Living A Different Life With Ostomy Appliance

By Sharron Cantu


Ostomy is a medical surgery that creates an opening in the abdomen, making a new passageway of waste products of the body. The one that surrounds the opening is called stoma. It is where the ostomy appliance is attached.

This appliance can be called a bag or pouch. It will drain the bowel movement products or urine. This pouch is made to be convenient in a form of lightweight, thin and made to seal the unpleasant odor of waste products. With this the stoma will be covered and protected to lessen possible complications.

To prevent complications and infections you need to take care of the stoma, as well as the appliance attached to it. Taking care of this thing needs special attention and extra effort especially if you are just new to it. It will really take time to be comfortable with this attached to you.

When you clean this, arrange all things you will be needing to save time and effort. Clear the pouch and wash it away in the toilet. Cleanse the stoma first and then the skin that surrounds it. You may use clean cotton swabs soaked in warm water. If you like to have soap, use mild, hypoallergenic soaps to less the chances of irritating your skin. Rinse it with water and pat it dry. Remember to keep everything dry before applying a new bag or pouch. A skin cream is suggested to provide comfort for your skin.

Do not forget to measure and check the size of it when replacing new one. A guide in measuring is included in a box. Check if there is a presence of swelling. The size and appearance of your stoma may be affected if it is swollen. Normally, when you touch it, you will notice some bleeding. But if you will notice unusualities like in its size, shape and discoloration have it check with your physician. The bag replacing can be in 3 to 7 days or as needed.

Adhesive wafer attachment can sometimes be irritating. You can apply some skin gel to avoid the skin irritation before you apply the adhesive wafer. Without irritating it, place the wafer properly and well fitted. It should be located in the center. Clip the bottom and seal it in place.

Disposing it is just like disposing a normal household waste. Unpack and clear your bag, and flush it to the toilet. Throw everything but the clip. The can be used, always as long as it is clean. But there are also available that are easier to use. They are drainable type.

Points for better life, take less or avoid taking in some food during the night to minimize your output. Place a towel when changing to catch the waste. Pay close attention to your physician as he give you some special instructions.

You may be living differently. It can be unbearable during the first few days or weeks, but you can get used to it. You can have a life, but different from others. It may be different, but it is not a hindrance to get a life back.




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