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 is a bag or pouch that collects the waste products. This bag is light, thin and odorproof. This will serve as a protection and a cover to the stoma to prevent further complications.

To avoid unnecessary problems you have to look closely at it. Take it on step at a time, particularly to those who are first timers. I may be unbearable at first.

In cleaning you will need to be patient. Prepare all the things needed beforehand. Remove and empty the bag. Flush the waste products right away. Clean it and the skin around the area with a washcloth and warm water. If you desire to use soap, use the mild one. Remove the soap by rinsing. Pat it dry. Make sure it is dry. The skin around should also be dry before attaching a new one to avoid irritation. Provide extra skin care.

Usually it is advised to change it every three to seven days or as you need it. Do not forget to have it measured by the measuring guide in the kit every time you apply new one. Examine for its discoloration, size and shape. Inspect if there are edema or swelling present in the stoma. Edema can greatly affect the appearance of your stoma and it may indicate infection. If you found any, report it immediately and have it checked by the doctor.

Apply some skin ointment or gel for comfort. There are times your skin can be irritated by the wafer adhesive. Make it sure it is placed in the center of the hole and very well fitted. Clip it gently in place and seal it.

Waste management is not that complicated, so do not make your life difficult. Flush the waste products in the toilet when you empty it. Throw everything except for the clip. You can still use it. Throw it just like how you throw your garbage at home. But there are also some types of pouches that can lessen your burden of throwing and throwing many. This type is the drainable one.

For some tips, do not eat late at night before replacing your ostomy bag to have lesser output. When changing ostomy pouches or bags have an old towel or paper towel to catch some waste from the stoma. Always follow and listen to the instructions of your health care provider.

Living with it for the first time may be very difficult. But that does not mean you are not going to have a life. Most patients like you were able to enjoy after surgery and lived normally.




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