Ostomy and HealthCare Tips

What is an ostomy?

An ostomy is an opening created with surgery. It is often needed when a person has lost the normal function of the bladder or bowel. The function can be lost due to birth defects, disease, injury, or other disorders. Classes of ostomy surgery include
Colostomy
Ileostomy
urostomy.

The surgery lets body wastes transmit through a new stoma on the abdominal wall. An ostomy may be either provisional or continual. When you have an ostomy, you need to wear a special bag over the stoma to collect the body waste. A colostomy may be formed at any point along the colon. You may see a variation in the type of stool. This depends on where your ostomy is located. In case the ostomy is toward the lower end of the colon, more liquid is absorbed and the stools will be more solid. If the ostomy is very low along the descending colon, near the rectum, stools are well-formed. They are similar to stools from a normal colon. If the ostomy is on theascending or transverse colon, less water is absorbed. The stools are looser and more watery. They pass through the stoma more quickly and easily. In some cases, you may need a stool thickener.

Caring for the stoma
When you go home, you may need a home healthcare nurse to provide instructions on stoma care. He or she will also provide wound care to ensure proper healing. You will be told:
How to clean your skin thoroughly
How to prevent infection
Understanding the pouch system
Most colostomy supplies are a 2-piece pouch system. The system consists of:
A flange. This is a rubbery circle that sticks to your skin over the stoma.
A pouch. This is a small bag that attaches to the flange. It collects the stool. There are several brands to choose from. You may need to try more than 1 may find what works best for you.
Your home healthcare nurse will teach you:
What supplies you will need and where to buy them
How to change the pouch and flange
How to shower while wearing the pouch
Changing the flange
Your skin must be clean and dry before placing the flange. This is so the flange sticks (adheres) well for a long time. You may dry your skin with a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, or just wait until your skin air-dries fully. Your flange may need to be changed more often in high heat or humidity, or if you exercise or sweat a lot.
 
Right after your surgery, you may have problems getting a good seal between the pouch and the flange. This can cause the pouch to come loose. After the wound around the stoma heals, it will be easier to get a good seal.
 
Living with the pouch
Finding out that you will need an ostomy can be stressful. The idea of living with a bag on your abdomen may be hard to accept. But for many people, an ostomy is not as bad as they thought. It is common for an ostomy and pouch to go undetected. No one will know that you have an ostomy and pouch unless you tell them.
 
You may choose not to tell many people that you wear an ostomy pouch. You can tell those who need to know. For example, your workplace may need to know that you can’t lift heavy items, or that you need to have frequent bathroom breaks to manage the ostomy pouch.
 
Wearing loose-fitting tops and bottoms can help conceal your pouch when needed. Be careful when letting your pets or young children to jump into your lap where the pouch is located. Additionally, be careful when putting on your seat belt. The lap belt may cross the area where the stoma is placed.
 
When traveling, pack extra ostomy supplies. If you are flying, never pack all your supplies in the checked baggage. Limit and be aware of what you eat before you travel.
 
Liquid and solid products are available to help control smell. Some are placed into the pouch, while others can be taken internally. It may help to empty your pouch often as well. There may be times when all is smooth and your stoma decides to pass out some gas.