Colostomy Care
After a colostomy, patients' lives often change greatly and they must therefore take a series of care steps to ensure that the stoma functions optimally and that the quality of life is much higher. Today you will know with Ostocare what these necessary colostomy cares are for the well-being.
Although colostomies may be temporary or permanent, in any case certain care must be employed that is necessary to preserve the patient's health and comfort. If this is not the case, there is a risk that the person with a colostomy will not have an adequate recovery.
What is a colostomy and what is its care?
A colostomy is an opening in the abdomen intended to reach the colon. With the colostomy, a new way is achieved so that waste from the intestine can come out when the functioning of the colon is not adequate due to diseases and complications.
There are several types of colostomies that exist and for each of them the care is extremely important, since the evolution of patients with temporary colostomy and the adaptation to this new lifestyle for those who have a permanent colostomy will depend on them.
When all colostomy care is performed correctly, the patient can feel great comfort and well-being despite having an ostomy pouch or wrap with them. It is imperative that in addition to care, the products that the patient uses are of the highest quality, thus ensuring their comfort.
Having products created with excellent materials and the best technology such as Ostocare, will be of great help to alleviate the process of a colostomy. In addition, the following care should be considered to ensure the well-being of patients with colostomies.
Colostomy Care
Colostomy care must be performed from the time the patient is discharged and must be performed on a continuous basis.
Protect the skin around the stoma
Generally, the skin around the stoma usually becomes a little sensitive due to the material in the pouch or other colostomy products to which the body is not accustomed. In addition, great care must be taken to ensure that intestinal fluids do not come into contact with this skin.
For this, it is necessary to use an ostomy pouch and discs with the right size, so that it is neither too big nor too small to avoid injuries and irritations from contact with fecal matter.
Empty the bag
To empty your bag you should look for a safe place to do so, preferably in the bathroom and sitting on the toilet. It is recommended that you have toilet paper on hand in case any splashes occur, after that, disinfect areas that have been reached by fecal matter.
Change the bag
It is also important to change the bag frequently and when this is done be very careful not to pull it so as not to hurt the skin. It is necessary that when you leave your house you take an additional bag, in case there is something unforeseen, but generally, if the bag and the disc are well placed, there should be no problem.
The ostomy pouch should be changed at least twice a week, or in the event of an accident such as a leak or itchy skin sensation.
Normally with high quality products, such as those offered by Ostocare ideal for colostomy care, this type of situation does not usually happen. But if for any reason you feel itching, remove the bag immediately.
If for any reason your skin comes into contact with the intestinal fluid, you should clean the entire affected area with plenty of fresh water to avoid possible irritations. If necessary, change the bag and place a new one.
What to eat with a colostomy?
After a surgical intervention like this one, within the care for colostomy is the feeding. This aspect is fundamental so that the patient, besides having a successful recovery, can improve his quality of life thanks to the ingestion of healthy foods.
It is necessary to emphasize that all patients must have different diets based on the individuality of each one and obviously on their tastes. But when it comes to a colostomy, patients must follow certain common feeding rules to avoid complications.
Among the instructions that a colostomy patient will normally have, the main one is to eat foods low in fat to avoid weight gain and to avoid foods that may generate gas, constipation or flatulence.
Avoid carbonated beverages, nuts, legumes with skin, cabbage or onions, among other foods that can generate flatulence. It is recommended the consumption of fruits, salads, yogurts, infusions or teas, any type of grilled protein and wholemeal bread.
To be able to comply with colostomy care, you only need to have the necessary products after your intervention and follow all instructions to the letter.
Colostomy care is not too complicated when you have quality products, because the risks that exist are minimal, so Ostocare is committed to you and offer the best in ostomy products. Enter our catalog and discover all the items we have in colostomy care.