There are a few things that just instantly scare people. It can be a simple serm such as, Ostomy. It’s a term no one really talks about and those who could talk about it choose not to. And yet it’s something we should all know more about. The fact is that I know a lot of people who have a stoma and the funny thing is most people have no idea they got an ostomy. But it is still important to know something about what a friend or family member may have.
Gear when it comes to your stoma is also really important. I know that if I don’t have the right gear I am a grumpy person. If it’s time that you need to change out your ostomy supplies and take care of your stoma, whether that’s once a week or once a day, you’re better off making sure you’re taking care of yourself first and foremost, and then the supplies. Your health is what matters most here, so focusing on it is what you need to keep in mind. Go slow and do things the right way, and don’t feel like there’s any rush. Learning is worth waiting on to learn the right thing. Don’t rush into making mistakes with your body, learn, and try, but be careful. So when you’re doing these things, you’ve probably noticed your skin can get a little irritated in the process.
When it comes to your healthcare of all kinds, you’ll notice that prevention is the best thing you can do, and it’s what you should always have in mind when changing out your pouching system. When it comes to your stoma, skin really matters and the care of it is key. The best skin protection you can have is the right supplies. In fact, that’s why we so often recommend quality ostomy supplies, because they’re known for having systems that fit extremely well and are comfortable for your needs.
Also you can absolutely do for yourself is use a skin sealant, which can be available in a roll-on, a wipe, or a spray. These are amazing for allowing the skin barrier to adhere to your stomach far easier, and it allows it to stay on longer. For those who only change their pouching system every 3 or 4 days, it could be worth looking into using a skin sealant since it helps by adding a protective coating on your skin. Iit truly is important to do all of these things right because it can help your life simply be better.(This also helps with sensitivity, which is a bonus for using a sealant.) Most contain alcohol, so prepare to feel a burning sensation at first, and make sure it dries completely before putting your system back on your skin. It is a little scary to think about putting alcohol on your body and it can be a terrible feeling if it is done wrong. But the good thing is, if you ever struggle with dry or even oily skin, sealants work extremely well to find that perfect balance.
So just find what works the best for you. Each of our bodies is different and I highly suggest finding the perfect setup for you.
Stoma Care Corner 