When looking at Ostomy care it is important to remember that at a safe and clean seal needs to be maintained throughout the length of the Ostomy. It is also important to keep certain rules in mind for when you are purchasing the different products you may need. Both the skin and stoma involved with the Ostomy need to be protected, both from stool and from the products being used. Patient dignity, simplicity and minimizing cost are also things that need to be considered when purchasing products.
Certain wash systems are available for cleaning the pouches. One of these products is called an Ostowash. It connects to the toilet, in which modifications will have to be made. A splitter from the waterline needs to be incorporated, but allows an ease of cleaning and disposal of waste directly in the toilet. It also needs to mounted on the wall so it can be moved into place when necessary.
Concerns for this system include the obvious visibility of the system which can expose an individuals condition when someone uses their bathroom. There is a also a large expense incurred when the system is installed, which is comparable to the price of a refrigerator. The lack of simplicity in the process may cause people to stop using traditional methods when emptying or cleaning their bag outside of home, which could lead to limiting activities outside of the home.
It is unclear the impact the Ostowash system will have over time on the ostomy pouch, and the cost effectiveness is also unclear. It boils down to whether pouch use and replacement will be more expensive than the cost of the Ostowash system and the cleaners that go along with it.
The Stay-Dry Pro-Pump is a sleeve that covers the abdomen which is similar to other sleeves that cover casts or bandages during the bathing process. It slips over the Ostomy pouch and then air is taken out with a pump, which creates an airtight seal. It does take hand strength to get the sleeve initially into place and to release the airtight pressure for sleeve removal.
The sleeve does not allow for the use of a pouch during stoma function. So if someone has frequent stoma function then this product may not be a good fit. It is also uncertain how the sleeve will look underneath a swimsuit. For people that swim casually or are concerned about bathing, a pouch can withstand both those activities and can be dried with a hair dryer or a towel. Active water activities or long periods in a hot tub are situations when a sleeve may be needed.
Osto-EZ-Vent is a simplified plug for individuals to release gas buildup in their pouching system. It is a plug that is attached to the top of a pouch and is taped in place so that it lasts as long as the life of the pouch. There are no filters, just a simple open and close process. Security of the plug, if there is an abundance of pressure in the pouch, has not been established.
The comfy drive is a pad that slips over the seat belt if the seat belt rests on the stoma. Clothes should provide enough padding, but if there is additional concern, this pad can be added.
Colostomy care involves information about how to change, drain or clean the pouching system. You will learn about colostomy care before leaving the hospital.
How to empty the pouch?
First, wash your hands. Wear medical gloves.
You need to empty your pouch every four to six hours a day. It is recommended to empty the pouch when it is 1/3rd filled. Try not to fill the pouch. If your pouch is full it will cause pressure on the seal and it can lead to leakage. There is also the possibility that the pouch may get detach and the bowel content splash out.
First, hold the pouch from one end. Take away the clamps.
Roll the ends of the pouch. This will keep the edges clean.
Spread toilet paper on the toilet seat to avoid splashing. Then empty the bag in the toilet.
Unfold the ends of the bag. Use toilet paper or a moist towel for cleaning the ends.
Place the clamps again and close the end of the pouch.
How to change the colostomy bag?
The changing method depends on the type of your colostomy. The general method is given below:
You can consult your doctor about how many times you need to change the pouch. The kind of the system also decides the period for which you can wear it. Most of the pouch systems remain for3 to 7 days. The other type lasts for 1 to 3 months.
You should wash your hands and put on gloves.
In case of one-piece pouch:
Take off the pouch gently. You should put pressure on your skin downward and pull the skin barrier with the other hand.
Always use warm water for cleaning the stomal skin. You can even use soap. Avoid using soaps with oil. Let your skin dry or pat dries it.
Locate your new pouch over the stoma and press it gently so that it adheres with the cleaned and dried skin. It is advised to put pressure on the pouch for 30 seconds. The heat from your hands will enhance the adhesive skin barrier to fit properly.
You can discard or clean your old pouch. You must keep the pouch in another plastic bag before discarding it. If you are using a reusable pouch you can learn how to clean it and use it again.
You should use products that can reduce skin irritation.
Put off the gloves and wash your hands.
In case of two-piece pouch system:
First of all, remove the facet and the pouch.
Take off the pouch gently. You should put pressure on your skin downward and pull the skin barrier with the other hand.
Always use warm water for cleaning the stomal skin. You can even use soap. Avoid using soaps with oil. Let your skin dry or pat dries it.
Locate your new pouch over the stoma and press it gently so that it adheres with the cleaned and dried skin. It is advised to put pressure on the pouch for 30 seconds. The heat from your hands will enhance the adhesive skin barrier to fit properly.
You can discard or clean your old pouch. You must keep the pouch in another plastic bag before discarding it. If you are using a reusable pouch you can learn how to clean it and use it again.
You should use products that can reduce skin irritation.
How can I take care of my skin?
You should observe your stoma every time you change or empty your pouch. It should appear red and moist. You may observe some blood while cleaning your stoma. This is normal. You will notice that your stoma gets smaller after 8 weeks of the colostomy.
What diet changes are needed?
You should consume the foods that the digestive system cant digest easily for 6 to 8 weeks following the surgery. For instance meat, nuts, seeds, and raw veggies and fruits. You can continue the normal diet after 6 to 8 weeks.
You should avoid eating foods that cause cramps and diarrhea. When you resume these kinds of foods then start with the small amounts.
Lessen the odor and gas. Avoid using any straw for drinking. Eat-in portions and eat slowly. Some foods that cause odor and gas are:
Cabbage
Capsicum
Beans
Eggs
Fish
Some foods that help to reduce odor and gas are:
Parsley
Yogurt
Buttermilk
Drink more liquid. You need to drink extra glasses of water to avoid dehydration. You can consult with your doctor about the exact amount of water you need to drink throughout the day.
What are some risks related to Colostomy?
Stoma retraction: This is a condition when the stoma digs below the skin level. You may observe a retraction right after the surgery if the colon is not working or active. Weight gain can also lead to stomal retraction.
Peristomal hernia: It is a condition when a portion of the large intestine gets entangled and forms a bulge near the stoma. A hernia can be more visible when you sit, cough and lie. Hernia makes it hard to have proper irrigation or seal.
Prolapse: Prolapse is a condition when a portion of the bowel elongates out of the stoma. It may be caused by pressure caused in the abdomen. Surgery can be done to resolve the prolapse.
Stenosis: It is a condition when the stoma narrows down. Your surgeon might stretch the stoma if the stenosis is mild. In case of severe stenosis, the blockage might occur and you may need surgery.
When should I call my doctor?
• If you're experiencing a fever
• If you notice any changes in the size or colour of your stoma,
• You discover pills (medication) in your garbage.
• You have a rash or a red stoma.
• You've had diarrhoea or very loose bowel motions for more than 6 hours.
• You detect a strange odour that lasts longer than a week.
• Your excrement is dark or has blood in it.
• You're experiencing nausea and vomiting.
When should I call the emergency care center:.
• Bleeding from the stoma occurs on a regular basis.
• You are so weak that you can’t even stand on your feet
• You're getting a lot of stomach pains.
• Bowel contents are not flowing out via the stoma.
The Bottom Line
It is your right to have proper treatment and care. You must be aware about your medical health and condition. You should not apply this article in your daily life , it is just a piece of information.
Following the Ostomy, most of the patients complain about their stoma. There various issues related to the stoma. Most of these issues are not life-threatening and they can be cured by good take care and alterations in life. In this article, we will discuss some most common stomal issues.
Skin Problems around the stoma or Peristomal Skin Problems
Most of the ostomates complain about peristomal skin issues. Sore skin around the stoma not only leads to irritation but also causes difficulty in adhesion. It can also cause leaking which leads to an infection.
Waste leakage
Most people complain about pancaking. Pancaking is a term used when the waste accumulates at the top of the bag. This can cause uplifting of the bag and the waste come in contact with the skin. This can cause itching, soreness, and skin irritation. The waste produced as a result of ileostomy is very acidic; this is because the enzymes are not broken completely in the colon. These unbroken enzymes cause skin breakdowns if they touch the skin.
Adhesion Problems
Make sure that the incision or the cut on your stoma bag is the same size as your stoma. Most of the brands provide the stoma measurement guide that will help you to cut the exact shape. The incision or hole must attach to your skin properly. There should be no gaps. Ensure that your cat is not too small, or not too big that it snug into the stoma and cause bleeding,
You must measure your stomal size regularly. Gain and loss in your weight can also affect the stomal size. If you notice any kind of creases, folds, or gaps in your pouch, you must fill them to avoid any leakage. A stoma paste can be a very good option.
Skin allergies and irritation
Sometimes patients with stoma complain about irritation and allergic reaction near the pouch. This can cause rash under the pouch and leads to itching with the weeping skin. You can consult with your Ostomy nurse in this regard. Any kind of skin discomfort can affect the adhesion property of the Ostomy bag and cause leakage.
Stomal leakage can be due to the following reasons:
Improper adhesion of the pouch
Very fast and frequent bag filling
Loose output
Leaking Stoma
Most of the patients with Ostomy face leakage, but it not a thing to worry about until it becomes continuous. If your bag is filling quickly this means there is an issue in your diet or nerves, even stress can disturb your bowel movements.
How can you avoid stomal leakage?
If there is a continuous leakage then you must ensure that pouch has been fitted properly. Make completely sure that there are no creases or folds and the skin barrier fits properly around your stoma. In case if your stoma is flattened you can consult your doctor before using a convex flange. You will only be allowed to use a convex wafer if your Ostomy nurse or doctor allows you otherwise it may hurt the stoma.
Bleeding stoma
There are a lot of vessels especially blood vessels around the top of the stoma. These blood vessels are very fragile and can bleed easily. If you observe bleeding nearby the stoma that means your pouch has rubbed roughly against your stoma and this is nothing to worry about. The same is the case when you notice any bleeding around the edges.
How can you prevent stomal bleeding?
If you notice any internal bleeding or bleeding from inside of the stoma then you should contact your doctor without wasting any time. This can be due to intestinal bleeding. You can also consult with an Ostomy nurse in case of bleeding.
Retraction or Prolapsed
Mostly there is a stomal protrusion above the skin level. The length of the protrusion varies with the colostomy or ileostomy and the measurement of the bowel.
A retraction is a condition when the stoma gets flattened and is below the skin level. This retraction can cause issues such as sore skin and irritation.
Solution
This issue can be resolved by using a convex wafer that will aid in pushing the stoma upward. You can also use an Ostomy belt. And stoma paste is another good option. If there is something serious surgeon may consider remaking the stoma for you.
Prolapsed Stoma
A prolapse is a condition when there is an abnormal growth of the stoma that results in extreme elongation. This length can cause abrasion or infection. Most of the prolapse occurs after the colostomy. Other reasons include:
Rapid weight gain
Weak abdominal wall and muscles
Pregnancy
Surgical technique
Pressure caused in the bowel due to severe coughing
How to avoid prolapsed stoma?
You must observe your stomal size and color closely because if there is prolonged prolapse it can affect the blood supply to the stoma. It may also become difficult to pass out feces if there is an infection as a result of prolapse. If you observe that your stoma is pale in color than usual, then contact your healthcare center.
Peristomal Hernia
A peristomal hernia is a condition when the loops of your intestine lump through the feeble abdominal muscles and get behind the stoma. You can easily tell whether a hernia is present or through the hump or the bulge behind the stoma. Over time, this bulge will become bigger. Your bowel movements will become unpredictable and it can also cause diarrhea and constipation.
Major Symptoms:
In case of a large hernia, you might experience pain or dragging when the stoma becomes active.
Your skin might become sensitive, thinner and even break down while changing the bag.
You may observe ineffective irrigation
In case of severe hernia, the bowel becomes entangled and causes severe pain along with vomiting. In this regard, you must see your doctor immediately.
Solution
You can aid your peristomal hernia by using a stoma belt and specially designed underwear. Almost 70% of the patients with an Ostomy have chances to develop a hernia. But some precautions help to prevent this condition. You should not lift heavy weight not more than a kettle full of water, always hold your muscles (abdominal) when coughing and sneezing, wear support while doing exercise or heavy physical activities. Also, avoid gaining weight rapidly.
Stomal Blockage or obstruction:
Some people with older age complain about bowel obstruction. Bowel blockage or obstruction can be partial or complete. This can be due to some foods that are not digested completely. This condition can also occur as a result of any injury to the stoma that does not allow the feces to pass out.
Symptoms:
Severe abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Bulging hard abdomen
Solution
Some tips will help you to reduce the risk of these obstructions;
Stop eating solid food
Increase fluid intake
Taking warm fluids such as tea
Draw your knees to your chest and move side to side to remove any food blockage
In case of severe pain and frequent vomiting see your doctor without wasting any time.
A colostomy is a medical procedure in which any region of the large bowel (colon) is brought to the outside of the abdomen. The opening that Is created as a result of this procedure is termed a stoma. The waste from the bowel moves through this newly created path and is collected in a pouch that is placed over the stoma.
Why A Colostomy is needed?
Colostomies are mostly performed in case of any trauma, injuries, or deceased part of the large bowel or colon. Other situations in which a colostomy is required are mentioned below:
Typically, a temporary colostomy takes few weeks or several years. Another surgery is performed after the recovery of the colon, the stoma gets closed and the different parts of the colon rejoin again. After this second surgery, you will have normal bowel movements. In some cases, there are complexities and a colostomy lasts forever.
A permanent colostomy will stick to you for your whole life. In the cases when the surgeon needs to remove any part of the colon, a permanent colostomy is performed. In this situation, the colon is in very poor condition and its parts can’t work anymore.
What are different types of Colostomy?
Your surgeon will decide the type of colostomy you need after examining your health condition and reports. There are three main types of colostomy:
Ascending colostomy: The stoma is located on the right side of the belly. The bowel movement is mostly liquid and it passes through the stoma.
Transverse Colostomy: The stoma is located on the upper part of the abdomen in the middle or right side. The waste produced as a result is mostly soft and loose. In some cases, there are two stomas. One stoma is used for the removal of bowel movements and the other is used for the exit of mucus. This type is called loop colostomy.
Descending /Sigmoid Colostomy: The stoma is located on the inferior left side of the belly. The waste formed is hard and firm.
How can your surgeon help you?
First of all the Ostomy expert will explain to you the upcoming changes in your life. They will guide you about the Colostomy special products, how to change the stoma bag. They will also give several tips about daily activities such as showering, diet, and physical activities. You may consult with other people with a colostomy. It will be great if you come along with a family member or friend. So that they could also know about basic cares. Try to note down your queries before your every visit to the hospital.
Before few weeks of your surgery, you may need to act upon the following advices:
If you have been using any blood-thinning drugs then you must stop them. These drugs include NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Your Ostomy guide will also foretell you about any other drugs with the same effect.
You must see your surgeon before surgery. The surgeon will discuss with you the best location for the stoma. A surgeon marks the stomal area with a pen or marker. He or she will ask you to sit, stand and lie down with different postures so that any kind of leakage or skin issue can be avoided.
You may require taking antibiotics before the surgery. This antibiotic avoids any kind of infection.
You will be asked to stop eating any kind of solid food two to three days before the surgery; it will aid your colon to remain empty before the surgery. You can consult your doctor about diet. Usually, it is recommended not to eat raw veggies, meat, and pork.
You might be allowed to drink simple water a day before the surgery. Your doctor may advise an enema or laxative for the complete cleaning of the colon one night before the surgery.
What will happen during the surgery?
In the case of open surgery, a single large incision is made in the mid of your abdomen. In the case of laparoscopic surgery, three to four incisions are created in the abdomen. Then your abdomen will be filled with carbon dioxide (gas) with the help of laparoscopic tools. This gas helps in the uplifting of the nearby organs and abdominal muscles away from the colon. Your surgeon will cut through the muscles to the colon. The surgeon will carefully look for any injury or disease related to the colon.
Your colon will be cut off into further two parts. The surgeon might remove the diseased or any injured part of the colon. And one terminal of the colon will be brought to the opening created in the abdomen, stoma. And the other terminal might be closed permanently or in some cases, another stoma is created. In the case of two openings, a rod might be located under the stoma that will help the stoma to remain above the skin. The other incisions created during surgery are closed by the stitches or staples. The surgeon will attach an appliance called Ostomy bag over the stoma. The waste material passes through the stoma and will enter this bag.
In case, if your rectum and anus have been removed, it will leave a wound at your posterior. For this calamity, you can use pads and bandages to avoid drainage.
What happens following the surgery?
You will be under strict observation until you get conscious completely. You may need to remain in the hospital for 7 to 8 days. While your stay at the hospital you will know about all basic care. You will also be trained about how to use the Ostomy supplies.
What are common risks following a Colostomy?
Even though there is proper treatment. Some conditions will bring colostomy again, even though there is proper treatment. Any infection might attack you or there can be excessive bleeding. Your nerves or any other organ may get damaged during the surgery. The stoma may get blocked or narrower. There may occur any blood clot in your legs. It can be fatal.
A hernia is also among the risks of colostomy. In some cases, blood can’t reach stomal tissue leading to their death. There may be colon leakage due to the incisions and the fluid can enter your abdomen. This may be a reason for any fatal infection. Several surgeries are needed to resolve these kinds of issues.
The Bottom Line
You have a right to have proper treatment and care. You should consult your doctor before and after the surgery. You should have a follow-up about your health. You can get help from Ostomy experts about different Ostomy products and can choose the best one for you. The information provided above is just a general talk. A patient must not apply it in daily life. You need to talk to your surgeon, Ostomy nurse, or any related pharmacist.
An Ostomy is an opening in the stomach divider that is made carefully and it empowers your waste or pee to leave your body. It requires a great deal of exertion and time to be calm with an Ostomy.
Prior to leaving the medical clinic or following your medical procedure, there might be numerous inquiries yelling at you. Would you be able to return to work following a colostomy? Would you be able to ride on a bicycle after the ileostomy? Will everybody around notice your Ostomy sack and would realize that you had an ostomy?
Try not to freeze you can proceed with similar exercises yet for certain insurances, following the colostomy and other ostomy medical procedures.
You are permitted to eat everything following an ostomy:
Need to partake in your #1 food? In the event that your primary care physician has permitted beginning your ordinary eating routine, you can eat what you need. Yet, on account of ileostomy or colostomy, a few food sources may follow up on your stomach related framework in an unexpected way.
There are a few food varieties that can cause gas before the medical procedure actually like that there are chances that some particular food varieties may cause gas following the ostomy. If there should arise an occurrence of solid longings, you can have these food sources in a little amount or you can have them when you are not openly or at the working environment. It's nothing similar to that you can't eat them ever in your life.
In the event that you have no clue about that if a specific food will cause gas or not you can attempt it home, prior to attempting it openly. By utilizing this stunt you will burn through less time agonizing over the gas issues and live it up additional with your loved ones.
It is encouraged to bite food appropriately and drink a ton of water for the legitimate working of the inside framework.
On account of a urostomy, you might be worried about the smell of the urine. Food can increase the smell however it very well may be diminished by drinking a ton of water.
You will ready to proceed with your games following an ostomy:
You are permitted to partake in your game and other proactive tasks. In any case, the exercises ought not get any opportunities for wounds and contact with the ostomy. In case there are any odds for the injury you may foster the shots at opening or draining of your stoma.
Counsel your PCP before you begin lifting weighty burdens. It's encouraged to delay until the legitimate recuperating and recuperation of your stoma. Following the recuperation, you might be given a gadget that will help your mid-region while lifting the heap.
On the off chance that in case you are stressed that exercises like running and swimming will allow your ostomy to pack move and will make harm the stoma you can utilize ostomy belts or wrap to keep your pouching framework set up.
You are permitted to return to work:
It would require some investment in mending and recuperating from your ostomy, yet you would have the option to join your work in the end. You can ask your manager for quite a while unwinding.
On the off chance that in case you are a worker, and need to do a ton of lifting, the specialist will give you numerous advices for the assurance of the stoma.
Try not to freeze or don't get apprehensive. On the off chance that you will proceed with your work it will redirect your brain and will assist you with restarting an ordinary life disregarding the terrible encounters in your day to day existence.
You can choose who you should tell about your ostomy:
It's absolutely your decision that whom to tell about your ostomy. Clearly, you would tell individuals in your family and dear companions. These individuals may get upset subsequent to tuning in about your ostomy. Chatting with your #1 individual is a sort of treatment and it assists you with mending quickly.
Your partners may become inquisitive that where you have been for quite a while or why you have been in emergency clinic. Be ready for these sorts of inquiries. Consider a sensible answer on the off chance that you would prefer not to impart your ostomy to them.
To deal with your ostomy supplies, particularly, when you don't have an individual cabinet or storage you may have to tell any one individual around to have a few courses of action.
It's dependent upon you with whom you need to share this. However, with the progression of time when you will be quiet with an ostomy, you won't spare a moment to share about it.
You can conceal your ostomy:
Each time you look in the mirror you will see your ostomy pocket and you will envision that how it will glance out in the open and imagine a scenario in which everybody can hear the sound of your defecation.
Try not to fear this. Numerous individuals will not see it. With the spending years you will get simple with your ostomy and can oversee it so that no one can realize that you are wearing an ostomy pack.
A few hints for concealing the ostomy are:
•Get your pack depleted when it is just about 1/third filled. This will stay away from any sort of lump or overlap under your dress.
•Consult with your ostomy medical attendant to pick the best pouching framework
•Use ostomy antiperspirants if there should be an occurrence of keeping away from smell.
You can request any from your reliable companions that if they would feel the ostomy pack under your dress or then again in case there is any clamor. Regardless of these issues don't lose certainty and let yourself down.
You can wear garments with no restrictions
Need to wear your fortunate outfit? There is no issue with it. You can wear anything you desire. Be that as it may, some garments may uncover the reason behind stoma because of any swelling or lopsided skin so it is encouraged to wear tight garments. In any case, don't stress there are a few items in the market that hide your sack totally not giving a clue about the ostomy machines
You can go any place you need:
You need to make an arrangement before an outing. Yet, on the off chance that in case you are going via air you should convey extra ostomy supplies with you taken care of that you will convey constantly.
Attempt to counsel your PCP before your outing. Take a composed note from him about your ostomy. You can show this to the security at the air terminal and they will regard your protection.
You can take part in sexual movement:
You can take part in sexual movement following a medical procedure. It might require some investment to proceed with it because of the ostomy. Talk about the things with your accomplice. Clean your pocket. Seal the pocket appropriately. You can utilize ostomy belts or cummerbunds to hold your pocket set up.
The most stressing part for individuals is to impart their ostomy to the individual whom they are dating. A few groups quickly advise everything to their mates. Do what you feel is appropriate for your relationship.
Chat with others with an ostomy:
Attempt to team up with individuals who had gone through ostomies. They can assist you by imparting their encounters to various items and stunts. You can likewise find support to adapt to your feelings. Additionally, there are many care groups that you may join. You can discover numerous individuals like you in these gatherings and you will feel open to sharing your issues.
