Living with an ostomy can be an adjustment, but it doesn't have to be an uncomfortable one. With the right care and maintenance, you can have a healthy and successful life with an ostomy. In this blog post, we will provide tips and advice to help you manage your ostomy and maintain your quality of life.
1. Choose the right type of ostomy appliance for your lifestyle. Ostomy appliances come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s important to choose the right type of ostomy appliance for your lifestyle and needs. Speak to your doctor or a certified ostomy nurse to learn more about the different types of ostomy appliances and which one would be best for you.
2. Wear the right size of ostomy pouch. The size of the ostomy pouch you choose will depend on the size of your stoma. It’s important to wear the right size of ostomy pouch to make sure your stoma is properly covered and there are no leaks. Make sure to measure your stoma regularly to ensure you are using the right size ostomy pouch.
3. Change your ostomy pouch regularly. It’s important to change your ostomy pouch regularly to keep your skin healthy and prevent leaks. Depending on the type of ostomy pouch you are using, you may need to change it every few days or every few weeks. Speak to your doctor or certified ostomy nurse to find out how often you should be changing your ostomy pouch.
4. Clean and dry your skin thoroughly before applying your ostomy pouch. It’s important to clean and dry your skin thoroughly before applying your ostomy pouch. This will help your ostomy pouch adhere properly and reduce the risk of leaks. You can use a mild soap and water or an ostomy skin barrier to clean your skin.
5. Check your ostomy pouch regularly for signs of leaks. It’s important to check your ostomy pouch regularly for signs of leaks. Check the seal, the flange, and the adhesive to make sure there are no signs of leaks. If you notice a leak, you should change your ostomy pouch immediately.
6. Use skin protection products to protect your skin. It’s important to use skin protection products to protect your skin from the adhesive of your ostomy pouch. Skin protection products, like barrier wipes and cream, can help reduce the risk of skin irritation and other skin problems.
7. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for overall health, and it’s even more important for people with an ostomy. Eating a variety of healthy foods will help ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs, and it can also help reduce the risk of certain complications, such as dehydration and constipation.
8. Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking enough fluids is important for people with an ostomy. Drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce the risk of dehydration and constipation, and it can also help reduce the risk of certain complications, such as bladder stones and kidney stones.
9. Exercise regularly. Exercise is important for overall health, and it’s even more important for people with an ostomy. Exercise can help improve your overall health and well-being, and it can also help reduce the risk of certain complications, such as dehydration and constipation.
10. Get enough rest. Getting enough rest is important for overall health, and it’s even more important for people with an ostomy. Getting enough rest will help reduce the risk of certain complications, such as dehydration and constipation, and it can also help improve your overall health and well-being. Living with an ostomy can be an adjustment, but it doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable one. With the right care and maintenance, you can have a healthy and successful life with an ostomy. Follow these tips to help manage your ostomy and maintain your quality of life.