So by now you are probably wondering how having on ostomy will change your life. Yes, you will have to make a few adjustments, but pretty soon you will stop worrying about it and start loving life again.
There are basically 2 types of appliances for ostomies. There is a one-piece appliance, which includes the pouch and the wafer (the part that sticks to your skin) together in one piece. With the 2-piece appliance, the wafer is applied to the skin first and then the pouch is secured to the wafer. Most people prefer the 2-piece at first because it is much easier to see the stoma and therefore much easier to get the right fit. Usually ileostomates and urostomates can go anywhere from 3-6 days before having to change their appliance. Because the output with ileostomies is fairly liquid, the adhesive and wafer breaks down quickly. With colostomies, the wear time increases anywhere from 7 to 14 days; this is because the output is much thicker and less frequent and therefore the adhesive will last much longer. Remember, these wear times are only estimates and there will be occasional leaks when you will have to change your appliance more frequently. For the most part, having an ostomy is just as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. After a while, you will start to forget about it.
It is very easy to get overwhelmed after surgery, the ET nurses are showing you certain ways to change your appliance, or you might be hearing different stories from other ostomates about what works for them. Just remember that what works great for one person will not always work for another. Everyone’s skin reacts differently and everyone’s stoma is unique in shape and size. Don’t feel like there is something wrong with you just because it isn’t working the way you had expected. Try out different products and take notes at each change about what you tried and how it worked for you. Remember that this a time to learn what you are comfortable with. You would never just buy the first car or pair of shoes that you see, would you? No, you test drive the car or try on the shoes and walk around the store. The same goes for appliances, if it isn’t working for you, then try something else.
All the Ostomy Manufacturers will be happy to send out samples to you. They usually have someone on staff who will be able to answer your questions and send you out the right product that you need. Don’t be shy about asking for samples. They want you to be happy in hopes that you will become a loyal customer.
Hollister
Convatec
Coloplast
Nu-Hope Laboratories
Cymed Ostomy Products
Marlen
Eakin
Dansac
Continent Ostomy Store
