Where To Buy Ostomy Bags
An ostomy is a surgery that makes a temporary or permanent opening in the skin called a stoma. A stoma is a pathway from an internal organ to the outside of your abdomen. A colostomy starts in the large intestine, and an ileostomy starts in the small intestine. They both help solid waste and gas exit the body without passing through the rectum. A urostomy helps urine leave the body without passing through the bladder. In all ostomies, the waste is usually collected in a pouch worn on the outside of your body.
where to buy ostomy bags
Most people who need a cancer-related colostomy or ileostomy only need it for a few months while the small or large intestine heals. But some people may need a permanent ostomy. A urostomy is typically a permanent surgery and cannot be reversed.
If you need help finding or ordering products, ask your health care team for help. For example, an ostomy nurse can explain the different types of ostomy pouches that are available and help you find the one that is right for you.
Clothing. You should be able to wear the same type of clothes you wore before the ostomy. Pouches are designed to blend in and fit close to the body. They also have an odor-barrier film that traps bad smell. The smell only releases when the ostomy pouch is being emptied. You can find specialized clothes online that can make you feel more comfortable. For example, you can buy underwear and wraps that can hold your ostomy bag.
Bathing. You will need to keep the skin around the ostomy clean and dry. Avoid applying products that contain alcohol as they can cause dry skin. Do not use skin products made with oil. They will make it difficult for the pouch to stay attached. If you have hair on the skin surrounding the ostomy, you may need to keep it shaved so the pouch will stick. Talk with your health care team about any special bathing considerations for your ostomy.
Diet. With a colostomy or ileostomy, you will not be able to control when stool and gas move into the pouch. Amounts of stool and gas that go into the pouch will vary based on the type of ostomy and your diet. Avoid foods that commonly cause gas. These include beans, cabbage, onions, and spicy foods. Some foods can cause cramping or may be difficult to pass through an ostomy if they are not chewed well. These include nuts, popcorn, and corn. Also, be aware of which foods may cause diarrhea or constipation. It is important that you stay hydrated, especially if you have an ileostomy, because stool is usually more watery.
Medications. Some medications that are taken by mouth may not be as effective in people with a colostomy or ileostomy. This is because the medications take longer to absorb. A liquid medication can be absorbed faster and may work better.
Avoiding accidents. You will need to empty your ostomy bag several times throughout the day. It is best to empty the bag when it is less than half full. Keep your ostomy supplies with you at all times. They can help in case of a leak or other issue. Learn how to plan your meals and fluid intake to cut down on the output of your ostomy ahead of a big or lengthy event. This may include a long work meeting or car or plane trip.
During cancer treatment. Some people with cancer may need an ostomy while they are receiving other cancer treatments. You may need help caring for your ostomy if you are too tired or sick after a treatment. If you are receiving radiation therapy in the area of your ostomy, you may need to remove the pouch during treatment. Radiation therapy may also cause skin changes near your ostomy. Ask your health care team about any special precautions you should take to care for your ostomy during cancer treatment.
Emotional support. Some people may feel depressed or embarrassed because of the ostomy. Consider finding a support group of people with ostomies. These relationships may help answer your questions and provide emotional support. Also consider counseling if you are struggling to cope with changes to your body.
In some cases, after the surgeon removes a portion of the colon, it may be necessary to attach the remaining colon to the outside of the body in a procedure called colostomy. Creating a hole (stoma) in the abdominal wall allows waste to leave the body. A colostomy bag attaches to the stoma to collect the waste.
Many questions may run through your mind as you plan your first ventures outside of your home. Can you go back to work after colostomy? Can you ride your bike if you have an ileostomy? Will everyone figure out you've had urostomy surgery just by looking at you?
Have a favorite dish? If you've been given the OK from your doctor to resume your regular diet, eat what you like. If you have a colostomy or ileostomy, you'll find that various foods affect your digestive tract differently.
Unless your favorite hobby is a contact sport with lots of potential for injury, you'll be free to go back to the activities you enjoy after you heal from ostomy surgery. The main danger is injury to the opening where waste or urine leaves your body (stoma), which means rough sports may be out.
Check with your doctor before you begin lifting weights after your surgery. You may need to wait for your surgical incision to heal before lifting weights, to reduce your risk of complications. Once you're fully healed, your doctor or an ostomy nurse might recommend a device to support your abdomen when lifting weights.
If you're nervous that running, swimming or other athletic activity will loosen your ostomy bag and cause a leak, use a special belt or binder to hold your ostomy bag in place. Check with your local medical supply store or look online for specialty products for active people with ostomies.
You'll need time after your surgery to heal and recover, but you can eventually go back to work. You might choose to ease back into work or talk with your employer about a limited schedule until you feel more confident with your ostomy.
It's up to you to decide who to tell about your ostomy surgery. It may make sense to tell the people closest to you. These people may be worried about your recovery, and explaining your ostomy may ease their fears. Talking with loved ones is also a healthy way to cope with your emotions.
Acquaintances may be curious about why you've been away from work or know that you were in the hospital and ask about your illness. Think ahead about what to say when questions arise. You could say you've had abdominal surgery or use another basic description without going into details if you're uncomfortable discussing your ostomy with people you don't know well.
Other people will need to know about your ostomy for practical purposes. If you don't have a desk or locker at work to store extra ostomy supplies, for instance, you might need to reveal some details of your ostomy to someone at work so that such arrangements can be made.
Some people keep their ostomy surgery private, and others prefer to tell anyone who asks. Who you tell is up to you, but you may find you're more willing to discuss the details as you become more comfortable caring for your ostomy.
To you, the ostomy bag attached to you is very obvious. When you look in the mirror, you notice the bag under your clothes. You might think every gurgle and noise coming from your stoma is loud and heard by everyone in the room.
Most people won't notice your ostomy unless you tell them about it. As you get used to your ostomy, you'll figure out tips and ways to keep the bag concealed and the noises to a minimum. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Ask a close friend or loved one whose opinion you trust whether your ostomy bag is visible under your clothes or if the sounds your ostomy makes are as loud as you think they are. Everyone's body makes noises and produces odors from time to time. While it can be embarrassing, don't let a fear of what could go wrong keep you from going about your day.
No clothing is off-limits if you have an ostomy. However, your individual body contour and your stoma's location may make some clothes less comfortable. For instance, tight waistbands or belts might feel restrictive over your stoma. Be open to experimenting with different styles of clothes.
It will take some pre-trip planning, but having an ostomy shouldn't prevent you from traveling. If you'll be traveling by airplane, bring extra ostomy supplies and pack them in both your carry-on and checked bags.
You'll need time to recover after surgery. And depending on what type of ostomy surgery you have, you may experience some temporary sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness. But sexual intimacy can continue after you have an ostomy.
If you feel less attractive with your ostomy, take your return to intimacy slowly. Maybe you aren't ready to have sex right away. Discuss this with your partner. Suggest starting with touching and kissing. Your partner can help make you feel more comfortable and reassure you that you are just as attractive with an ostomy.
Take steps before intimacy to feel more confident. Empty and clean your ostomy pouch. Check the seal to make sure it's tight. Use an opaque pouch or try a pouch cover. Lingerie and cummerbunds made to conceal a pouch or hold it in place are available from specialty retailers. Ask your ostomy nurse about companies that sell these products.
Certain aspects of sex may change with an ostomy. You might find that some sexual positions put pressure on your ostomy and are uncomfortable. Experiment with new positions, such as lying on your side.
People with ostomies who are dating often worry about when to tell new companions about their ostomies. That's up to you. Some people feel more comfortable getting it out in the open right away, while others want to get to know and trust a potential partner first. Do what feels right for you. Know that rejection is possible, and give a new partner time to consider what an ostomy means to your relationship. Answer questions openly and honestly. 041b061a72