Travelling with Your Stoma

Even if you live with an ostomy, you can still enjoy travelling. But plan and prepare ahead of your trip. Decide on the number of changes you will need. You must also think of things such as barrier strips, belts, skin protectants, and wipes. You should also cater for some extra changes in case of delays, failures or leakage. Better to have more than you need than not have enough.

If you are travelling by train or bus you will always have your luggage with your supply nearby. But in air travel, keep all your ostomy items in your hand luggage. It will be safer to have them with you than risk losing them. If you have to cut-to-fit wafer, you may need to pre-cut some flanges before starting your trip. This is to meet airline restrictions on travelling with sharp tools. 

If your travel is for an extended period, you may not be able to take all your ostomy supplies in your hand luggage. But ostomy suppliers have distributors around the globe. You can arrange for your supplies before you travel. Ask for names of providers at your travel destination. Prepare the order for the items you will need while on your travels so you get them easier.

Air travel may cause gas build-up in your pouch during the flight. To prevent more buildup, avoid drinking beer or carbonated drinks. Also refrain from chewing gums or sucking candies during your flight take-off. Travelling by car? Avoid putting your ostomy supplies in the trunk unprotected from temperature changes.

Your ostomy flanges can be affected by extreme ranges of temperature changes. Travel to cooler or warmer, more humid places will need storing your supplies at the appropriate temperature. Also keep them out of direct sun rays. 

A closed end pouch is better than the drainable pouch for of your trip. You can discard it in a Ziploc™ bag in the bathroom garbage. It may be more hygienic and easier than trying to find and sit on a toilet to empty a drainable pouch. But have some drainable pouches to manage diarrhea resulting from changing and unusal diets.

To enjoy swimming in your travel, consider using smaller stoma caps or mini pouches. These would be less obvious under your swimsuit or shorts. They will also be more suitable when the stoma function is predictable. Ostomy belts or a stoma guard can also protect your pouch system in sports and other activities. Your therapy nurse can advise you about availability of these items for your system.

In warmer climates you can get skin irritation under your pouch due to increased perspiration. Cloth covers for the pouch can absorb perspiration and prevent irritation. You can also apply an anti-perspirant to your skin under the pouch to reduce perspiration. Also, dry your pouch soon after any water activity. Yeast is a common result of increased heat and moisture under the flange. Travel with an anti-fungal powder and skin sealant to treat possible yeast rashes.

If you use irrigation to manage your stoma, make sure the water is safe at your travel destination. If it is not safe, then do irrigations with bottled water to prevent diarrheal problems. It would be wise to discuss issues with your care provider before you travel. The advice you get will help you to enjoy your trip.

Urostomy and Treating Kidney Stones

Urostomy, the surgical removal of the abdominal wall made during surgery, is an operation with pros and cons. The pros are that the surgery would remove the bladder and free the person of the burdens of iodine deficiency; this would allow the person to function more normally. The cons include a possible infection after the surgery as the surgeon would have to insert the appropriate equipment into the body, including catheters, oral tubes, and laparoscopic equipment. Most people who undergo urostomy or bladderctomy are diagnosed with kidney stones. 

This condition is because the bladder and urinary tract are cut off from the rest of the body during these operations. The urinary crystals that form in the bladder are not removed during these surgeries because these crystals would become lodged in the bladder. The surgeon would have to surgically remove the bladder and urinary tract during these operations to relieve the pain caused by the urinary crystals.

On the other hand, a urostomy would be performed when urinary tract infections have damaged the bladder. Infection is usually caused by the spread of bacteria or other harmful organisms to the bladder. 

Once bacteria enter the bladder, it would generate infections and blockage that causes severe discomfort. An empty bladder would be the optimal time for a urostomy to take place. The following are some of the conditions that may require a urostomy. If bladder stones have damaged the bladder, it is not possible to empty it. Damage is when the urostomy is needed.

The surgeon would cut through the bladder and remove the stones inside. It takes longer before recovery from bladder stones is complete, so this procedure should be done immediately upon detection. Another example of when a urostomy is needed is when kidney stones entirely block the bladder. This condition requires prompt intervention because the stone obstruction is dangerous and can cause severe pain that interferes with daily activities. Although kidney stones sometimes cannot be removed, a urostomy can be performed to pass through the bladder. What happens in this procedure is that the bladder is cut in two. One is taken away, and the other is placed back. 

The latter has proven to be more effective in ensuring that the stones can eventually pass out of the body. The length of a urostomy surgery can also vary. Most surgeons would recommend that the bladder be kept open for three to six hours. This time would ensure that the bladder can usually empty itself. For patients who have urinary incontinence, this might also be beneficial to avoid dealing with incontinence and urge incontinence. However, patients with bladder problems should also discuss their options with a qualified urologist so that an appropriate strategy can be set up. 

A urostomy might also be recommended if a person has had a previous operation. This recommendation is because it would help make the opening in their bladder smaller. However, a person must remember that a person would have to go through a urostomy again once a person undergoes an abdominal incision. So even though a urostomy might sound like an excellent alternative to bladder problems, it is still best to see their doctor for further tests and diagnosis. He or she could give a person valuable insight into what options a person has regarding bladder problems and how to treat them effectively.

Colostomy and Ileostomy Procedure and Aftercare

When a person suffers from an illness that requires them to have part of the colon surgically removed, their body has to be given an alternative to removing waste that would have otherwise traveled through their colon. 

This is normally corrected with a colostomy or ileostomy. These are surgeries that create a hole along the abdomen wall that works to allow waste to be removed from the body. This exit point is referred to as the stoma. 

Between the two procedures, a colostomy is performed to connect the colon to the wall of the abdomen, while an ileostomy is performed to connect the small intestine or ileum to the abdominal wall. 

This procedure can be temporary or permanent and depends on the level of the injury to the bowel. In cases where it is temporary, the procedure is performed to allow the bowel to recover from injuries like stab wounds, infections or inflammation. In such cases it is expected that the bowel will make a full recovery, making the procedure temporary. 

There are a number of documented conditions that may require a colostomy or ileostomy. These are conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, blocked bowel, bowel cancer, bowel inflammation, diverticulitis, bowel infections, ulcerative colitis or familial adenomatous polyposis. 

Procedure

Before undergoing any of the two procedures, your Doctor will often take the time to discuss any concerns you might have and answer any questions such as hygiene, body image and sexual activity. Your Doctor will also take a look at your medical history, examine any medications you are taking such as over-the-counter-drugs, herbals, vitamins or minerals and will discuss the risks, complications and possible side-effects of the operation to help you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your health. 

Once you complete your consultation. You will be prepared for the surgery. The colostomy and ileostomy procedures are very similar and serve the same function, therefore the surgical procedures are the same. 

You might be asked to take on a liquid diet ahead of your procedure to help with cleansing and antibiotic medications. Once in the OR, a general anaesthetic will be administered and your Surgeon will open the agreed upon marked point on your abdomen, which is commonly located on the lower right side of the abdomen and pull out the healthy portion of your intestine and sew it to the stoma(opening). 

Then a clean plastic bag will be attached to the stoma to collect waste and the incision will be closed with stitches. During this time, the unhealthy part of your bowel will be removed. 

After Care

Following the procedure, you will be given intravenous infusions to help you grow accustomed to the process of having a stoma. During this time, a small tube might be inserted into your stomach which will remove any excess that would’ve otherwise gone to your intestines to help your body recuperate. 

You will be taught how to properly dress your wound and keep it clean to avoid infection and your care team will teach you how to change your bag. This process takes close to a week but recovery can take over three weeks, so prepare to give yourself a stress free time to ensure you gain your health and confidence back. 

How To Care For A Child With A Stoma

While ostomy surgery is a life-saving procedure, watching your little one undergoing it can be one of the most distressing things to notice. Most parents are concerned about their children’s needs that may arise after surgery.

With a little patience and practice, you can take care of your child with a stoma quite comfortably. In this article, we will discuss a few concerns that people have about their children with stomas.

Hugging a child after stoma surgery

Your surgeon will not restrict you from hugging your child unless there is an underlying reason that might complicate the stoma care regimen. You can hold and hug your child and allow him to play with friends. Nonetheless, you may have to ask your child to avoid playing contact sports. Your healthcare provider will tell you about any restrictions.

The look of the stoma

Ideally, a stoma has the following characteristics.

• Red, moist, soft to touch, and overall appearance that of the inside of your mouth
• Oval or round in shape
• Slightly raised on the surface of the abdomen

Since a stoma has a good blood supply, it may bleed quite easily when you rub or clean it. However, it doesn’t feel anything due to the absence of nerve endings in it. If you see any abnormalities in the stoma of your child, contact your doctor or ostomy care nurse immediately.

Does the stoma hurt?

Since there are no nerve endings in the stoma, your child will not feel pain in it while passing stools or urine. The stoma will be tender and swollen during the first few days after surgery, but this swelling will subside in a few weeks. A stoma in its usual form suggests normal functions of the bowel.

Change in the stoma after surgery

It will take a few weeks for your stoma to settle to a permanent shape and size. Usually, it takes six to eight weeks for the swelling in the stoma to subside. After this duration, the shape and size of your stoma will be permanent. In some cases, the stoma may protrude or sink from the level of the abdomen. While a slight protrusion or retraction may not be problematic, an extensive movement should be addressed immediately.

Emptying the child’s ostomy pouch

You have to empty an ostomy pouch as soon as it is one-third to half full. It will help prevent the pouch from pulling away from the abdominal skin. Emptying a too-full ostomy pouch is also more difficult.

It is necessary to clean the end of the pouch to avoid odors and stains on clothes. Moreover, ensure that the tail closure is not pressing against your child's abdomen.

Wear time of an ostomy pouch

You will have to ask your stoma care nurse about the duration of the ostomy pouch wear time. Factors that dictate the wear time include the child’s size, activity level, type of ostomy, and stool consistency. An older child may wear an ostomy pouch for three to four days.

Problems That Might Arise With A Stoma

Stoma problems care common, but they can affect the quality of life significantly. So, instead of ignoring and letting those problems to leave an unpleasant impact on your ostomy care regimen, you will want to contact your doctor or ostomy care nurse. An ostomy care nurse is generally your first point of contact.

Common problems with a stoma

Below we will discuss the common problems that can occur with your stoma. This information should help you prevent these issues.

Leakage

The number one concern for individuals with an ostomy is leakage, which not only compromises the seal between the ostomy pouch and peristomal skin but also contributes to a number of skin problems that can make ostomy care every more difficult. The combination of leakage and skin problems initiates a vicious cycle that worsens with every passing day.

The best way to prevent this issue is to make sure that there is a tighter seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin. The seal should not allow the stomal output to come in contact with the peristomal skin in any case. Using the right ostomy pouch may be the most necessary thing to consider, especially when a standard skin barrier fails to adhere to the peristomal skin. If your skin is irritated, you may want to use skin products and other accessories to make the peristomal skin fit enough to respond to a skin barrier.

Pouch ballooning

Ballooning occurs due to the buildup of gas inside the ostomy pouch. It happens when the pouch filter becomes wet due to contact with the stomal output. This problem results in the pouch forming a noticeable bulge under the clothes.

To address the problem of ballooning, you will need to make sure that your pouch filter is clean and functioning. You will also need to pay attention to your diet. For instance, you may not want to eat cabbage, peas, and beans if you have a gas problem. While eating your foods, it will be a bad idea to drink plenty of water, as it can result in your swallowing a lot of air, which can cause gas.

Skin soreness

Skin soreness can occur due to many reasons. In some cases, skin soreness may be due to a visible problem. In some cases, however, the problem may not seem to have any reason. To know the underlying cause of the problem in this regard, you may want to talk to your doctor or ostomy care nurse.

An ill-fitting stoma bag is the foremost reason that can result in skin soreness. A too-wide opening of the ostomy appliance can result in a part of the peristomal skin become exposed to the stomal output. It can result in skin problems. While creating an opening in the skin barrier, make sure that it fits the shape and size of your stoma.

In some cases, your peristomal skin might become sensitive to a particular ostomy product or accessory. You will want to discuss it with your ostomy care nurse to understand what ostomy products are right for you.

How to Enjoy the Summer with the Stoma?

When a person has an ostomy, he/she thinks, it is better to stay at home and not to enjoy summer. Well, there is no reason to stay back and not to play with the colors of summer. You can also live your summer days with full enthusiasm and amusement. You can go for swimming, sports, BBQ parties, and anything else you want. You can join your friend’s parties and can make your summer plans. 

When you have a stoma, you just need to be a little careful. With some precautions, you can do whatever you want. You can live your summer vibes with a full playful mind and body. However, you cannot ignore the fact that you have to be a little vigilant as compared to others, as you are the one who has a stoma. Therefore, read out my blog, and enjoy your summer vacations in full swing.

Some Necessary Precautions

In summer, the first and foremost thing is the wearing duration of your ostomy pouch. You cannot wear it for a longer time as like any other weather. You have to change it two times a day in summer. Apart from the ostomy pouch, other supplies also need a change. The heat of the summer can damage your skin and stoma. Therefore, you need to change your flanges, barrier, and adhesive frequently. 

Well, when it comes to glues, it can melt quickly because of the heat waves; therefore, you should apply adhesive three to four times a day. Moreover, in summer, you will face odor more often than winter and fall. Thus, you should put in your perfume and powder frequently. In summer, you should keep in mind, that you cannot let your peristomal wet. The skin around the stoma should be dry and clean. Otherwise, your skin can get rashes and allergy. Merely, you need to take care of your stoma and peristomal skin like a baby. You cannot ignore the fluid discharge, wear time, odor, and rashes.

If you feel itching on the peristomal skin, do not rub the skin. Use a medicated powder to get rid of itching and irritation. The constant redness and itching can cause severe damage to your skin around the stoma.

Wearing a stoma bag does not mean that you cannot wear your swimsuit. When you pay vigilant attention to your stoma bag and supplies, you can wear whatever you want. You can play football, basketball, cricket, or any other sport. You can follow your hobby. 

You can do the gym, gardening, cycling, traveling, trekking, anything you like. When you walk, run, play, drive, or ride, make sure the adhesive has fixed to your stoma barrier. The ostomy pouch is not losing. Apart from the ostomy barrier, whenever you are out of your home, keep a small ostomy kit with you. You should have adhesive, powder, perfume, and an extra ostomy pouch in it. When you feel, you should change the barrier, change it immediately. Moreover, when you feel itching or rashes, apply your ostomy powder. You should use antifungal powders in summer.

Some Necessary Precautions for Food

When it is summer, you should drink plenty of water. As because of the sweating, we discharge a lot of water from our bodies. Therefore, we should drink water as much as we can. This precautionary line is for every person, either he has stoma or not.

However, when you have a stoma, you should drink water more than a normal person should. Because you discharge fluid constantly in your stoma pouch. If you will not drink water, your stoma will get dry, it can cause fungal infection, and you will have to face intense pain in your stoma. Therefore, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and hard foods in summer. Drink plenty of water and eat more fruits.

About Ileostomy Surgery What is an ileostomy surgery?

Many people have some misunderstandings regarding ileostomy surgery. Many patients got frightened when they hear about the operation. They think their life will be complicated after having this surgery. Many people even think of death. However, this is not true. Today, I shall clear all your mix-ups related to ileostomy surgery. I have spent a lot of my time reading articles and grasping knowledge about ileostomy and ostomy. Thus, if you have any confusion or fear regarding the ileostomy surgery, read out the entire blog to clear your thoughts.

An ileostomy is an artificial and surgical small opening in the abdomen wall. The small opening in the belly is called a stoma. Ileostomy surgery has happened when the rectum or colon cannot work satisfactorily. In this surgery, the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine) drives towards the stoma. The primary purpose of the stoma is to excrete the waste from the body through an artificial hole. After the ileostomy operation, you will emit the waste directly from the stoma. 

Thus, the natural process of excretion will change. It can be temporary and permanent. In some cases, you use the stoma for a specific period. And in some cases, the ileostomy surgery is permeant. Right after the operation, the stoma takes five to six weeks to settle down. The color of the stoma is usually pink or red. It gives you pain in the initial few weeks. But, after the six weeks, you get used to it. The life with a stoma is not a big deal. There is nothing scary in your life after the ileostomy surgery. 

Once the operation has done, you can come after your previous life routine, which you followed before the surgery. You can perform all your activities, either it is work, gym, sexual life, pregnancy, sports, or any other hobby. Therefore, the soma does not change your life, it only changes the way of throwing out the waste from your body.

Ostomy Pouch

When you have a stoma, you think about the waste you emit. Well, you will need a bag for the poop. You cannot leave your hole open. Apart from the solid waste, your ostomy will emit the liquid material too. And the fluid discharge is constant. Therefore, you will need an ostomy pouch to cover the opening. The ostomy barrier will hold all the waste, either it is solid or liquid. The ostomy pouches are drainable. 

You can clean your ostomy bag and change it. You will have to empty and clean your ostomy pouch four to five times per day. Well, the time has not fixed, it is up to your body system. Some people need to empty the bag five times a day, some people need to clean it more than five times, and many people only empty their bags three times per day. Therefore, the case of the cleaning varies from person to person.

Apart from the cleaning and emptying of the ostomy pouch, you have to change it. If you are facing too much liquid excretion, you should change your ostomy bag two times a day. Moreover, too much liquid can damage the adhesive and peristomal skin. Thus, you should use a medicated adhesive and clean your skin all the time. To get rid of the odor, you should use medicated deodorants and creams. 

You should be vigilant with your ostomy supplies. You cannot use anything for your stoma after the surgery. Every supply cannot suit your peristomal skin and stoma. However, before applying the adhesive, cream, perfume, or anything else, you should ask your doctor and nurse. Your WOC nurse will guide you on how to use the adhesive, how to clean the ostomy pouch when to change it, and what supplies suit you the best.