At first, managing an ostomy may look difficult. You may have concerns about how to clean the stoma, replace your pouch, prevent leaking, and understand what is normal.
However, managing your ostomy gets easier with time and the right approach. In this guide, you will find answers to your main concerns regarding basic ostomy care and stoma protection.
What Is an Ostomy?
Ostomy is defined as a surgically created opening called a stoma from which body waste is expelled from the abdomen instead of the natural process of excretion.
Ostomy is performed when a segment of the digestive or urinary tract is not functioning properly. The ostomy procedure can vary depending on the type, and it may either be temporary or permanent.
There are some common ostomies, which include:
- Colostomy: It is an opening made between the colon and the abdominal wall.
- Ileostomy: It is an opening made between the small intestines and the abdominal wall.
- Urostomy: This is where the urine is expelled from the body via the stoma.
The stoma has no muscle to control the timing of expelling the output. Therefore, an ostomy bag is used to collect the urine or stool.
What Should a Healthy Stoma Look Like?
Knowing what is normal can help detect problems sooner.
Some characteristics of healthy stomas include:
- Pink to red
- Moist
- Slightly raised above the skin
- Warm to the touch
It can bleed a little bit when touched while cleaning because there are many blood vessels within the stoma. Nevertheless, any kind of bleeding is a reason for seeing a doctor.
The skin around the stoma, peristomal skin, usually looks like the rest of your skin. If you have any signs of irritation, such as redness or pain, it may suggest irritation or an improperly applied pouching system.
How to Clean Your Stoma
Good hygiene is an important part of ostomy care, but you do not need harsh products to keep your stoma clean.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before changing your pouch, have everything ready, including:
- New pouching system
- Stoma measuring guide
- Scissors if necessary
- Warm water
- Soft cloth or gauze
- Disposal bag
- Skin barrier
- Ostomy accessories recommended by the medical professional
Step 2: Take Off the Old Pouch
Gently remove the adhesive; do not attempt to rip off the pouch quickly, as this might harm your skin.
You can use an adhesive remover for the removal process.
Step 3: Clean Around the Stoma
Use warm water and a soft cloth to wash around the stoma gently.
Do not scrub it. If your health care provider does not tell you to use certain cleaning products that contain oils, alcohol, fragrances, or other harsh substances that could irritate your skin and affect the adhesion, do not use them.
Step 4: Make Sure the Skin Is Dry
Do not rub it when drying the area; pat it.
The skin has to be clean and dry before the new pouching system is applied.
How to Change an Ostomy Pouch
Properly changing your pouch will help prevent leaks and keep your skin safe.
First, measure your stoma based on your ostomy nurse’s guidelines, particularly within the first few weeks following surgery. This is because the stoma size and shape may change as swelling reduces.
Fit the opening of your skin barrier so that it fits around the stoma, but does not touch it.
After this:
- Apply the skin barrier according to the given directions.
- Connect the pouching system.
- Gently press around the skin barrier to ensure there is a proper seal.
- Ensure that the pouch is comfortable.
- Look for any gaps where your output might leak beneath the skin barrier.
Your pouch must not be very tight, but should fit appropriately.
How Often Should You Change an Ostomy Pouch?
There is no one-size-fits-all schedule for ostomy pouch replacement.
While some people replace their ostomy system once every couple of days, others may keep theirs longer. What's right for you will depend on the type of system you have, your output, skin condition, physical activity, and manufacturer instructions.
It's important to avoid waiting until your pouch starts leaking to replace it, as frequent leaking may lead to irritation of the skin.
How Do You Prevent Ostomy Leaks?
Leaks are one of the most common concerns for people with an ostomy.
To reduce the risk:
- Make sure your skin is completely dry before applying the barrier.
- Use the correct opening size.
- Empty the pouch before it becomes too full.
- Keep checking the seal regularly.
- Never apply extra creams or oils under the seal.
- Change the pouching system when leakage is noticed frequently.
- Talk to your ostomy nurse for a check-up regarding leakage issues.
Leakage cannot be endured in an ostomy system. There must be a certain alternative solution to this issue.
Taking Care of the Skin Around Your Stoma
You must have healthy peristomal skin.
The irritation may result from having feces or urine constantly touching the skin.
When you have irritation on your skin, do the following:
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Determine if there is any leaking of urine or stool.
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Clean the affected area carefully.
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Ensure that the skin dries off.
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Check the fit of your ostomy appliance.
What Should You Eat With an Ostomy?
- Dietary needs depend on what kind of ostomy you have, your health condition, and your state of recovery.
- Your health care team may suggest introducing certain foods slowly and observing your reaction.
- Certain types of foods may cause you to have gas production or changes in stool consistency.
- In case of an ileostomy, keeping enough fluids and electrolytes can be crucial, as the output may be more liquid.
- It is necessary to adhere to the suggestions of your health care team.
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Professional?
Contact your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse if you notice:
- Significant or persistent bleeding
- A stoma that becomes dark purple, brown, gray, or black
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- No expected output accompanied by pain or swelling
- Severe or worsening skin breakdown
- Repeated pouch leaks
- Signs of infection
- A sudden major change in stoma appearance or output
A stoma that suddenly changes color or appearance can require urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shower with an ostomy?
Yes, depending on your particular surgery and recovery, your healthcare providers will let you know if you can take a shower with or without your ostomy pouch.
How do I know if my ostomy pouch is properly fitted?
If it does not pinch the stoma but fits snugly around it, your ostomy pouch is fitted right. However, constant leakage or irritated skin may point to improper fitting.
Can I work out with my ostomy?
Most patients continue doing exercises once they recover from their surgery. Check with your healthcare providers on when you are ready for your workouts.
Is a bit of blood coming from the stoma ok?
A small amount of blood might appear from the stoma as it has many vessels. If the bleeding is persistent, talk to your healthcare professionals.
Final Thoughts
Ostomy care may seem complicated when you first come home from surgery, but it usually becomes more manageable as you develop a routine. The key is to focus on a good pouch fit, gentle skin care, regular pouch changes, and knowing the warning signs that require medical attention.
You do not have to figure everything out alone. Explore our ostomy supplies and choose the right products that help you manage leaks, protect your skin, and become more confident with your daily routine.
