Ostomy Appliance Care At Home

By Sharron Cantu


When life gets tough and you cannot find a way out that is the time you need an opening. An opening called stoma is made to be the pathway of the waste products. Waste products could harm the body when it stays longer. A medical surgery named ostomy is preformed for this to happen and ostomy appliance will be placed.

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.

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.

Replace it as needed. Usually three to seven days. Everytime you replace the it check and measure the diameter of the stoma. There is a measuring guide in the appliance kit. Also, check for edema. Edema can affect its size. A little bleeding is normal when touching it but, you have to report to a health care professional if there is unusual discoloration, shape and size.

Before attaching the adhesive wafer, apply some skin cream around it. Have a few minutes to allow your skin to absorb the cream. When placing the wafer, make sure it fits well without irritating the skin around it. The stoma is placed in the center of the hole. It should be firmly pressed and no wrinkles. Seal the wafer gently, clip the pouch in the bottom. Always make sure it is 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.

After your surgery, you might say you will not going to enjoy it. Yes, it will be different living with this, but it should not hinder you from doing the usual things you do. You are not alone. There are many people like you who got their life back even with an extra baggage.




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