"If you can, always carry around a spare set of supplies with you."
A low-fiber diet is recommended after surgery, but what else should you be keeping an eye out for while recovering post-op? Find out in this article.
Good morning and happy Friday! So excited for the weekend, have you got any plans? We don’t have anything major planned but I will be off to Halifax at some point. Stoma Accessori…
Ballooning is a frustrating part of having an ileostomy, but preventing it doesn’t need to be! Here are 3 great methods to help you.
A low-fiber diet is recommended after surgery, but what else should you be keeping an eye out for while recovering post-op? Find out in this article.
My diet as a colostomy patient wasn’t much different from my pre-ostomy days, and If you’ve just had an ostomy, you'll want to know what you can and can't eat & drink. Here you’ll find tips on my experience, the nutritional pattern I followed, my diet, and my general eating habits.
An ostomy patient reviews questions that many patients with ostomies commonly bring up, so you as a provider can provide better osotomy care.
Way way back, just after I had my stoma surgery, I did a little post on showering with a stoma. I shared some tips which I’d picked up as a newbie however two and a...
If you’ve got an ostomy, you’ll likely end up with leaks at some point. Here are the many causes (and solutions) for dealing with them.
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One of the great things about blogging is that it gives everyone a voice. It gives a platform for people to share there experiences and offer advice and support to people going through similar things....
An Ostomate's Survival Kit Written by proud ostomate Katie Vyn, originally published April 2020. Spoonie Threads Ostomy Bag Covers — These bag covers come in a variety of colors and patterns, are well made, and the fabric is comfortable against your skin! They're also water resistant, which makes them more versatile. The company is eco-conscious and kind-hearted. Designs by @emjayuc — Aussie illustrator and designer, MJ, is an ostomate herself. I love her designs, message, and her positivity. Stealthbelt — I trust this company in part because of the story behind it. The first belt was designed by an ostomate who wanted to get back to living an active life. The company offers belts for everyday use, being active, water sports, and intimate moments. Vanilla Blush Lingerie — The Vanilla Blush lingerie and hernia support products are beautifully designed. They offer a variety of colors and styles, so customers feel like themselves again. Ostomy Secrets Lace Wrap — This ostomy wrap by Ostomy Secrets is subtle but pretty. I love the pale pink color and lace design, as well as the comfort it offers in intimate moments. Liquid IV Electrolyte Drink — My favorite electrolyte drink! As an ostomate, I need to drink a lot of fluids and electrolytes in order to keep well hydrated. This brand is unique because it is vegan, gluten free, is lower in sugar, and non-GMO. Hollister Adapt Ostomy Belt & Convatec Ostomy Belt — I wear an ostomy belt every day. It holds may bag securely against my belly and adds the extra reassurance I need. The Hollister and Convatec brands are both comfortable, easy to use, and made from soft materials. Empower Your Change Shower Guard — I like the Empower Your Change Shower Guard because it covers my wafer and bag well and keeps out water while I shower. Any time my bag gets wet swimming or showering, I have to take time to blow dry it, so no moisture gets trapped beneath the wafer because that can lead to a lot of skin irritation! This Shower Guard gives me the freedom to shower without worrying about getting my bag wet. Thanks to Katie for this list. What are YOUR ostomy must-haves? Share in the comments below.
Whether you wish to cover you ostomy, support your appliance, or bling out your bag with high style, our experts choose the best styles to hit the beach this summer for folks with ulcerative colitis.
Happy Saturday ad happy World Ostomy Day 2019! In honour of the theme of today I thought I would share some interesting and fun facts about life with a stoma, which you may not have realised were a…
Here are some basic clothing tips to help you figure out what to wear with an ostomy. You can absolutely be fashionable and comfortable with an ostomy!
Having an ostomy EDC bag is a wise choice, and could be the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophic leak while in public. Video incl.
There are many misconceptions about what life is like after you have ostomy surgery. Get answers to the myths of living with a stoma.
There’s still a lot of mystery and stigma surrounding ostomy bags. One vlogger who lives with IBD decided to speak out and share what it’s really like to live with one in order to demystify, empower, and educate.
When you first get an ostomy, the world of products available can be a very disorientating and intimidating place. Do I need a ring? What is a flange? I decided to put together a glossary type guid…
This week, we share some words of wisdom from Carol Marshall-Hanson, RN who is a Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) at Seton Healthcare Family in Austin, TX. She gives her tips and best practices for patients with ileostomies. “Ileostomy” by BruceBlaus is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Ileostomy is a surgery in which a small opening, called a stoma, is made in the abdomen. The surgeon brings a piece of the lowest part of the small intestine, called the ileum, through the opening where digested food passes into a pouch attached to the stoma. A temporary stoma is one that is usually taken down within 6-8 weeks. It can be a loop or end stoma. A permanent ileostomy is one that will stay with the patient for life. These are usually due to cancer. Causes for ileostomies include Crohn’s disease, colonic dysmotility, ulcerative colitis, familial polyposis, diverticulitis, and some cancers. FOOD DO’S and DON’TS Don't: Foods high in non-soluble fiber Foods that do not breakdown during digestions Example: nuts, whole corn, popcorn, and shellfish Do: Eat a B-R-A-T diet to thicken stool Examples: bananas, white rice, peeled apples (avoid the skin), and toast It is OK to use Lomotil or other anti-diarrheal meds to thicken stool It is OK to use Beano, Gas-X, etc, to decrease gas production HYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTES Drink plenty of water, Gatorade, and similar fluids! A person with an ileostomy loses a great deal of fluid as it does not stay inside the body long enough for liquids to be absorbed. Probably the most common cause for readmission to the hospital within a week of going home is dehydration accompanied by electrolyte imbalance Loss of Sodium can cause confusion, seizures Loss of Potassium and Magnesium can cause muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attacks Dehydration can also lead to kidney injury If dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is suspected, attempt oral intake of food and water or electrolyte-based fluids to replenish. If unable to tolerate food/water or too confused, have family/friend transport or call EMS to transport them to the ER immediately MEDICATION PRECAUTIONS Bowel transit time is at best around 3-hours with an ileostomy, so large hard pills or those with coatings intended to dissolve over several hours will be excreted before they dissolve. AVOID: Long-acting, enteric-coated, sustained-release medications. Large pills (Potassium, Vitamins). Try Gummy Vitamins instead! PERISTOMAL SKINCARE Ileostomy stool contains digestive enzymes (bile and pancreatic fluids) that digest food. If they leak onto the skin, they will “digest” the skin causing severe irritation and pain. (See instructions on using Antifungal Powder and No-Sting wipes for skin irritation around the stoma or ask your ostomy nurse for help if irritation develops on the skin around the stoma). Do not, under any circumstances, let your doctor prescribe ointments or creams to go on the peristomal skin. No pouch will adhere on top of ointments and creams. To avoid skin problems from enzymatic erosion: Change the pouch generally about every 3-4 days. Cut or obtain a pre-sized wafer 1/8-1/4” larger than the stoma. If the stoma is oval, you MUST custom-cut the wafer opening to protect the skin. Consider using a barrier ring. These rings look like a gasket and can be stretched or formed to any size/shape needed. They absorb and expand when in contact with liquid stool; compared to stoma paste that is eaten away from liquid stool and can cause leaks. Stoma paste also leaves a very sticky residue that is hard to get off, compared to barrier rings that leave very little residue on the skin. Call your ostomy nurse if you have frequent pouch leakage and start to develop skin irritation. The worse the skin gets, the harder it is to get ANYTHING else to adhere around the stoma. MARSHMALLOWS Eating marshmallows can slow down output within 5-10 minutes. Eating a few before bedtime can reduce the risk of leakage at night. Marshmallows are also great to carry in an emergency kit for changing appliances and traveling. The best part? It’s okay to make smores! Remember to check with your doctor before making any dietary wound care changes. Resources Organizations United Ostomy Associations of America CrohnsandColitis.org Crohns & Colitis Foundation Crohns and Me Blogs & Community Stolen Colon Uncover Ostomy Crohnsdisease.com Gutless and Glamorous The Vegan Ostomy 10 Spoonie Self-Care Tips
Being stuck without ostomy supplies when you are away from home can be terrifying, but there are a few options to consider before giving up.
I got a whole day to get my head around the idea of having an ileostomy, many people don’t get even get that long, as it is often performed during emergency surgery. For some however, t…
Having an ostomy EDC bag is a wise choice, and could be the difference between an inconvenience and a catastrophic leak while in public. Video incl.
Today is Jessica's 12 year ostomy anniversary and she still loves it! In this blog, she lists the 12 reasons you should love your ostomy too.
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My ileostomy diet story to inpire those considering or having ileostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, or any other condition.
Generally, I never considered that I had to stop doing the things I did before my ostomy, so when I recovered from surgery I simply carried on. Oh sure, of course I worried about how to keep my ostomy
I got a whole day to get my head around the idea of having an ileostomy, many people don’t get even get that long, as it is often performed during emergency surgery. For some however, t…
Halloween is less than a month away and I’m sure some of you want to dress up and feature your ostomy but haven’t decided what you want to be yet. Maybe this post will help. I found some cute ostomy halloween costume ideas for the folks who want to dress up their pouch, and some
Let's talk about clothes! Figuring out what to wear was hard enough without an ostomy. Then I got an ostomy and as I was healing, my belly was sore and tender, my clothes were uncomfortable, I was scared to wear anything tight for fear that it would burst my pouch, and I was self-conscious that
For individuals with an ostomy, managing ostomy bags effectively is integral to both comfort and health. By adopting proper care techniques, individuals can ensure their daily activities continue with…
Celebrities with a stoma bag are more common than you might think. These brave individuals have undergone surgery that has given them a new lease on life, and they are now using their platforms to raise awareness and show others that it is possible to live a full and active life with a stoma.
There are people with ostomies that don't have access to the supplies they need. If you have products lying around here's how you can put them to good use!
Ballooning is a frustrating part of having an ileostomy, but preventing it doesn’t need to be! Here are 3 great methods to help you.
"If you can, always carry around a spare set of supplies with you."
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There are several ways to empty an ostomy bag, and each one is suited to different people and situations. Find out more in this article.
I personally have an ileostomy, so this will be mostly talking about stoma facts based on my experiences and those of and those of people I...
