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Ostomy - General Information
An ostomy is a surgically created opening to discharge
waste from the digestive or urinary tract. Thousands of people have
ostomy surgery every year. For many, ostomy surgery is a lifesaving
procedure. Whatever the indication for ostomy surgery is, once you
are confronted with this option questions and concerns are paramount.
All types of ostomies are named for the portion of
the intestine where they are located. Depending upon location, the
consistency of the fecal matter changes. Ostomies do not have sphincter
muscles to control the discharge so people with ostomies generally
wear an odorfree pouch to collect the waste material. To make an
ostomy, the surgeon brings part of the intestine through the abdominal
wall. This opening is then referred to as a stoma. The stoma should
always be red and moist. It should feel much like the interior of
your mouth. This stoma is not painful, as there are no nerve endings
present. The stoma bleeds easily as it has an excellent blood supply
and this is referred to as pinpoint bleeding. If the stoma bleeds
and does not stop you should see your physician or your ostomy nurse.
If there is blood in your stool or urine you should see your doctor.
Concerns
Odor: Perhaps one of the biggest concerns to the new ostomate is
odor. This is a very common concern, however with a proper fitting
and applied pouching system; odor should not be a problem. The current
pouches available today are odor proof. If you do notice an odor
check the seal of your pouch to make sure a leakage has not occurred.
In addition pouch deodorants are available. These specialized products
do not mask the odor but are biological odor eliminators. Also some
ostomates find oral deodorizers very effective.
Gas
Initially after abdominal surgery gas is problematic. This is true
for almost all abdominal surgical procedures. What makes it more
uncomfortable for the new ostomate is the inability to control the
noisy flatus. Initially for the first six weeks after surgery this
is embarrassing. However, it does subside after 4-6 weeks, unless
you were extremely gassy prior to surgery. Some of the things that
aggravate gas production are smoking, chewing gum, mouth breathing,
and chewing with your mouth open. Certain foods such as beans, beer,
broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage and carbonated beverages have
a tendency to cause increasing amounts of gas.
Diet
There is no such thing as a special diet for ostomies. Many times
if you have another condition such as diabetes your doctor will
have you on a special diet for that but generally not for an ostomy.
People with an ileostomy should avoid foods with seeds, nuts and
those difficult to digest such as corn chips, and Chinese foods.
The cardinal rules for diet with an ostomy are
- Eat a balanced diet
- Chew your food well and eat slowly
- Add foods to your diet gradually to see how they affect your
system
- Drink plenty of water - 6 to 8 glasses per day
Bathing and Skin Care
With an ostomy you can bathe or shower as you did before surgery.
You may elect to wear the pouch or remove it. This is a personnel
choice. On days you will change the entire system, it is probably
better to shower with the appliance off. Always check the skin around
the stoma for any rashes, open areas, or irritations. Notify the
doctor or ostomy nurses if this does occur.
Clothing
No special clothing is required. Even clothes that are tight fitting
will not harm the stoma. None need to be aware of your wearing a
pouch unless you tell them. Women can wear panty hose or even lightweight
girdles for support. These things will not keep the stoma from functioning.
Travel
Keep your pouches with you. They will melt in extreme heat if stored
in luggage compartments or the trunk of a car. Air pressure from
airplanes will not affect your pouch system. It is always good when
you travel to take enough supplies with you.
Exercise and Sports
Ostomy surgery should not keep you from being active. The only
restriction on activity is heavy lifting. People with ostomies swim,
fish, hike, ride horses, golf, tennis, volleyball, sail, and jog.
You are the only one to limit yourself after fully recovering from
surgery.
Sex and Personal Relationships
Ostomy surgery initially plays havoc with our body image. Do not
despair - as soon as you are adept at caring for yourself and recovered
from surgery you will find your are ready to resume intimate relationships.
Honest - open communication between partners is essential. There
are pouch covers and opaque pouches available. If you have questions
about sex after surgery, discuss this with your doctor or ET nurse.
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