Page 3 - ostomy

An ostomy is an opening in a bodily organ that is created as part of a surgical procedure. At times, the opening is temporary and will eventually be allowed to close. At other times, the patient may live with the ostomy for the rest of his or her life. It pays to understand why an ostomy may be necessary and what sort of ostomy accessories and products help the patient enjoy a higher quality of life. Here are some of the basics you should know about signs indicating an ostomy may be necessary and what sort of product would come in handy.

Signs That An Ostomy May Be Necessary

The presence of a health issue requiring some sort of surgery is one of the more common signs that an ostomy may be necessary.

So what is ostomy and why would you need any type of special supplies. An ostomy is surgically created opening in one of the body's organs. Typically, this kind of surgery occurs due to the partial removal of an organ or because an organ no longer functions as it should. Once the surgery is complete, the patient will use several ostomy supplies for the rest of his or her life. Here are some tips that will help you find the right source for those supplies and get back to the business of enjoying life.

Example of an Ostomy

One of the more common examples of surgery that results in the creation of an ostomy has to do with the colon. When part of the colon or the rectum must be removed, what is known

Due to a recent invasive procedure, you now have what is known as an ostomy. This is simply an opening in a bodily organ that may need to remain open for a time. The opening may be necessary to allow liquid or waste to drain from the organ into another part of the body, but it’s also a procedure that makes it possible for waste to drain out of the body altogether. With the latter situation, the use of the right type of ostomy products makes it easier to enjoy an active lifestyle and not feel the need to sit at home and hide from life. Here are some examples to keep in mind.

Bags and Bag Covers

When the plan is to allow waste to drain out of the body, it needs to be collected somehow. The most

Gel-X is a unique product that converts liquid waste in your ostomy pouch into a gel.  What sets Gel-X apart from other products is that each tablet or capsule gels exactly 150ml of liquid.  This accurate, yet flexible system allows you to use as little or as much product as meets your needs - without waste.

The benefits of using Gel-X include:

     - healthier peristomal skin
     - reduced pouch noise
     - makes emptying your pouch easier
     - helps maintain a lower profile
     - reduced leaks

Gel-X is available in fast dissolving tablets or capsules. 

Click here to purchase Gel-X products

Many people think that once they have a stoma, they will not be able to enjoy life like they used to ever again. Although this may have been the case many years ago, there are now many ostomy care products available, all of which will help ensure that you are able to live life to the fullest once again.

1. Embrace your Freedom

Regardless of whether your stoma is in place temporarily or permanently, using the right ostomy care products such as drainable kits, belts, drainable and closed pouches, flanges, skin barriers, support garments and irrigation products will help ensure that you are able to enjoy activities that you used to engage in before having surgery performed. CanMedDirect.ca is one

The StomaDome is an innovative new product that attaches to your pouch and protects your stoma from the everyday bumps and impacts that happen in everyday life.  You don't have to be hesitant about your stoma being bumped in crowded areas, by pets or children, on furniture or by seatbelts any more.

The StomaDome attaches directly to the pouch using velcro strips that stick on to your pouch.  It is not bulky like other stoma protectors on the market.  It can be worn all the time, or as needed, since it can easily be taken off and reattached very easily.

The StomaDome comes with 52 velcro crecsents which are used to attach the protector to your ostomy pouch.  Refills for the velcro crescents

Have you ever wished there was a way to discreetly dispose of your used ostomy appliance while out or at a friend’s place?

With Seal-N-Toss, you can simply place your used appliance inside the pouch, seal it, and toss it away.

Seal-N-Toss is made of a thick, opaque plastic that is quiet (no rustling noises) and features a heavy duty zip closure. It completely hides its contents and reduces odours. Seal-N-Toss is sold in packages of 50 bags.

Click here for a review of the Seal-N-Toss ostomy disposal system at veganostomy.ca

Click here to purchase Seal-N-Toss

Flange Seal Rings create a waterproof barrier around the edge of your flange, preventing water from penetrating through the edges of your flange.  This helps prevent premature flange detachment due to water exposure.  Flange Seal Rings are made of an adhesive, transparent, thin waterproof membrane.

How Do I Put On Flange Seal Rings?

After attaching your Flange as usual, apply the Flange Seal ring directly on top of your flange, covering up the edge of the flange to protect it from water.

How to Choose the Right Size of Flange Seal Rings

If your flange is 57mm or below, choose product code FSR-1.  If your flange is 57mm or above, choose product code FSR-2.  When in doubt, choose FSR-2

OstaBelt is an innovative stylish belt system dedicated to help ostomy patients return to an active lifestyle. Created with the most durable and breathable material, the OstaBelt is guaranteed to provide comfort and protection around the clock. With a simple opening of a zipper, you will be able to empty out pouch contents effortlessly. Our system works with a one-piece or two-piece flange to provide a universal fit.

How Do I Put On my OstaBelt?

The OstaBelt has a unique application where the flange is inserted through the hole opening on the back of the belt.  The flange then appears in the inside zippered pouch compartment where the ostomy bag will attach.

The belt is then positioned around

If you have recently been fitted with a urostomy pouch, you may not yet be sure how or when to change it. However, in order to remain comfortable and sanitary, there are a few basic guidelines to follow – all of which will make your general urostomy care and maintenance routine as simple and convenient as possible.

#1 – Replace the pouch as directed

Although your stoma nurse will have given you directions regarding how to perform this task, it can be easy to forget the details after arriving home. A one-piece urostomy pouch will normally require replacement every other day, while the two-piece versions usually need to have the baseplate or flange section replaced once to twice a week to prevent