Ostomy Belts Help In A Major Way

When it comes to ostomy products and accessories, the belts used may be needed from time to time. Before you utilize one there are a few details to be aware of first including increasing security and improving adhesion. The way your stoma was created could affect the pouche´s ability to remain secure and cause leakage. There are a few hints that may lead you to the need for a belt besides leaks and these include shifting or lifting. Integrating an ostomy belt will be able to keep your pouch close to the abdomen in order to stop unsightly leaks. With both the belt and tension, they both may be able to get rid of fold in the skin, permit the stoma to drain more efficiently, and even put a stop to nasty seeping from happening. In order to provide proper care for yourself you need to put an end to any leakage and create a schedule to wear the pouch. With a belt, it could make your life easier.

Luckily, many ostomy patients do not need any belt to help with leaking or wear, just having enough security will be plenty. 

If you are a sports player, sweat heavily, or enjoy hot baths, then you may benefit from a belt in order to obtain the needed support. This is especially true for times where there may be a compromise to the bag occurring. You may also feel comfort of wearing a belt as you sleep due to constantly changing positions and movement of the pouch.

Be aware that a belt may not be right for you and the type of ostomy pouch you use. If you need a belt, you may also become limited in what type you need. For you to attach a belt, it requires you to connect it to the tabs on both sides of the pouch. The pouch packaging may indicate whether your pouch is compatible with a belt. The tab locations may also differ between manufacturers. 

Depending on your preference, you may find it easy to use tabs on pouches that are either closed and replaced at least once a day. There are also tabs on the flange, which could be added instead of your pouch. Remember, every manufacturer will be different. This means you need to ensure that the option you want is available for you. 

Ostomy belts are made of elastic material that is stretchable, so eventually it may wearout from too much stretching. By taking care of the belt, it will last longer. So you will need to wash it by hand with soap and water and allow it to air dry. However, no matter how much care you take, the replacement of the belts will need to be done regularly in order to remain functional. If you have a latex allergy, then you can request latex-free belts from companies as well.

In order to ensure comfort, the belt is best when it is snug as you wear it. The belt sizes come in the normal s, m, l. In order to find out the size you need, you just attach one belt to a tab and draw it around the waist. Normal end of the belt is no more than 2 inches from the tab of the belt. After it is connected, a couple of fingers should slide easily underneath. If a belt is a tight fit, many skin irritations could develop such as an ulcer or other annoyance. 

Caring for Your Stoma

Once you have a stoma from the procedure required to install a urine pouch, you must put in the time to maintain the skin there. The peristomal area is the ring of skin that's visible right under your bag.

For one thing, you're going to want to make sure that bowel movements or urine do not touch your skin since that will negatively affect the skin there. This can cause inflamed areas around the stoma. You're going to want to learn how to prevent potential skin problems that can occur due to the Stoma, and how to treat any problems that could happen. 

If you do get sore parts or even infected parts around your Stoma, this could also have an effect on your bag since it needs to stick to the skin there. If this happens, you could end up with leaks, making the whole issue even worse.

Size Your Pouches Correctly

Whoever cuts your bag, or if you do it yourself, make sure that the pouch fits perfectly around the Stoma. In general, the nurse involved in your care will be the one to do this initially. She should be able to help you learn how to measure the area correctly. If the bag you cut is too large, then you're going to leak and the leaking will lead to angry skin around the area. If you cut this “wafer” bit too small, then you could end up making it so that the bag actually cuts into your skin.

This could also lead to leaks, or it could narrow the output making it so that there's build-up.

Fill in Uneven Bits Around the Bag

Leaks can also happen if you don't make sure that all the urine is going right into the bag. If it's too uneven or if there are cracks or gaps, you're going to want to use various tools to keep this from happening. For example, a barrier ring could help to prevent leaking, as could special paste for the Stoma. 

If you don't do this, the seal may be imperfect, and your stoma could leak under the bag and into your skin, which will inflame the area.

Keep Dry

Don't apply your pouch until the skin is dry. If you don't, it may not stick right and you will end up leaking. It might even make it so that the bag falls off, which would be very bad.

Only Use the Adhesive Remover for Removal

You need to use a special adhesive remover to change out your pouch. If you just rip it off, it's going to hurt and even worse damage your skin. Ask your doctor about this for it to go smoothly.

Inverted Stoma

In the case that you have an inverted Stoma, you might want to get a different kind of bag. This is useful if your bag is sitting below the level of your skin. A convex bag will make it so that the stoma flow goes into the bag instead of underneath it. Make sure that your doctor agrees that it's needed, however. Otherwise, it can actually hurt your Stoma.

It's also important to make sure that you treat any angry skin as soon as it happens. Nurses can guide you through this procedure. 

The ins and out of an ostomy bag.

In the medical field , everything has a use and it’s own job and responsibilities. Variations of one thing in the hospital could have hundreds of jobs, all surrounding the goal to help people. That’s the case here with the Ostomy bags. There are so many different types of ostomy bags and you really have to get into the knowledge of them all to make sure that you are properly and accurately using the right ones. An ostomy if a hole that’s created by your surgeon that helps assists in the day to day activities that is, going to and from the bathroom. With this surgery, it helps those unable to actively move to and from the restroom with ease , a helping hand with disposing of the waste.

It’s commonly found with people who are experiencing malfunction in the digestive or urinary systems. Nine times out of ten, if the option to get an ostomy is being recommended by your surgeon, it’s most likely the best option when it comes to saving your life. It’s a drastic change in your life though. People who undergo this lifesaving operation often find themselves dealing with the mental back lash that comes with having an ostomy bag. The way you see your body would be different which could possibly take a toll on your self image. That’s why it’s strongly encouraged to maintain well connected with your support system to prevent feeling isolated and alone.

There’s many different types of ostomy bags that you have at your disposal choose from that range in all types of sizes and all types of shapes to help you better adapt to the transition of the day to day life with an ostomy bag. There are so many selections such as one-piece, two-piece, drainable, close-end, pre-cut, cut-to-fit, flat, convex, and pediatric ostomy bags. Each of them have different descriptions that better help fit different variations of needs that’s need to be met when it comes to obtaining and living with an ostomy bag. Some people are subjected to have to buy their own ostomy bags but there are a lot of different prices available to help you find the perfect one for you.

Based on the type of surgery you have that requires you to need an ostomy bag, whether it be a colostomy, ileostomy, or an urostomy, it will help you better decide which bag would be the best selection to have. It is important to maintain regular self-care of your stoma, which is the part of your ureter, large or small bowel which appears on the outside of your skin through your incision site made by your surgeon and typically connected to the external pouch of your bag for easy drainage. Regularly keeping up with the cleaning of this part prevents any infections and for smoother day to day living conditions with the ostomy bag. At Byram Healthcare, they are dedicated to helping the lives of their patients and making everyday all the more easier no matter the condition of their bodies. They are committed to helping people live their lives as normal as they possibly could under the circumstances of the situation they’re in that causes them to have an ostomy bag. 

Various Stoma Products That You Should Know About

The great thing about living in this day and age is that you can pretty much get anything you want if you are willing to cough up the money to pay for it. We are no doubt living in the best period of time as far as having an ostomy goes, since there are just so many different products online that are available for you to buy. If you have had an ostomy for quite some time like I have, then you know the difference between having the right products at your disposal and having the wrong ones. We all have our favorite go to products and brands that keep our ostomies going from day to day, but did you know that there may be some products that you are missing out on? That’s right - today I am going to be writing about some products for your stoma that you could and should be using if you are not already. For all my novice ostomates out there who are reading this, this article should serve as a guide for you as you go through your ostomy journey. For my veterans out there, perhaps you can learn something new from this article as well. So without further ado, let’s talk about some stoma products that you should be using if you are not already.

The first product that I want to talk about is called a stoma plug. If you thought that the only thing you could throw on your stoma was an ostomy pouch, then you are totally not ready for what is about to come next. A stoma plug is a small cap that you can attach to the skin barrier in place of where your ostomy pouch should go. This stoma cap is not a different version of an ostomy pouch or anything like that; rather, it is something totally different. While an ostomy pouch will catch and hold the content that comes out of your stoma, a stoma plug will simply keep everything inside your stoma until you take it off. There are actually a lot of uses for a stoma plug,

but the main one that seems to be the most popular is for when people are wanting to get intimate with that special someone. Rather than have to deal with an ostomy pouch slinging around while you are doing your thing, you can use a stoma plug and keep everything sealed up while you have a good time. People also like to wear stoma plugs if they are doing certain physical activities like swimming or something like that. Keep in mind, however, that you should not wear a stoma plug for more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time, since you don’t want your stoma to become too backed up. 

Another product that I want to talk about for people with ostomies is called a skin barrier, or wafer. Now I am sure that everyone who has an ostomy knows what a skin barrier is, since you likely have to change it yourself everyday. However, did you know that there are a lot of different kinds of wafers available for people with ostomies? Since all of our bodies are different and our stomas unique, it makes sense that not everybody can make use of the same wafer. That is why there are actually a lot of different types of wafers for different people with different needs. 

Getting over your fear of your stoma

I know that doing new things is not really fun.  Having an ostomy is not really fun either.  But once you have one it is time to start living again.  Many people are actually happy because it is truly helping their health, but there is always the ramifications of surgery. Coping with a whole new style of life can be complicated, but it is even worse in your mind than it is in real life.  That is the struggle that many go through not only early on, but for some people, this mental struggle comes later.  My only goal is to let you know that it is ok to feel the struggle.  The pain and fear of not being the same again or not feeling as pretty as before are real and ok.  Now I know it is hard to hear, but in real life really does get back to normal. With an ostomy bag, I still do crazy things and hike all around the world.

Don't get me wrong I was super afraid of not being able to do anything with an ostomy bag on my hip.  The idea of having a bag that could be seen by everyone was a struggle to me.  I was simply afraid that everyone would see it and I would never be able to be free of the look.  But I was ver much wrong.  In fact, almost no one knows that I even have a stoma and that is because of fantastic gear and recommendations from thousands of people who are willing to go out of their way to work with you.

I use my previous experience with my own life to help me with my stoma.  I am a big fan of concealed carry.  In fact, I concealed carry a sidearm every single day.  The principles for being discreet are the same as having an ostomy bag.  The goal is to not print and that can be done with proper fitment and placement.  The ability to have the best gear is part of the answer to keeping your ostomy bag hidden.  But it is not simply the best, but the best for you.  We all have different body types so what can work for one person won't work for another.  The same goes for concealed carry as well. My body type does not allow for appendix carry at all. It is never comfortable and never works when I sit.  Appendix carry is the most popular form of carrying in 2021 but that is not always the best choice.  Do what fits your body and fits you life. 

The world is my oyster when it comes to information and I try to find as much as I can.  I love talking to pharmacists whenever I can on what is new and what they are hearing works the best and where.  Those conversations and also following people on social media have given me lots of ideas and also let me know not to try some things.  But take it all with a small grain of salt, because remember, we are all different.  Still, I love to learn and also to get better at my own setup.  I pretty well know for being a normal guy.  No one knows I have a stoma unless I tell them and that is pretty cool. 

Ileostomy: An Overview

An ileostomy is a surgical procedure to treat the bowel after the lower part of the digestive tract is deceased or damaged. This surgical procedure results in the creation of an opening in the abdomen to allow waste materials to leave the body prematurely.

During the procedure, a hole is created in the abdomen. The end of the small intestine is then passed through that hope to create a stoma. Due to the rest of the bowel ahead of the ileum or small intestine bypassed, waste materials leave the body through the stoma instead of the anus. Those waste materials fall into an ostomy pouch fitted over the abdomen in a way that the stoma opens into that pouch.

You may need an ileostomy if all or a significant part of your colon is removed or bypassed. Diseases that might put you in an emergency to receive an ileostomy mainly include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Surgeries that usually require an ileostomy

• Colectomy, also known as colon resection
• Small bowel obstruction
• Total proctocolectomy with ileostomy

An ileostomy can be short or long term.

Having a short term ileostomy means that you may retain your rectum and anus after getting your colon removed. This ostomy will allow your rectum to recover until your surgeon decides to connect it to the digestive tract.

A long-term ileostomy is when the rectum and anus are removed. This ileostomy is usually permanent because there are not rectum and anus to allow the patient to get the normal bowel functions back.

The creation of an ileostomy involves an incision in the abdominal wall. The surgeon then disconnects the small intestine from the colon and pulls the end of the ileum through that incision in the belly. It means that a stoma is essentially a part of the intestine sticking out on the belly.

In some cases, the surgeon may want to create an internal reservoir, which sits over the anal canal. It is called a J-pouch, or ileoanal reservoir.

Before ostomy surgery

Ostomy surgery is stressful, just like other surgeries. You may have a lot of concerns in your mind before surgery. Therefore, understanding how to prepare for it and how to deal with the post-surgery situation is necessary.

First, you have to tell your doctor about the medicines and supplements that you currently take. Some of those may prove counterproductive before or after surgery. For instance, you may need to avoid taking blood thinners. Your doctor will provide complete instructions regarding which medicines to take and which to stop.

Ileostomy surgery aftercare

You will need to have bed rest for a few days after surgery. During this time, the doctor and surgeon will instruct you to avoid any physical exertion. They will, however, encourage you to walk around in the hospital to activate your bowels. A nurse will tell you how to take care of your stoma and use an ostomy pouching system.

You will need to be careful during the first six weeks after surgery. Six weeks is the minimum time your bowels will take to recover from the impact of surgery. You may have to stay away from any strenuous activities, including gym workouts, jogging, or aerobic exercises, during this time.

You will have to remain in touch with your doctor and ostomy care nurse to get direction about your physical movements and diet.

Different Types Of Colectomy Surgery

If we explain it in simple words, a colectomy is the surgical removal of the entire or a part of the colon. People suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are usually the candidates of colectomy. This surgery aims at treating many other intestinal conditions. The spread of disease and location of the problem is the factors that determine the extent of the colon to be removed.

It is worth mentioning that not every surgery aimed at treating IBD will fall into the category of colectomy. You will have to speak to your doctor and surgical team before undergoing the surgical treatment to remove all or a part of your colon. In this article, we will discuss different types of colectomy surgery to help you understand why you may need to undergo this procedure.

Proctocolectomy

This surgical method involves the removal of the colon along with the rectum. The rectum is more like a reservoir that holds stool before it is excreted out of the body through the anus. With the rectum removed, you will need a new way to get rid of your intestinal wastes. That’s where an ileostomy comes in. This intestinal diversion results at the end of the small bowel pulled out through a cut in the belly to allow fecal wastes to leave the body.

J-Pouch surgery

This surgery can be done during proctocolectomy or after a few months of it. J-pouch refers to an internal pouch, which is also known as an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). During this surgery, the surgeon folds the end of the small bowel into itself to form the shape of a “J” that acts like a rectum. A cut at the bottom of this pouch connects it with the anus, allowing the patient to expel bodily wastes through the anus.

Ileoanal Anastomosis

This procedure also allows the patient to expel bodily wastes through the anus. During this surgery, the surgeon connects the small intestine to the anus after removing the colon and rectum. Initially, you may have to live with an ileostomy for a few weeks or months to allow your small bowel to recover well enough to ensure Ileoanal Anastomosis.

Total colectomy

During a total colectomy, the surgeon removes your entire colon. Some people confuse it with proctocolectomy. However, the difference here is that a patient retains all or a part of the rectum after a total colectomy. Generally, you will need an ileostomy after this surgery. Your surgeon may choose to give you an ileorectal anastomosis, which can eliminate the need for an ostomy. Depending on your condition, the ileostomy you get may be permanent or temporary.

Partial colectomy

The surgical procedure aimed at removing a part of your colon is known as a partial colectomy. People who have Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or diverticulitis are the candidates for this treatment. This procedure results in the removal of the diseased part of the colon and the connection of two healthy ends. It can also result in the creation of a colostomy, which is a bowel diversion that brings the end of the colon out through the belly.

You can discuss all these types of colectomy with your doctor.