Some Important Information of Ostomy for New Ostomates

Well, first of all, I would like to tell you about ostomy. Ostomy is an artificial opening in your body that creates due to the surgery. It can be in any organ of the body after the surgery like ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy, gastrostomy, stoma, or any other. Therefore, a person who has an ostomy surgery is called ostomate.

Ostomy surgery can be a planned one, or it can happen because of a sudden injury. Whatever the reason, you will have to face too many ostomy words. After ostomy surgery, you will have to bear the burden of various ostomy objects like ostomy pouches, ostomy barriers, flanges, and baseplates. Thus, you need to learn about every piece of equipment related to an ostomy. When you go through an ostomy, you will hear many new terms from your doctors and nurses. Doctors and nurses usually use medical terminologies when they talk about any surgery. You may get surprised about the medical phrases your doctors and nurses use. Every word could be a new thing for you. However, do not get reluctant to ask them about the medical terms and their meanings. You must ask your doctors to clarify about the surgery and their equipment. Well, every person should have a little knowledge of the treatments and their medical terms. When you know some of the words, you will be able to advocate yourself.

Moreover, you should have some knowledge about the looks of the ostomy objects. For example, if your doctor talks about the ostomy barrier, you should have a visual concept of that word, if you do not know how the ostomy barrier looks like. Ask your doctor for visual aid, ask him to show you that object. Moreover, ask your nurse to demonstrate that specific equipment. Do not hesitate about asking the pictures of the unknown equipment and their demonstration. You should learn the use of ostomy bag, ostomy barrier, baseplates, flanges, and ostomy pouches. As when you will go home, you need to cater yourself alone. Therefore, you should know ostomy objects and their use. After leaving the hospital, you will have to use these objects on your own. At home, it's you who will change the ostomy pouch. Thus, you need to learn each and everything related ostomy from your doctors and nurses.

Key Points You Should Know After Ostomy Surgery

After the surgery, and before leaving your hospital, you should know about the ostomy supplies and their uses. Well, before saying adieu to your hospital, learn the following points from your doctor or nurse.

• Learn the fundamentals of ostomy terminologies, supplies, and related vocabulary.
• You should choose between the one-piece ostomy system and two-piece ostomy system.
• Learn from your nurse how to change your ostomy pouch without any help.
• If you won’t able to change your ostomy pouch, make sure there is a close person in your life who can learn and change your pouch on time.
• Choose between the drainable pouch and closed-end ostomy pouch. Decide it at your convenience what you want.
• You should learn how to clean your drainable ostomy pouch. If you are using a drainable pouch, you will have to clean it.
• Moreover, learn from your nurse about the proper care of your skin around the stoma.
• Ask your doctors how you will receive your ostomy equipment after leaving the hospital.
• You need to schedule your appointments from your doctor for your ongoing ostomy care.

Well, the above-mentioned points are just a rough guide for you. If you want to add or subtract some notes, you can. After all, it is you who are going through this painful time. Therefore, learn everything at your convenience. There is nothing necessary point. If you do not want to learn how to clean or change the ostomy pouch, it is ok, anyone close to you can learn and assist you.