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Ostomy Appliance Care At Home

By Sharron Cantu


When life gets tough and you cannot find a way out that is the time you need an opening. An opening called stoma is made to be the pathway of the waste products. Waste products could harm the body when it stays longer. A medical surgery named ostomy is preformed for this to happen and ostomy appliance will be placed.

The appliance is used to remove and collect the waste products. This one can make your life easy because it is thin, fine and light. And you do not need to worry about the unpleasant odor because it is made to seal that odor. The ostomy pouch is the one that will conceal and safeguard the stoma from having some problem.

To prevent complications and infections you need to take care of the stoma, as well as the appliance attached to it. Taking care of this thing needs special attention and extra effort especially if you are just new to it. It will really take time to be comfortable with this attached to you.

When you clean this, arrange all things you will be needing to save time and effort. Clear the pouch and wash it away in the toilet. Cleanse the stoma first and then the skin that surrounds it. You may use clean cotton swabs soaked in warm water. If you like to have soap, use mild, hypoallergenic soaps to less the chances of irritating your skin. Rinse it with water and pat it dry. Remember to keep everything dry before applying a new bag or pouch. A skin cream is suggested to provide comfort for your skin.

Usually it is advised to change it every three to seven days or as you need it. Do not forget to have it measured by the measuring guide in the kit every time you apply new one. Examine for its discoloration, size and shape. Inspect if there are edema or swelling present in the stoma. Edema can greatly affect the appearance of your stoma and it may indicate infection. If you found any, report it immediately and have it checked by the doctor.

Apply some skin ointment or gel for comfort. There are times your skin can be irritated by the wafer adhesive. Make it sure it is placed in the center of the hole and very well fitted. Clip it gently in place and seal it.

Disposing it is just like disposing a normal household waste. Unpack and clear your bag, and flush it to the toilet. Throw everything but the clip. The can be used, always as long as it is clean. But there are also available that are easier to use. They are drainable type.

A few points to help you. Have some old towel or paper towel prepared when you change it to catch the waste. Less food intake for lesser output is the secret. Instructions are important, do not forget them.

Living with it for the first time may be very difficult. But that does not mean you are not going to have a life. Most patients like you were able to enjoy after surgery and lived normally.




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