FAQs for Convatec Product

 

1.Tips for Preventing Stoma Bag leakages

 

If you’ve ever had a stoma bag leakage, then you’ll know they are no fun. But you shouldn’t have to live in fear of leakages.

Often those who have experienced a leakage feel like there’s nothing that could help prevent it, but you may be surprised to learn that very often it is something you have a lot of control over.

Have a read of our top tips for preventing stoma leakages and find out if there’s something you could try today to help prevent leakages in the future.

Tip 1 – Measure your stoma size regularly

Stomas can regularly alter in size and shape for various reasons, particularly during the post-operative period when swelling caused by surgery starts to decrease. But even an established stoma can change in shape and size over time, and this is most often due to weight loss or weight gain.

This is why it’s important to regularly measure the size of your stoma to make sure you’re getting a snug fit, which can help to reduce output seeping through any gaps.

Tip 2 - Find a product that suits you and your body

The contours of your body can also play a big part in ill-fitting stoma bags. You may have a protruding stoma, it may point upwards, downwards, or sidewards. Don’t worry if this sounds like you – every stoma is unique, and there are products available to suit a range of stoma shapes and sizes. A well fitted pouch with a good secure seal should be all it takes to prevent leaks.

Tip 3 – A Hernia Support Belt can help if you’re Sporty

If you’re into your sports or you’re thinking about starting to get active, using a hernia support belt can be useful with sports as it stops the pouch getting knocked or pulled away from the stoma.

Another top tip is to empty your stoma bag before you start physical activity to reduce the risk of leakage due to the bag being too full.

Tip 4– Make sure your skin is dry

Another culprit for stoma bag leakages is moist skin underneath the baseplate, which may be a sign of maceration. Maceration is when the skin around the stoma becomes overhydrated because of prolonged exposure to moisture. Making sure the skin around your stoma is dry before applying your bag helps the adhesive to stick, meaning less chance of an uncomfortable leakage.

If you think you have skin maceration, then please be sure to seek advice from your stoma nurse as soon as possible.

Tip 5 – Emptying your bag

Another top tip to try for preventing stoma bag leakage is to empty the bag before it gets too full, which is another common cause of leakage. Letting your bag get too full can cause it to get too heavy which can ultimately lead to leakage as the barrier is pulled away from the skin.

Tip 6 – Check your diet

Despite the wrong product being a common cause of bag leakage, remember that not all bag leakages are caused because of your bag. Very often diet can be a key cause of leakages. Leakage can be caused by watery output, and watery output can be caused by dietary changes. If you have changed your diet and also noticed an increase in bag leakages, then you should address your diet to see if anything could be causing this watery output.

If you notice a persistent change in the consistency of output, it could also be possible that you have got a bug. If you suspect this may be the case, then you should visit your GP who may request a sample.

Tip 7 - Shave around your stoma

A lot of people with a stoma don’t realise that hair around the stoma can actually weaken the adhesive effect of the baseplate. This can also lead to leakages. Be sure to shave the area around your stoma site using a razor but make sure to be very careful when doing so. Dry shaving using a stoma powder is recommended to avoid any irritation from soap or shaving cream.

 

2.After Stoma Surgery: What to Eat

 

Eating: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Try eating new foods in small portions to see if you can handle them. Keep a journal on the foods that work for you and the ones that don’t.

Liquids: Don’t Wait to Hydrate

Drink water and other liquids regularly—eight to ten glasses a day. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness or dry mouth, or if your urine is discoloured. If you notice any of these symptoms, drink water immediately.

Meals: More is More

Eating four to six smaller meals throughout the day may work better for you than the traditional three. Eat your largest meal around midday to decrease the amount of stool output at night. And be sure to include protein.

Go Easy on the Gas

Certain foods are notorious for causing gas and odour for people living with a stoma. Broccoli, for example. Here are a few more that may surprise you.

• Chewing gum. You swallow air when chewing gum, which goes into your digestive tract and can cause gas.
• Drinking with a straw. You also swallow air when you drink through a straw.
• Soy milk.Sure, it’s healthy, but it can also be gassy.

 

• For Colostomy- Avoid gas producing food. Do not use straw while drinking or have chewing gum as they lead to inhalation of air and are gas forming. Have Digene, Anardana Goli, Hajmola after meal to help in digestion.
• For Ileostomy- Can eat everything. Remove peels and seeds. Food should be well cooked and chew well. Have less oil, less chillies. Have one pomegranate/apple/banana every day.
• For Urostomy- Have everything. Sometimes the discharge might have colour in them- for example, if you have beetroot, the colour appears. But nothing to worry, drink lots of water. Have one glass of lemon juice daily. Otherwise, crust is formed around stoma.

 

3.Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics

 

• No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, stoma surgery shouldn’t hold you back. Whether you've had colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery, your abdominal muscles need time to heal and strengthen, and it might seem difficult to be active again. Your muscles may be weaker than usual, due to the time spent in the hospital. But these things can be overcome with gradual training and exercises.
• As you begin to exercise again, take some time to test your current physical state and the limits you might have. Find the distance you can comfortably go when exercising, and then push yourself a little further each day. This constant adjusting of goals will allow you to really feel the progress you’re making every day. 

LEARN to place and secure your stoma pouch.

WALK around and get a feel for how your stoma reacts to different movements.

MOVE more and more each day, building up towards your wanted level of exercise.

DO ANYTHING you feel comfortable doing. Running, jogging, swimming, climbing, skiing; when it comes to having a stoma, you shouldn’t be prevented from staying fit the way you want to.

 

4.Sleeping With a Stoma

 

Learning how to sleep again after stoma surgery may sound odd. After all, we’ve been sleeping since the day we were born. But when you have a stoma, your old sleep positions may need a little adjustment. Here are some tips:

• Put pillows around you to prevent you from rolling over on your pouch.
• Try sleeping on your back.It may take a little getting used to, but after a while it can become second nature.
• Wear a shirt to bed that's a couple of sizes too small; it will help keep your pouch snug against your body while you sleep.
• Be conscious of your pouch’s condition.Be ready to empty or change your pouch at night, if necessary.

 

5.Shake off Post-Stoma Surgery Anxiety

 

• One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had stoma surgery is what other people will think.
• “Can they smell anything from my pouch?”
• “Do they notice my pouch?”
• “Who should I tell about my stoma surgery?”
• Most people’s reactions will reflect your own attitude. If you are straightforward and confident about your situation, people will respect that and respond positively.

Time to Get Over the Odour

• You will become more comfortable with your stoma pouch over time and will gain confidence in its ability to retain odours. Here are a few tips to help reduce gas and odour, and lead to increased confidence:

Make sure your pouch is secure.

• Odour can occur when there’s a loss of seal at the stoma site or if the tail closure is not clean.

Avoid foods that can cause excessive odour such as:

• Asparagus
• Baked beans
• Broccoli
• Eggs
• Fish

Some food and drinks can help reduce odour, including:

• Cranberry juice
• Orange juice
• Parsley
• Peaches
• Melons

• Use odour-control sachets

• If you have an ileostomy with liquid output, this product will solidify liquid contents and reduce or eliminate excess gas, which may also lead to a flatter, more discreet pouch.

6.Intimacy With a Stoma

 

• Although it’s normal to feel sensitive about how a stoma changes your body, meaningful and fulfilling intimate encounters can still be part of your and your partner’s lives.
• Communication and trust are at the heart of the healing process. It’s comforting to know that sexual relations will not hurt your stoma—or you. It's also important to remember that when it comes to reintroducing intimacy after stoma surgery, there's no rush. It can take time to get used to new routines after your surgery, so introduce intimacy when you feel ready.
• With time and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a mutually satisfying sexual relationship. Share your feelings with your partner and respond to his or her concerns as well. 
• Tips to enhance intimacy after stoma surgery
• Trust is key to true intimacy
• The more you share about your stoma, how you feel, and what you need, the stronger the bond between you and your partner.
• Accepting yourself
• The way you see yourself influences the way others see you Take time after surgery to acknowledge the changes your body has been through, check in with your emotions about how you feel post-surgery, and share your feelings with your partner. You’ll find that acceptance of your body after surgery comes with time.
• A stoma does not have nerve endings
• Therefore, it does not transmit pain or other sensations, but it can bleed slightly if irritated or rubbed. Trying different positions can help you avoid any issues. The side-by-side position often works well for people living with a stoma because the pouch will fall to your side and not come between you and your partner.
• Empty your pouch before engaging in sex
• You can also try wearing a small pouch. For intimate moments, special pouches are available that are designed to be smaller and less bulky.
• Underwear, lingerie, and pouch covers
• If your stoma makes you uneasy during intimate moments, Undergarments or intimacy wraps can help take your mind off your stoma and allow you to focus on your partner.

Intimacy Tips For Women

• If you use the pill, you may need to change your birth control—particularly if you’ve had an ileostomy. Oral contraceptives are often not absorbed with a shorter small intestine. Talk to your doctor or stoma nurse about the best form of birth control for you.
• After surgery, many women experience vaginal dryness. Try a lubricant or ask your doctor about other options to treat vaginal dryness.

Intimacy Tips For Men

• Some men may experience erectile dysfunction symptoms (i.e., achieving/sustaining an erection or inability to ejaculate) the first time they are intimate following surgery. Don’t worry or panic! This can often occur—it may be related to the surgery itself or to worries/concerns over being intimate post-surgery. If you experience continued problems maintaining an erection, call your healthcare provider. Most likely, there is a solution.

7.Traveling With a Stoma: What to Pack

 

Your Travel Packing List

The idea of taking long trips with a stoma can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Use the list below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.

• Pack Extra Supplies.Make sure you have extra pouches, skin barriers and accessories so you're prepared to change and empty your pouch when needed. If you are flying, be sure to put stoma supplies and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on as well as your checked luggage. 
• Bring disposable cleansing wipes and disposal bags.Sometimes a pouch change may require a little clean up. 
• Drink up.Be sure to pack your refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated. Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration.
• Traveling to a foreign country?It is a good idea to have key questions, such as "where is the bathroom?", written down in the local language. Google Translate is helpful in almost any language.
• Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for stoma supplies.
• Don't forget to leave your anxiety at home. Travel with confidence.

 

8.Swimming With a Stoma

• Whether it’s a few lengths of your local pool or a visit to the beach on holiday, going swimming is a common concern for stoma bag wearers. Having a stoma shouldn’t stop you from swimming. You might feel nervous that people will notice your pouch, or that it won’t stay secure in the water, but there are some practical steps you can take.

Did you know…

• ConvaTec stoma bags are water resistant, so you don’t need to worry about water seeping in through the fabric. Most pouches have a filter in them which releases and deodorises gas. To prevent water from entering the bag through the filter, you can use a filter cover. These are small stickers that are supplied with your pouch and can be placed over the filter to create a seal.

Tip 1

• Try to empty your pouch shortly before you enter the water. This way, you’ll have the peace of mind that you have plenty of time before you need to empty your bag again. You might also choose to pack extra stoma supplies so that you can change your pouch when you have finished swimming.

Tip 2

• You should put on your baseplate at least an hour before you enter the water to allow it to properly adhere to your skin. You can also use a special tape to secure it, which can be applied around the edge of the baseplate.

Tip 3

• Lots of stoma bag wearers choose to wear a special stoma cap when they do sporting activities. This is a smaller alternative to a standard pouch, and therefore doesn’t hold as much output. Stoma caps are only intended to be used for a short period of time. However, they can be worn more discreetly, which some people prefer when swimming.

Tip 4

• If you’re intending to go for a gentle swim, you won’t need to worry too much about securing your pouch. If you are going to be diving or jumping into the water, then you can secure your bag with a tight-fitting swimsuit or high-waisted, drawstring shorts.

Tip 5

• You might feel conscious that people will notice your bag, but don’t let this stop you from enjoying yourself. If you feel worried about your pouch being visible, there are plenty of ways to cover it up. Women can wear full swimsuits, and patterned designs are particularly good at disguising any lumps or bulges. High waisted bikini bottoms will also cover a pouch and hold it in place. For men, swimming shorts with higher waistbands can cover the pouch. If you’re planning to swim in the sea, a t-shirt or cover-up can help to keep your stoma discreet.

Did you know…

• Swimwear made specifically for stoma bag wearers is also available, which usually contains a hidden, inside pocket for the pouch.
• It’s important to remember that you don’t have to hide your pouch. If you prefer to wear a bikini or low waisted swimming shorts, it is perfectly acceptable for your stoma products to be visible. It’s unlikely that anyone will be fazed by your stoma bag - if they notice at all! You can make sure you feel comfortable by trying on your swimsuit beforehand.

Tip 6

• The thought of fully submerging your stoma in water can be nerve-racking. However, once you have healed from your surgery, it shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re worried about your bag becoming detached or leaking, you can test it out in a bath first. Swimming is a great way to stay active, and it is safe to swim with your stoma. Finding products that work well for you is key to feeling confident that your stoma will stay secure.

 

9.Bathing With a Stoma

 

Showering and bathing with a stoma can be easier when you have the right information and products.

• You canbathe or shower while wearing your pouching system. Water will not harm or enter your stoma. If you choose to shower without the pouch, remove the baseplate too.
• Check your pouch seal. Before getting in the bath or shower, make sure your seal is secure.
• Use all-natural products. If you shower with your pouch off, make sure you use a soap that is oil and residue-free.
• Listen to your body.If possible, select a time when your stoma is less active. 
• Using a filtered pouch?Place a filter cover sticker over the filter opening before bathing. 

 

10.Understanding Your Stoma

 

Just like you, each stoma is one-of-a-kind. Stomas vary in size and can be round, oval or irregular in shape. It may protrude or stay flat against your skin.

• Stomas do have some similarities. All stomas should be shiny, wet, and red in colour, similar to the inside of your mouth. A stoma does not have nerve endings; therefore, it does not transmit pain or other sensations. However, it has many blood vessels and may bleed slightly if irritated or rubbed. This is normal, but if bleeding is prolonged or if you have bloody discharge from your stoma, be sure to contact your healthcare professional.

Selecting the best pouching system depends on your ostomy type and the physical characteristics of your stoma.

 

11.Stoma Skin Care

 

Do you have red or irritated skin around your stoma? Having a peristomal (around the stoma) skin complication is one of the most common reasons people living with an ostomy seek medical attention. Urine and faeces can be irritating to the skin. If you believe you have a peristomal skin complication, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Why is it important to maintain healthy skin? If the skin around your stoma becomes damaged, it could be painful and lead to infection. It also becomes more difficult for the skin barrier of your pouching system to adhere to your skin. Prevention is the key to maintaining both healthy peristomal skin and your comfort.

Make sure you know what healthy skin looks like

• Make note of how your peristomal skin looks when it's healthy. Peristomal skin should look similar to the skin on the other side of your abdomen: smooth and not irritated. Once you know what healthy skin looks like, you can watch for signs of skin irritation.

Proper fit of the skin barrier around the stoma is important to prevent peristomal skin problems:

• For one-piece ostomy pouching systems, a thin, flexible adhesive will protect your skin and allow for more frequent pouching system changes.
• For two-piece ostomy pouching systems, special mouldable skin baseplates designed to hug the contours of your stoma and eliminate gaps provide a snug fit that may help minimize peristomal skin problems.

 

12. Returning to Work with a Stoma

 

From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery. These tips may help you return to the workplace with more confidence and less anxiety.

• Be prepared. Pack a bag with the items you need for a full change of the pouching system and a change of clothes. You may not need your “emergency kit” at all, but it can offer peace of mind knowing that it is at the ready.
• Pack your water bottle and stay hydrated. Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to improve your health and well-being.
• Initially, you may be self-conscious about emptying your pouch in publicdue to odor or sound. Create a buffer with a layer of toilet paper in the toilet bowl to avoid splashing when emptying your pouch. Some people also include toilet deodorizing products in their stoma supply kits.
• Dress comfortably. Do not worry that others will notice the pouching system through your clothes. Having a stoma may seem very noticeable to you, but in reality, it is rarely noticed by others.
• Consider starting back to work on a Thursday, allowing you to ease back in with a short work week. You will be able to rest over the weekend before taking on a full week of work.
• Think about what facilities are available in your work restroom and plan accordingly. If no paper towels are available, have premoistened paper towels in zip lock plastic bags or moisturizer-free wipes. Try to think of how to accomplish a pouch change in that setting if needed.
• Take breaks. It is easy to get wrapped up in the task at hand, but allow yourself time to empty your pouch.
• Don’t try out new products or foods right before going back to work. Save testing new products or diet changes for the comfort of home.
• Most likely, your co-workers will not realize you have a stoma unless you tell them. It is a personal choice whether to tell your employer about your stoma. Although it may help to tell your manager or trusted co-worker(s) if you require frequent breaks or accommodations.

 

13.What Activities Can I do with a Stoma

 

• The first thing you should know when you’re thinking of getting active with a stoma is that there is no set level activity for everyone. It’s about finding the right thing for you and not pushing yourself too far.
• When you feel ready after stoma surgery you should be able to return to work, as well as any sports and activities you enjoyed before your surgery. If you’re unsure of what you can do, then you should seek advice from your stoma nurse. If you are considering taking part in contact sports such as boxing, rugby, or judo, it’s important to make sure your stoma is protected.
• Getting active has so many benefits, not only for your physical health but also for mental health and wellbeing, which is so important to focus on no matter your stage of recovery. One thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter if you weren’t very active before surgery.
• Nobody is expecting you to become an athlete overnight. Do what feels right for you.
• Below is a list of the many activities you can do with a stoma:

Housework

• You can do the housework with a stoma. You should speak to your stoma nurse or GP when thinking about resuming housework as it’s important to ease back into any activity after major surgery.

Go walking

• Walking is a fantastic, low impact exercise which can be started soon after surgery. Make sure you build it up gradually. You could start by going out for a short walk every day and try to increase the distance a bit more each time if you can. However, remember, as far as you walk you might have to walk back again, so start off slowly. If you don’t feel ready to go outside yet, or if the weather’s putting you off, you could even walk around the house.

Ride a bike

• Cycling is another great, low impact exercise that doesn’t put too much strain on your stoma.
• Before you get on your bike, make sure you check your suitability with your stoma care nurse or healthcare professional as it’s important to ensure that you have fully recovered from your surgery. This is even more important if you have a perineal wound as the saddle of the bike may cause discomfort to the area at first. You could visit your local cycle shop as they should be able to advise on suitable types of saddles available to make cycling more comfortable.
• If you do want to start cycling, then joining a club could be great way to get started.

Go swimming

• With the right pouch and a bit of planning, there shouldn’t be any reason why you can’t go swimming with a stoma.
  Swimming is great exercise as it works your whole body without putting too much strain or pressure on your stoma. Most stoma pouching systems are water resistant, even for swimming. First, ensure that your pouching system is securely in place. Then, cover the vent on your deodorizing filter with a filter cover to prevent water from entering the pouch.
• If you have a colostomy, you may find it useful to wear a stoma cap if it makes you feel more comfortable going swimming. However, this may not be an effective solution if you have an ileostomy or urostomy due to the output being more frequent.
• Our me+™ Member Sarah has a handy tip for those who want to swim with a stoma. Sarah says: "I tell people who are scared to swim with a stoma to spend a few hours in the tub on a lazy day. If your pouching system holds up to that, then the pool should be a breeze."

Team sports

• Were you a key player in your football team before your surgery? Love nothing more than being part of a team? Want to try something new?
• If you want to get back to the action of a contact sport or even if you want to get started for the first time, try not to let your anxieties hold you back. It may require a little extra planning than it used to, but you can still partake in the activities you want to.
• You might be worried that you’ll cause damage to your stoma if you play contact sports but taking the right precautions and protecting your stoma can help to avoid this. If you feel comfortable in doing so, you could also let other members of your team know that you have a stoma.