Tucson AZ, Inc.
Hints From Everywhere
For All Ostomates
> If you wear a two-piece snap-on ostomy system,
make SURE the pouch is snapped to the flange SECURELY.
Give a little tug on the pouch to test it's lock.
> Do you take better care of your car than you do your stoma?
Once a year have your stoma and your management program checked by a CWOCN/ET nurse.
> Do not use antibiotics for colds or flu unless a doctor orders it.
Antibiotics can change the proper balance of bacteria in the intestines and cause diarrhea.
> Fiber from fruits and vegetables do not have the same scouring results as fiber from grain and cereals.
> Don't shove the parsley aside. It's one of nature's best deodorants!
Use parsley in cooking fish to reduce odors for colostomates and ileostomates.
> If you are having gas problems, don't take bismuth subcarbonate;
it creates more gas when mixed with stomach acid.
> Store ostomy systems away from warm, humid places.
"Melt-out" can render them ineffective.
> Make a note of the day you change your pouching system
so that you know when it's time to change again.
> Don't keep a lifetime supply of ostomy supplies on hand.
Shelf life may be limited. Let the stores stock up on your ostomy supplies
> Fats of all kinds should be kept to a minimum by most ostomates.
Fats induce an increased flow of bile into the intestines
and make the body wastes more liquid and harder to control. They also tend to produce gas.
> A package of frozen vegetables can substitute for an ice bag in emergencies.
> Pouches can leak for a variety of reasons.
Find out WHY you have a leak and correct the CAUSE.
> A hug is a very strong pain reliever and you don't need a prescription.
> When you fill a new prescription, ask the doctor or pharmacist to give you only a one or two day supply.
If any adverse reactions occur and you have to stop taking the medication,
you won't have wasted a lot of medicine or money.
> After bathing with your pouching system off,
hold a cold compress over the peristomal area for a few seconds
to close the pores before putting on a new system.
> Remember after surgery when you were advised,
"chew, chew, chew and drink, drink, drink?" It still applies.
So chew food carefully and never pass a water fountain without drinking.
> Don't try to set a world record for the longest time between changes and/or emptying;
therein lies the way to some of the most spectacular messes you have ever seen!
> Don't be so rigid about your stoma management program that the absence of one item throws you.
> Don't stay home;
travel and don't put all your ostomy supplies in a suitcase
that you check through the airline to your destination.
> Don't worry about "accidents" and "problems" that may never happen.
> Don't keep scissors you use to cut barrier wafer openings next to your supply of pouches.
> Don't concern yourself with people in restrooms who are waiting for your stall:
take the time you need.
> Don't put limitations on yourself just because you have a stoma.
ENJOY YOUR LIFE!
and The Mission Ostomy Chapter of Tucson (AZ) THE COURIER (05/01). ~
