Important Things to Know For Somone With An Stoma

An ostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening (stoma) on the abdomen to allow waste or urine to exit the body. Ostomies are often necessary for people who have conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or trauma to the digestive or urinary tract. For someone with an ostomy, it is important to understand how to properly care for their stoma and ostomy appliance to ensure their health and well-being.

Understanding Your Ostomy The first step in caring for your ostomy is to understand what type of ostomy you have. There are three main types: colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. A colostomy is created from the colon, a part of the large intestine. An ileostomy is created from the small intestine. A urostomy is created from the urinary tract. Each type of ostomy has its own unique characteristics and care requirements.

Caring for Your Stoma The stoma is the opening on the abdomen that allows waste or urine to exit the body. It is important to keep the stoma clean and dry to prevent infections or skin irritation. Cleaning the stoma should be done with mild soap and water, and drying it thoroughly with a soft cloth. It is also important to inspect the stoma regularly to look for any signs of irritation, bleeding, or discharge.

Caring for Your Ostomy Appliance The ostomy appliance is the device that collects waste or urine from the stoma. It is important to change the appliance regularly to prevent leaks and skin irritation. The frequency of changing the appliance will depend on factors such as the type of ostomy, the amount of output, and the type of appliance used. Some people may need to change their appliance daily, while others may only need to change it every few days. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for changing the appliance and to use the proper technique to ensure a secure fit.

Managing Leaks and Skin Irritation Leaks and skin irritation are common problems for people with ostomies. Leaks can occur when the ostomy appliance does not fit properly, when the stoma changes in size or shape, or when there is too much output. Skin irritation can occur when the skin is exposed to urine or fecal matter for prolonged periods of time. To manage leaks and skin irritation, it is important to use a properly fitting ostomy appliance and to change the appliance regularly. Skin barriers and ostomy powders can also be used to protect the skin and prevent irritation.

Odor from your ostomy or ostomy appliance is not unusual. It affects some more than others and it also depends on the type of ostomy (urostomy, ileostomy, and colostomy) as well as the types of foods ingested.  To some degree everyone experiences stool odor when having a bowel movement and even urine can have an odor. Deodorants to manage stool and flatulence odor are many and include those that go into the pouch and one that is ingested. Some popular ones are: Devrom and many types of liquid drop/tablets to go into the pouch.

Diet and Hydration For people with ostomies, it is important to follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated to prevent complications such as constipation or dehydration. The type of diet and fluid intake will depend on the type of ostomy. For example, people with a colostomy may need to avoid foods that can cause blockages, such as nuts or popcorn, while people with an ileostomy may need to increase their fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Daily Activities Having an ostomy does not mean that you cannot live an active and fulfilling life. However, it is important to be mindful of your ostomy when engaging in certain activities. For example, contact sports or activities that involve a lot of bending or twisting may require extra protection for the ostomy appliance. You may consider some type of ostomy support belt. It is also important to have a plan in place for emergencies, such as carrying extra supplies or knowing where to find a restroom.

Working with Your Healthcare Provider Finally, it is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage any complications or concerns related to your ostomy. Your healthcare provider can help you select the right type of ostomy appliance, provide guidance on how to care for your stoma and more.