What is Ostomy Care: A Friendly Guide

Did you know over 100,000 ostomy surgeries happen every year in the U.S.? These surgeries change lives. If you’re new to ostomy care or want to improve your routine, this friendly guide, “What is Ostomy Care,” is for you. We’ll cover daily care, handling problems, and more. Our goal is to make you feel sure about your ostomy journey. If you or someone close to you is facing it, learning about ostomy care can assist in a good recovery and better life quality.

Ostomy care is about caring for a surgically made opening called a stoma, which lets waste leave the body. This guide will help you understand your stoma and pick the right ostomy pouch. You’ll also learn how to keep the skin around the stoma healthy and adjust to life with an ostomy.

If you’re new to ostomy care or want to improve your routine, this guide is for you. We’ll cover daily care, handling problems, and more. Our goal is to make you feel sure about your ostomy journey.

Understanding Ostomy Surgery

Ostomy surgery makes a new way for waste to leave your body. It involves making an opening in your abdomen called a stoma. It’s important to know about ostomy types and stoma care for your recovery and well-being.

Types of Ostomies

There are two main types of ostomies: colostomy and ileostomy. A colostomy is related to the colon, while an ileostomy is associated with the small intestine. Each type needs its own care and management.

Ostomy Type	Involved Organ	Output Characteristics
Colostomy	Large intestine (colon)	Formed stool
Ileostomy	Small intestine	Liquid or semi-liquid output

Reasons for Ostomy Surgery

Ostomy surgery may be needed for conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases, injuries, or cancer. Your doctor will explain why this procedure is proper for you.

The Stoma: Your New Opening

Your stoma is a pink or red opening on your abdomen. It can be round or oval and might stick out a bit. The stoma is delicate and might bleed a little when you clean it. Taking good care of your stoma is key to avoiding skin irritation from waste.

After surgery, you’ll need to manage your ostomy output. At first, it can be up to 1.5 liters a day. The aim is to keep the output between 800 and 1,200 ml in 24 hours. You’ll usually empty your pouch 4-5 times a day. These pouches are meant to last 3-7 days before you need a new one.

Follow-up care is critical. Attend all your appointments and learn how to care for your stoma. This will help you stay healthy and comfortable with your new ostomy.

Your Ostomy Care Team

After ostomy surgery, you’ll have a dedicated healthcare team to support you. This team is key to your recovery and managing your ostomy well.

Role of the Gastroenterologist

Your gastroenterologist is crucial in determining whether you need an ostomy. They work with surgeons to pick the best treatment. After surgery, they monitor your digestive health and adjust your medications as needed.

Importance of Ostomy Management Specialists

Ostomy Management Specialists (OMS) are experts in caring for ostomies. They advise choosing the right appliances, skincare, and adjusting your lifestyle. OMS professionals make sure you’re comfortable with your ostomy and prevent problems.

Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Care Nurses

WOC nurses are crucial to your healthcare team. They offer complete care for wounds, ostomies, and continence issues. They teach you how to care for your ostomy, answer questions, and discuss skin health near your stoma.

• Educate on proper appliance use.
• Offer guidance on skincare.
• Help manage potential complications.
• Provide emotional support

Your ostomy care team works together to give you the best care. They support you from the start of your surgery to managing your ostomy long-term.

What is Ostomy Care

Ostomy care is key to living well with a stoma. It means doing daily tasks to keep your stoma healthy. This includes changing your pouch, cleaning the stoma, and caring for the surrounding skin.

Stoma care helps prevent problems and keeps you comfortable. Depending on your system, you’ll learn to empty and replace your ostomy bag. Drainable pouches last for days, while closed ones are changed after each use.

Keeping the skin around your stoma clean and dry is crucial to preventing irritation or infection. You’ll use special barriers and adhesives to protect your skin and keep your appliance in place.

Knowing about the different ostomy systems is important for good care:

System Type	Description	Usage
One-piece system	Pouch and skin barrier combined	Changed completely each time
Two-piece system	Separate pouch and skin barrier	Barrier changed less frequently
Drainable pouch	Can be emptied without removal	Used for 3-5 days
Closed pouch	Typically, for solid stool	Typically for solid stool

Your ostomy care routine may change over time. It’s important to check your stoma and skin often and adjust your care as needed. You can keep your stoma healthy and live a good life with the right care.

Post-Operative Recovery and Tips

Recovering from ostomy surgery takes time and patience. The typical recovery period lasts about eight weeks. During this time, you’ll learn how to manage your ostomy output. Let’s look at some important tips for post-surgery care.

Managing Output Levels

Right after surgery, your ostomy output might be high, up to 1.5 liters daily. It’s essential to watch and manage this output well. Keep track of how much you output and when to share with your healthcare team.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking enough fluids is key after surgery. With more output, you could get dehydrated. Drink lots of fluids with electrolytes. Your doctor might suggest special drinks to keep your fluids balanced.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Some discomfort is normal, but some signs need quick action. Call your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Sudden decreases in ostomy output
• Signs of obstruction (severe cramping, nausea)
• Persistent pain
• New protrusions around the stoma

Recovery is a step-by-step process. Most people stay in the hospital for 3-10 days after surgery. To prevent hernias, avoid heavy lifting at home for eight weeks. Short walks can help you get stronger. With your doctor’s advice, you can start driving again after 6-8 weeks.

Looking after your stoma is crucial. Check the size of your stoma every week, as it may change in the first 6-8 weeks. This helps ensure your pouch fits right, making you more comfortable and confident. Your ostomy nurse is there to help you during this time.

Caring for Your Ostomy

Proper care is crucial for a comfortable life with a stoma. Your routine includes changing your ostomy appliance, cleaning the stoma, and protecting the skin. Let’s explore the basics of caring for your ostomy.

Begin by collecting your supplies. You’ll need a new ostomy appliance, a skin barrier, warm water, and a soft cleaning cloth. Empty your pouch from 1/3 to 1/2 full to avoid leaks and bad smells.

To change your appliance, gently remove the old one. Clean your stoma with warm water, not harsh soaps or oils. Dry the area with a soft cloth. Then, apply a new skin barrier to protect the skin around your stoma.

• Measure your stoma regularly, as its size may change
• Cut the new appliance to fit your stoma’s exact shape
• Apply the new ostomy appliance, ensuring a snug fit
• Change your appliance every 4-7 days or as needed

Watch for signs of skin irritation or changes in your stoma’s look. Call your healthcare provider if you see redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. Proper care prevents complications and keeps you comfortable.

“Ostomy care is your path to independence and a fulfilling life. With practice, it becomes second nature.”

Stick to a regular care routine. This keeps your skin healthy and prevents leaks. Keep enough ostomy products on hand for 3-4 weeks. Caring for your ostomy will get easier with time and practice, letting you live your best life.

Living with an Ostomy: Day-to-Day Life

Living with an ostomy changes your life, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do what you love. With some smart changes, you can still live fully.

Diet and Nutrition

Your diet after an ostomy is vital to staying healthy. If you had certain surgery, avoid high-fiber foods that could block your ostomy. For a urostomy, drink lots of water every day.

Physical Activity and Exercise

Your ostomy shouldn’t stop you from being active. You can do many exercises, such as biking, swimming, jogging, and even climbing mountains. Just empty your pouch first and drink water during your workout.

Clothing Considerations

With ostomy-friendly clothes, there’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort. Modern pouches are discreet and fit under many clothes. You can find special underwear for comfort and support, so your wardrobe can stay the same.

Living with an ostomy means making some changes, but it doesn’t define you. You can live a full, active life with the right approach to diet, exercise, and clothes.

Ostomy Appliances and Supplies

Ostomy care requires special equipment to manage your stoma well. It’s important to know about different ostomy pouches and accessories. This knowledge helps keep you comfortable and confident every day.

Types of Pouching Systems

There are two main types of pouching systems: one-piece and two-piece. One-piece systems combine the skin barrier and pouch. Two-piece systems let you change the pouch without removing the skin barrier. Depending on your needs, you can choose between drainable or closed-end pouches.

Skin Barriers and Adhesives

Skin barriers shield the area around your stoma from irritation. They are available in standard, extended wear, and infused types. Picking the right skin barrier is key to avoiding leaks and keeping your skin healthy.

Accessory Products

Ostomy accessories make life easier and more secure. They include:

• Barrier rings for extra protection
• Adhesive removers for easy pouch changes
• Ostomy belts for extra support

Product	Function	Replacement Frequency
Pouching System	Collects effluent	Every 4-7 days
Skin Barrier	Protects peristomal skin	With pouch change
Ostomy Belt	Provides additional support	As needed

Always empty your ostomy pouch when it’s a quarter to half full. Things like sweating, heat, and being active can change how long your pouch lasts. Keep extra supplies ready to be prepared for anything.

Changing Your Ostomy Appliance

Changing your ostomy pouch is key to good ostomy care. You should change it every 2 to 4 days, or as your nurse tells you. This includes removing the appliance, cleaning the skin, and putting on a new pouch.

• New ostomy pouch (1-piece or 2-piece system)
• Adhesive remover
• Skin protector
• Warm water and soap
• Towel
• Scissors

Start by washing your hands well. Empty your current pouch when it’s about 1/3 full. To remove the appliance, gently push down on your skin while peeling back the barrier. Use adhesive remover if needed.

Then, clean the skin. Use warm water and mild soap to clean the stoma and surrounding area. Don’t use harsh soaps or oils. Dry the area with a soft towel. Apply a skin protector to prevent irritation.

Measure your stoma and cut the new wafer to fit. Apply stomahesive paste around the opening for a better seal. Carefully place the new pouch over your stoma, making sure it’s in the middle. Press gently to secure it in place.

Step	Action
1	Gather supplies
2	Wash hands
3	Remove old pouch
4	Clean stoma area
5	Apply new pouch

Remember, a little bleeding when cleaning is normal. But, if you see unusual changes in your stoma’s look or output, call your nurse. With time, you’ll get better at changing your ostomy pouch.

Skincare and Preventing Complications

Keeping your peristomal skin healthy is key to your comfort and health with an ostomy. Your skin around the stoma should look like the skin elsewhere on your abdomen. Let’s look at how to keep it healthy and handle common problems.

Maintaining Healthy Peristomal Skin

Start with a good cleaning routine for effective ostomy skin protection. Use warm water and a soft paper towel to clean the area. Don’t use soaps with oils or baby wipes, as they can affect the pouch’s stickiness. The stoma itself doesn’t need cleaning like the skin around it.

Change your pouching system 1-2 times a week or if you see leaks. Healthy skin shouldn’t hurt, itch, or look red or darker. If you see these signs, check your skincare routine.

Addressing Common Skin Issues

Skin problems can happen, but many can be prevented with the right care. If you see redness, irritation, or rashes, deal with them quickly. Using protective skin barriers can stop irritation and keep your skin strong.

Skin Issue	Possible Cause	Prevention
Redness	Frequent pouch changes	Use skin barrier wipes
Irritation	Leakage	Ensure proper pouch fit
Fungal infection	Moisture buildup	Keep skin dry, use antifungal powder

When to Seek Professional Help

Some skin issues can be fixed at home, but others need a pro’s help. Get help if you have ongoing skin problems, frequent leaks, or changes in your stoma’s look. A wound, ostomy, and continence care nurse can offer expert advice for complex skin care needs.

Managing Odor and Leaks

Managing ostomy odor and preventing leaks is key to feeling good and confident. A pouching system that fits well is crucial. Here are some tips to help you stay fresh and secure.

For leak prevention, it’s important to have a pouch that fits your stoma well. Make sure to empty your pouch one to three times a day, based on how much you drink. This helps control odors and stops leaks by avoiding overfilling.

To control odors, use FDA-approved pouch deodorants. They come in scented and unscented options. The Hollister® m9™ Odor Eliminator Spray is great for masking smells when you empty your pouch. Some people also use oral medications like Devrom to reduce odors from stool and gas.

What you eat can affect odor levels. Some foods make gas and smells worse:

• Asparagus
• Apples
• Dairy products
• Beans
• Onions
• Cabbage

To prevent leaks, use top-quality medical-grade supplies. This includes pouches, flanges, stoma powder, and skin prep items. Pouches with filters that reduce odors can also help prevent leaks.

Ostomy Care Tips	Benefits
Regular pouch emptying	Reduces odor and leak risks
Using deodorant products	Minimizes offensive smells
Proper diet management	Decreases gas and strong odors
Quality pouching system	Improves fit and reduces leaks

If you have ongoing odor or leak problems, it might mean your pouching system needs help. Don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider or an ostomy care specialist for advice and support.

Emotional Health and Support

Living with an ostomy can be tough, but you’re not alone. Many people feel a mix of relief and distress after surgery. It’s key to talk about these feelings and find support to improve your life.

Coping with Body Image Changes

About two-thirds of people with ostomies feel their body image drops after surgery. This can hurt your self-esteem and confidence. It’s okay to feel this way. Focus on how your ostomy saves your life and give yourself time to get used to it.

Talking to a therapist or joining ostomy support groups can help. These groups offer a safe place to share stories and learn from others who get what you’re going through.

Finding Support Groups and Resources

The United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) has around 300 support groups across the U.S. You can find a group near you or join online using their Support Group Finder. These groups are great for sharing experiences and learning from others who are on a similar path.

Intimacy and Relationships

Many people worry about intimacy and relationships with an ostomy. Talking openly with your partner is crucial. For those who are single, telling someone new about your ostomy might seem hard. But, many people have happy relationships after surgery.

If you’re finding it hard, talk to your doctor or a counselor. They can offer guidance and support.

What is Ostomy Care? FAQs