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After stoma surgery
Your life is going to change now that you have a stoma, and you may need some time to adjust.
Living with a stoma
Depending on the reasons for your stoma surgery you may feel that you are on an emotional rollercoaster, especially in the first weeks after the surgery. This is quite normal. Having a stoma makes your body look and work differently, and there may be times when you find this difficult to cope with.
Most people are not used to having such close contact with their bodily functions so you may initially feel discomfort or unease when handling the stoma output and it can take time to adjust to.
It may seem that during these first weeks all you can think about is having the stoma, and you find yourself thinking 'Is this how it will always be?'. But through time you will most likely become less conscious of your stoma bag.
Embracing openness and not isolating yourself can make things easier when adjusting to life with a stoma. Talk about your situation with your family and friends. Whenever you need help, seek advice from your stoma care nurse, healthcare professionals and other people with a stoma, through support groups etc, who will understand how you feel and may have useful ideas on how to deal with any challenges. If you have a partner, they may also feel emotional about all that is happening to both of you so it will help to talk to each other and for them to seek advice and support from others too.
Life with a stoma bag
In hospital you will have been given a stoma bag by your stoma care nurse. One important thing to know is that there are different types of stoma bags available depending on your stoma and your preferences, e.g. closed bags or drainable bags with different outlets for faecal or urine output and different skin protector shapes and compostions.
Once you know how to handle your appliance properly you might be given the opportunity to choose the type of bag that fits your stoma and your lifestyle most. One important decision is choosing between a one-piece bag or two-piece system.
In the case of a one-piece bag, the skin protector and the stoma bag are bound together. It has a lower profile than a two-piece system which can have the advantage to be less visible under clothes. But at the same time changing the skin protector with every bag change can cause irritations on sensitive, fragile or damaged skin. It can take more time to change and position a one-piece bag, especially if using accessories, rather than just replacing a bag on the skin protector of a two-piece system.
For a two-piece, the skin protector is a baseplate. The baseplate and the bag compenent is seperate. They are attached together through a coupling system. With such a system the baseplate can be kept on the skin for longer, helping to protect the peristomal skin, whilst only the bag is changed when needed. As the baseplates and stoma bags are ordered separately, the two-piece bag system is more versatile: You have generally more baseplate options within the same system as well as different sizes and types of ostomy bags that can be useful for active people or for different scenarios. Two-piece systems allow you to switch easily between different bags. They could also reduce waste and the need for as many accessories.
It’s up to you to choose between an adhesive or a mechanical coupling system. The first option uses an adhesive which is similar to a tape, while the second connects in a similar manner as a lid on a plastic container.
You can choose between using a beige or a transparent stoma bag. A transparent bag allows you to see your stoma and output more easily, the beige one covers them for discretion. Many people prefer using a transparent ostomy bag at the hospital before switching to a beige one once at home.
If you wish to have both, discretion and the possibility of seeing your stoma and output when needed, you can choose also our beige bags with an inspection window, known as a split cover. The availability may vary depending on the product range.
Skin protectors are the adhesive part of a stoma appliance that attach it to the skin. They are designed to protect the skin surrounding the stoma from irritation, promote skin healing and ensure a secure seal between the stoma bag and skin. They come in various forms of hydrocolloid-based compositions to help meet different needs. Choosing and using the right adhesive for you, your stoma and skin will ensure a comfortable and leak-free experience, protecting the skin from irritation and soreness.
You will decide whether you prefer to use a pre-cut bag or a cut-to-fit one that allows you to custom-cut the skin protector to the shape and size of your stoma.
Depending on your stoma, you will need a flat or a convex skin protector. Convex skin protectors are curved and may be recommended for ostomates with flush or retracted stomas or to level out skin contours.
There are different depths and presssures of convexity available depending on your needs so it's best to speak to your stoma care nurse for advice.
If using a convex stoma bag, it may be beneficial to use a stoma belt that attaches to loops on the stoma bag and can optimise the convex function. B.Braun convex bags also have the ability to use 2 belts with our bags to help spread the pressure so it isn't through the centre of your stoma. Speak to your stoma care nurse for advice on this.
1. Education: Learn about your stoma, its care, and supplies. Knowledge will help you feel more confident in managing it effectively.
2. Support groups: Connect with others who have stomas. Sharing experiences and tips can be helpful.
3. Stoma care routine: Establish a regular care routine with proper hygiene to prevent skin irritation and infections.
4. Diet and hydration: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help regulate stool consistency.
5. Physical activity: Stay active within your abilities to improve overall well-being.
6. Emotional support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you feel overwhelmed or anxious about the changes.
7. Clothing choices: Experiment with different clothing options to find what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
8. Travel planning: Plan ahead when travelling, ensuring you have enough supplies and access to facilities.
9. Consult your healthcare team: Regularly check in with your healthcare professionals to address any concerns or adjustments.
Remember, it's normal to face challenges at first, but with time and patience, you can successfully adapt to living with a stoma.
FAQ
Now you have a stoma, you are likely to have questions, especially with regard to caring for your stoma and managing your everyday life. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Yes! You will need some training at first but changing it on your own allows you to remain completely independent. At some point, five minutes will be all you might need to prepare your equipment and change your appliance.
Your stoma is a mucous membrane rather than a wound, so it just needs to be cleaned by hand with soap and water on a daily basis. We advise you to practice changing your stoma appliance so that you can do it yourself no matter where you are. Over time, it will very likely only take you a couple of minutes to prepare your equipment and change your stoma appliance. To facilitate this process, you should make sure that you have the required hygiene items with you at all times. A spare bag and possibly even spare clothes can also be helpful at first, even if they are never needed.
It is up to you. Everyone finds their own routine and may be able to do it alone with practice. The procedure may become routine one month after surgery. If you use a two-piece system, you usually change the skin protector every three days and the bag as often as necessary. Once filled, closed bags are disposed of and drainable bags are can be emptied.
However, everyone is different. Over time, you will find your own routine. When you remove your appliance, check the gum. If it has thinned out, please change your appliance more often.
Our current products are not biodegradable, so they cannot be flushed down the toilet. Dispose of the used bags in airtight waste bags with the household garbage. If your bags are drainable, please empty them before disposal.
Order new supplies in advance so you never run out. Do not accumulate appliances as they can be damaged by humidity and temperature changes. You can obtain your stoma appliances from the local pharmacy, from delivery services or directly from the companies that manufacture them.
To find out more about B.Braun's Emerald home delivery service, click here.
Note:
You will usually be able to obtain samples of stoma appliances to try. Contact the manufacturers by phone, email, or through their website. Tell them what kind of stoma you have, and they will probably send you samples.
To sample products from B.Braun's Ostomy range, call our team on 0800 163 007 or click here.
You can do both. Some people prefer to shower with a bag, while others do it without. Please give both options a try to see which is most comfortable. Our stoma bags and skin protectors are waterproof.
If you decide to wear your stoma bag while taking a shower, remember to close cover the filter, if your colostomy and ileostomy bag has one, to maintain its effectiveness.
Be aware that stool or urine output may occur when you shower or bath without a bag.
Additional tips are available on our dedicated webpage.
Yes! However, right after the surgery you may initially feel more comfortable in loose-fitting clothes because of possible mild swelling and soreness in the abdomen. This tends to gradually settle over the first few months; after that, you will be able to start wearing the type of clothes you prefer. You might feel a little self-conscious about the bag the first few times you go out, this is quite common. With time and as you return to your regular lifestyle, this feeling usually disappears.
You can also opt for a girdle that is tailored to your body. You should be able to wear tightfitting clothes and swimwear if you like swimming.
If you have leakage problems, you should immediately contact your stoma specialist. There are different possible reasons why these occur. Leakage problems are not only inconvenient but can also damage your skin. However, with specialist advice you can identify the cause, take corrective action, and hopefully prevent it from happening again.
Another alternative may be a convex stoma bag system.
Read more about convex stoma bagsAfter your surgery, you may think it is no longer possible to go out with friends and participate in parties or other events. Far from it! Continuing your social life can be a very important part of your recovery, and might help you to regain your confidence. Exercises such as cycling, hiking or skiing are appropriate for many stoma patients. However, sports that put too much stress on the abdominal muscles such as weightlifting, rowing, fighting sports or rugby are discouraged because they might injure your stoma.
Generally, engaging in sports and maintaining an active lifestyle can be key factors to your recovery and may help you to gain greater confidence.
Tip: It is sometimes useful to wear a stoma belt or a protection band.
You should still be able to drive or travel with a stoma, but you will need a bit of preparation so that everything goes smoothly. To begin with, it is a good idea to go to a familiar place where you will be able to relax and you may want to start with shorter trips and expand them over time.
A urine leg bag can be helpful for long trips and for more comfort.
In general, there is no reason why your stoma should prevent you from working. Just the opposite: Going back to work may help you to get back to your routine, regain self-confidence, and be more independent.
Before going back to work, talk with your stoma specialist. Remember to think about the practical aspects. For example, how you will change or empty your stoma bag in the toilets at work. Think of the time you will need, the equipment, and look to see whether there is a specific toilet that would be best to use (one that may be larger, or that has a hook on the door, a shelf, a window, or simply one that is used less frequently). Moreover, decide actively who you will tell and how much you want to disclose.
If you are worried about going back to work full-time, part-time can be an option. Talk with your stoma therapist and your employer to find out what works best for you both.
Of course! You can customise your ostomy bag any way you want using different materials (duct tape, fabrics, etc.). You can even find videos and tutorials on the web by searching up “fashionable ostomy”, or “homemade ostomy bags” or “stoma bag covers”. If you use airtight materials, make sure that the filter of the stoma bag is not blocked.
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