, it seems like too much work, or as if you wouldn't be able to change the system or bags by yourself, without the help of others.  There are colostomy support groups in which people who have 'the bag'  themselves are there to teach you about your system, how to change the bag, clean your stoma, etc.  There are also "ET Nurses" that will assist you after the colostomy surgery on the "How To's" and to answer any questions or concerns you may have.  They also have instructional videos that they can send home with you that describe everything step by step.

 

There may be so many questions going on in your head right now.  "Will the bag smell"..."What do I do if I have gas"..."What is a 'stoma'"..."Will I ever use the bathroom out of my anus again"..."Can you see the bag under my clothes"..."What happens if I go in the water"..."Can I shower with my bag on, or even do I HAVE to"..."Can I still go on vacation"..."Will I be able to go back to work"...etc.

 

They have come a long way with colostomy bags...with smell prevention, ease of use, and even an instructional video that you can watch.  In the beginning, a colostomy bag can be overwhelming, but once you get used to the idea, you can shower, go shopping, go to work, have sex go on vacation and do all the normal things you are used to (and not have to stop at the rest stop on a road trip...as my mother used to joke)