Back to School With An Ostomy

When a child starts going to school with an ostomy, it’s best to be prepared. Learn about helpful tips to help get your child ready. 

Communicating With Peers and Friends 

Have conversations with the school’s nurse and administrators about what to expect, but make sure you let the child decide how small or big the circle of communications should be. Also, talk with children about how they can relate their ostomy experience to their peers.

Preparing Supplies

Have supplies at the ready in the nurse’s office. If possible, maybe have two or three full pouch changes and additional clothes.

Educating School Staff

When communications are clear with a school’s staff from day one, the child will receive proper care and families will have peace of mind. The child’s needs may have changed due to the ostomy, but just as before the surgery, the school’s staff should understand their role in providing aid and support to classroom instruction.

Convatec provides additional tips that may help throughout the process of returning to school following ostomy surgery. Visit Back to School with an Ostomy, or visit their ostomy resource page for additional information.

*Disclaimer: Any health and wellness content presented is for general informational purposes only. Such content is not intended to replace or serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.