You have been told you need a colostomy. Or you have recently been given one. Once you heal from surgery, you can still live an active life. In fact, if you had a chronic disease, such as Crohn's disease, your quality of life may be better now than before surgery. In most cases, it's your choice how much having a colostomy limits your life.

You have been told you need a colostomy. Or you have recently been given one. Learning as much as you can about your colostomy can help you adjust.

Do you find that you make an appointment with your healthcare provider, only to forget half your questions once you’re in the exam room? Does your healthcare provider ask you questions during a visit that you can’t answer? Preparing for a healthcare provider visit can help you get the most out of your health care. Below are tips for helping you prepare for a visit to your health care provider.

When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. In some cases, not taking them correctly can be harmful. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.

It’s normal to feel worried or even a little scared if you are scheduled for surgery. Know that your surgeon and other healthcare providers will do all they can to take good care of you. And there’s much you can do as a patient to help your healthcare team keep you safe. Being involved means speaking up, asking questions, and understanding your role.

Dealing with health and medical issues can be stressful and confusing. It can be a good idea to ask friends and family for support. They can listen to what the healthcare providers tell you, ask questions, and help make sure that things go smoothly. And they can help you get the care you need.

Telling your healthcare provider (HCP) about yourself will help improve your care. And ask questions when you don’t understand something, or just want to know more. Don’t be afraid to speak up! Good communication with your HCP helps you get the most out of your health care.

To get the most out of your healthcare, take an active role. This means thinking of every healthcare provider as a partner in your care. Here are things you can do to help that partnership go smoothly.

A lumbar drain is a soft, thin, sterile tube (also called a catheter) that your healthcare provider places though the skin of your back, into your lower (lumbar) spine. The drain collects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is a clear fluid that surrounds your spinal cord and brain to protect them from injury. Read on to learn more about lumbar drain placement and how it’s done.

The sphincter of Oddi is part of your digestive system. A sphincter is a circle of muscle. The sphincter of Oddi surrounds the end of the tubes (ducts) that connect the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas to the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). The sphincter opens to let digestive juices flow through the ducts from the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas into the small intestine. To prevent the juices from leaking back into the ducts, the sphincter squeezes shut.