Taking Care of Your Skin When You Have A Stoma

When you have a stoma put in, it’s important to monitor the skin that sits around it. The last thing you want to deal with is any type of rash or other ailments because of the symptoms that will be caused by having to go through this process. You will have to look at the situation daily and decide what type of products would help in keeping your skin from having problems. The less irritating things are for you, the better off you will be. The best way to go about dealing with this issue is to get wise advice to keep it from happening to start with. However, if you do find yourself dealing with irritating skin around the stoma, you need to stop the problem in its tracks. 

Checking Your Skin Daily

It’s always a good idea to check your skin that daily when you change the pouch to your stoma. This will give you an early advantage to making sure that area is clean to keep any infections away. Always check the wafer and the flange. Check to make sure no leaks are happening when it comes to the flange. What takes place is that sometimes it will leak directly behind the wafer and that stomal contents will get on your skin. That will irritate you if it’s not checked daily.

Change Your Pouch Correctly Everyday

It takes discipline to make sure that the pouch is put on correctly each time to avoid any leaks at all. When you check to make sure that your pouch is put in right every time, this helps to avoid unnecessary skin irritations from the stomal contents. You know that you have to check that there are no leaks or possibly other problems that may arise from not having your pouch put in the right way. Make sure that when you do change the pouch that your skin is dry. Do get rid of any old adhesive tape that may be still stuck to your skin. That will cause a problem. Some products can be used to get rid of the adhesive tape that is left behind and any other problem that arises with your skin. When checking out these products, make sure that if you have sensitive skin that they will not cause irritation. You don’t want to be itching from stomal contents and products that are supposed to help. 

Get Checked Out By A Physician 

If you do find yourself with skin issues because of your stoma and the products won't work to solve it, you should go see your primary doctor immediately. Don’t wait until things get worse because you could have an infection to set in and not know it. Let your doctor treat the area with medications that will stop the irritation on its tracks. 

No one likes dealing with a stoma, but keeping your skin clean will keep it from being unbearable. After all, you want to get through this and stay infection-free. In the long run, your skin will be very healthy. 

Colostomy Done Right

There are a few different types of colostomy bags that are listed below along with how to clean and take care of your colostomy bag. You will learn the proper care while bathing. 

Different types of Colostomy:

1. Descending Colostomy: The surgical opening is brought to the surface on the side of the abdomen
2. Sigmoidostomy: This type is located in the sigmoid colon
3. Transverse Colostomy: Located in the upper abdomen on the right side
4. Cecostomy: For temporary relief of an obstruction in the intestine. This is for people who cannot withstand a major surgery.
5. Ascending Colostomy: It is on the right side in the asscending colon.

Can you get it wet?

Yes you can but you will need to know the location so you know the best way to bathe with your colostomy bag. When you bathe you can take the colostomy bag off or leave it on. It is up to each individual preference. You can swim, bathe and even get in a hot tub if you want. It is best to empty the pouch when you do any of these activities. If you choose to bathe without the pouch, stool or urine make leak out. It is best to use a gentle spray as to not hurt your stoma and will not go inside you. Do not let it hit your stoma if the water pressure is strong. New pouch systems are usually waterproof and the wafers can stick better when warm water sprays on it. They will let you know how to take care of the skin where the adhesive is attached to your skin. They can also talk with you about other pouches that might work better for you.


How to dry the pouching system:

The drying time and the way you dry the pouch will be determined by the system you have. If you have uncovered bags with no border tape you will need to dry the system with a towel. With systems that use border tape you can use a hair dryer on cool or use a towel. They do make pouch covers you can use to keep it dry. You can use plastic wrap or apron to keep it dry. Modern equipment dries quick and will not be affected by water.

On pouch changing day, remove the pouch before you bathe. Do not use any moisturizer because this will cause the adhesive to not stick well to your skin well enough. Do not let really hot water hit you colostomy equipment.

Many people worry about how to care for their system. There are some skin conditions that can occur which include abrasions, infections and contact dermatitis. They do make some products to care for your skin to prevent irritation. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor if you have any problems. The doctor can help you decide which systems to use and the skin care products that will help the most. It can worrisome, but with the right products, it should be fairly easy.

 

Pre-cut Ostomy Systems

A pre-cut ostomy system is a pouch with an already cut out opening made to fit the size of the stoma. The pre-cut ostomy system is ideal for patients with around stoma shape. It is available in two types;

a) The flat pouching system
This system is suitable for patients with protruding stomas that are at least an inch long. It lies flat on the skin around the stoma.

b) The convex pouching system

This system extends towards the stoma and is ideal for flat, small, or inverted stoma shapes. This system has a skin barrier or a ring that curves outwards against the skin. The outward curve presses down on the skin and causes the patient’s stoma to stick out and empty into the pouching system.

Types of Convex Products

It is one of the best ostomy systems is the pre-cut convex. It prevents leaking and manages flat or retracted stomas to make up for irregular peristomal planes such as creases or folds. There are different types of convex products;
• Cut-to-fit convex: one or two-piece pouching system allows the patient to cut the opening in the skin barrier to fit the stoma. It is recommended for stomas that are not round.
• Convex insert: they are pre-sized plastic rings used in the flange of a flat two-piece pouching system.
• Precut convex: this is a one or two-piece pouching system that has openings in the skin barrier.
• Faceplate: it is reusable with built-in convexity.
• Ostomy belts and binders: these products are used to give extra patient support.
• Barrier strips or rings: they can be designed into different shapes and sizes.
• Custom-made convex product: this is a product with a built-in convexity custom made for a patient.

Measuring the Stoma

It is essential to measure the stoma to determine the correct size of the stomal opening in an ostomy system. The ostomy opening must be large enough to cover the peristomal skin and to avoid trauma to the stoma. The stoma should be measured at least once a week because it shrinks within 6 to 8 weeks. 

Convex flanges can cause injury if the patient wears or exact or constricting size. Pre-cut convex flanges are ineffective in situations such as flat or retracted stomas and loop ostomy surgical procedures. A loop ostomy can cause stoma prolapse. They are also ineffective if the peristomal skin has wrinkles and creases, uneven surgical scars, and peristomal pressure wounds. It is also not recommended for stomas that change with posture and for patients with flabby abdomens. These factors are contraindicated for pre-cut flat ostomy flanges. A convex flange should not be used on a peristomal hernia. The convex flange can exert pressure on the hernia, increasing the risk of strangulation.

An appropriate pouch system must be selected and fitted to the stoma. Patients with flat, firm abdomens can use flexible systems bordered with paper tape or full skin barrier wafer pouch systems. Patients must use flexible systems for firm abdomens with lateral creases or folds. Those with deep creases, retraced stoma, flabby abdomens, or concave stoma should use a convex system with a stoma belt.

Pre-cut ostomy systems are beneficial to patients because they are faster to apply and more user friendly to patients with insufficient hand coordination or those with painful conditions.

 

Look Good Concealed with your Stoma

I am a fan of concealing everything and especially with 2021 being here.  The majority of us are now staying at home due to local state-mandated stay-at-home laws and they are not going anywhere.  We are getting outside less frequently but many states do allow individuals to go outside for exercise and to visit parks.  I myself try to visit a local park at the very least once a week.  When you go out and it is now a really big deal to go out, everyone wants to look their best.  In this case, if you are going to a local park then you will most likely be a little more active than your normal routine of staying at home or working from home.  So in order to keep your ostomy supplies on your body safe, you want to dress well and also be able to essentially hide it with your clothing and that is how you look good too. 

We all know you don't have to hide your ostomy bag but it is nice to look good. There is literally nothing to be ashamed of or even self-conscious about. But it is nice to keep it out of sight and out of mind when you are going outside to enjoy the scenery.  The last thing you want to think about is what you are wearing.  Those thoughts are for self-conscious you in high school.  So instead just get the right clothing to keep your Ostomy supplies tucked away.  

There are some really awesome ways to look trim and slim.  A great tool you can use is a bag that has belt loops on it.  This is useful because you can get an ostomy belt that is meant to keep your bag close to your body.  I find there are many belts that are specifically designed to be comfortable and not cause any irritations with your body.  There is nothing worse than creating rashes or extra skin problems due to having an item work well.  So I suggest trying several out to make sure they work with your body.  I have created lots of sores on my body due to being outside too long with the wrong product and that is not a very comfortable situation.  It takes my body a few weeks to heal a sore area that blistered and scabs over.  For me, that is several weeks that I am not able to go outside and be as active as I would like and that is simply not acceptable.  So go out, be safe and get the right gear for you to have fun outdoors.

But you have to make sure you are also using the things outdoors that will indeed keep you safe.  I also use a stoma guard on all my trips or super active outings.  I like it because I know I can fall, hit something, or just take some damage without hurting my stoma or bag. That is really a mental peace of mind when you are able to do this.  I love having that safety net and it keeps me from worrying about really much when I am out and about.  I can climb, hike and simply enjoy life. So don't take life too seriously look good, stay trim, and hidden. 

Stoma Caps

You might have heard of stoma caps in the past but most people have no idea what it is or what it's used for. Well, it is for those who have a stoma & the good news is it comes in all shapes & sizes. So no matter how big or small you are, you can find the one that is just right for you. So why should you get one of those stoma caps or a mini pouch? Well, it will help to ensure you can do all the activities you could before & let you get back to normal. 

So how do you decide which one is best for you? Well, the stoma cap is the smallest so they can only be worn for a little while before you need to replace it. They can't hold that much poo so if you tend to vacate your bowels a lot, you should go with the mini pouch. These tend to be better for those who have an end colostomy due to the fact that their output is a lot more along the lines of what you would expect. As a result, it does tend to be a be bit more manageable for those with a lot of output. So who are they best for? Well, the storm caps are perfect for those who have an EC but if you have an ileostomy or urostomy you can still use them. You should wear it at home first so you can get a better idea of how it feels & have some time to get used to it. 

As for ostomates, those are best for those who tend to be a bit smaller in stature. So why use this type of cap or pouch? For starters, it can help you conceal your stoma when you go for a swim in the public pool. It is also good for when you get laid as well as when you go for a jog or decide to hit the gym. It can be combined with a protector to ensure you don't get injured when you play contact sports. Finally, if you have had irrigation in the past few weeks, you should be wearing a cap full time as this will help you to flush out your bowels & empty it using a strict regiment. This can also help you control when your colon gets emptied out & it means you don't have to wear a full sized pouch if you don't want to. 

In addition to all of this, many people find they wear it for a lot of other activities they do every single day. If you do have a urostomy or ileostomy, you will not be able to wear a full sized cap but you can always try a mini pouch if this is easier for you. You may find that this will give you a bit more wiggle room & it will help you just as much as a full sized cap. So where do you get your own cap from? Well, you can get free samples from a lot of websites out there such as oak med & if you have a prescription, you should have no problem getting one of your own. Contact your doctor if you have questions. 

Fishing and Tips for being in the wild with your stoma

The more that I get old the more I truly enjoy the time of peace I am able to get outside.  It is rarer these days and I must really work hard to set aside time to be outside in a peaceful environment.  It is good for my soul and I thought it would be harder to do with having a stoma.  Now let's be honest, I really love fishing. I mean it is what I live for when the summer comes around.  So the weather is changing and it is now time to pull out the bait caster and spinning reel and start rocking the lakes and ponds for those beautifully tasty fish.  The joy that I find in being outdoors and connecting with nature is a wonderful thing.  There is a great benefit to staying healthy not only with your body but also your mind.  That is why I like to expand my experiences and just enjoy the health of both and that is not as easy as it would appear.  It takes dedication.  Now that I have had an ostomy and have to deal with a little more complications on the water, in all honesty, not much has changed! I enjoy fishing and being wild and it is all possible still with a stoma.  That is why I want to talk about fishing and enjoying life with an ostomy because it is possible and still fun. 

Gear is truly the answer for all the problems with an ostomy.  Not really, but I like to think so and the amount of time I spend shopping helps to justify my initial thought.  So what makes fishing easy and nice is that I have great gear.   No cool gear will make you a better fisher, but it can make life easier especially when it comes to your stoma.  I find that there are a few companies that I get my gear from and most major corporations are really good companies for getting my stuff.  Each has helped me learn new things and plan the things I would need for being on the water and possibly in the water.  Most have some great customer service, so if you have any questions on things give them a call and they will generally point you in the right direction.  

The fact that I now have a stoma has not really changed my fishing routine at all. If anything I try to make excuses to get out more.  Sometimes I like the fact that I don't have to take a pause when the fishing is good for mother nature and it really is a benefit.  Bass fishing tournaments are also awesome because I can fish longer and harder because I have a stoma! So there really are some benefits to it. 

Being safe is key to me and to my mental health.  I also like to keep everything waterproof and safe just in case fish, weather, or a boating accident ends up getting things wet.  So I like to carry a pelican case or a waterproof case and also line my things inside with a ziplock bag.  This is a double layer that also keeps me safe and anxiety-free by not having to worry about my gear getting ruined by water. So stay safe, enjoy the outdoors, and get out and use good gear to make life a little easier. 

Did you know that you can hunt with a stoma?

There are some things in life that are very important to our countries ecosystem and to our own survival.  For thousands of years, we have hunted animals that overpopulated our lands and we eat them to survive.  This goes on today even in 2021 and it is one of the most important parts of keeping our food supply safe.  Bores are destroying texas like deer destroy crops all around our country.  If they are not kept in check out economy suffers.   That time is indeed nothing but the wonderful hunting season.  Yes, I do indeed love being outside and literally putting very healthy organically fed meat on the table for very low prices.  This is not only a wise move financially, but it also gives me the time outdoors to refresh my spirit as well.   Hunting does really incredible things for me and my family and it is all possible with having an ostomy.  It does not make sense to me why some people hold an ostomy against some people and pretend that they shouldn't be doing some things with their life and their stoma. My hunting career has skyrocketed and I have been very successful with my stoma.  Don't be afraid to try to do things that people say are impossible in your condition.

Gear is what helped me to get out and be safe in the woods.  I am able to do this because I am able to use quality products for my stoma. I don't have to worry about having problems because my gear is that good. Now there are lots of amazing brands out there and for the most part, I use Hollister Ostomy Supplies.  I was turned onto a few major companies when I went researching online and found that they seemed to be a good place to get questioned answers. 

Because of this, I was able to get back into hunting without missing a season or a step due to their help and their willingness to give me information.  Now I have found many companies have awesome customer service and that means a lot to me.  I am indeed a gear guy as many hunters are and because of that, I love good information and customer service to walk me through all possible options to find the best for me. That is key.  We are all individuals and it must fit you personally.

I am not stopping in my task to enjoy the great outdoors.  And this year I am going to be able to jump right into a new and fun part of hunting and that is teaching.  Family tradition is key and I am going to be able to help another family get into this. Luckily, I am going to be taking my brother in law with me to teach him how to easily supply his family with inexpensive and very healthy meat and do it safely.  Now I am not sure he will enjoy the time outside and the art and skill of hunting but I know he will enjoy the cheap benefits of healthy meat and that will drive him to be successful. This makes me very happy because that is in the end the whole goal of hunting. So I suggest you talk to your local suppliers of your stoma gear and get exactly what you need to be successful in your regular day and even getting specialized gear for when you go out for other fun activities as well.