Hi! my partner just got a colostomy bag due to a blockage , its a difficult one and inwards we are still in hospital...

I'm sorry to hear you and your partner are going through this challenging situation. It sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now, and I want to help clarify what might be happening.

What you're describing - gas without stool output - is actually common in the immediate post-colostomy period:

Why this happens:

• After bowel surgery or when a colostomy is first created, the bowel needs time to "wake up" and resume normal function
• Gas production often returns before solid stool does
• The bowel may be swollen (edema) from the procedure, which can temporarily slow output
• Anesthesia and pain medications can affect bowel motility (movement)

About the bag adhesion issues: This is a practical concern that needs immediate attention before discharge. The bags not staying on is a legitimate medical problem, not something to just "manage at home."

What your partner should communicate to the hospital team TODAY:

1. "The bags are not adhering properly and are leaking. We need help finding the right product/technique before discharge."
2. "When should we expect stool output to resume? What's normal timing?"
3. "What signs would indicate a problem we need to come back for?" (obstruction, infection, severe skin irritation)
4. "Can we get a referral to an ostomy nurse specialist before we leave?"
5. "What products and supplies should we have at home, and how do we get them?"

Before leaving the hospital, your partner should have:

• Clear written instructions on bag changes
• A prescription for appropriate pouching supplies
• Contact information for an ostomy nurse or wound care specialist
• A list of warning signs requiring immediate medical attention
• A follow-up appointment scheduled

Important: Discharge with unresolved adhesion problems is not standard care. This is worth advocating for—ask to speak with the charge nurse or case manager if the current team isn't addressing it adequately.

According to the American Cancer Society and NCCN Guidelines, patients receiving ostomy care should receive education and support from trained ostomy nurses before discharge.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.