Adapting to life after a stoma can take some getting used to, but it’s not impossible. Many people have led themselves to believe that having an ostomy such as a colostomy means having a significant decrease in their quality of life. This is a misconception that leads to a lot of anxiety before the procedure, not to mention a lot of dread at the thought that such a surgery leads to a life of isolation and misery. This is not the case. Once you’ve adapted to life with an ostomy after being discharged from the hospital, you’ll be enjoying life in no time at all.
One of the important aspects of living with an ostomy is learning how to properly clean and empty the ostomy bag in question. Learning this procedure is your first step to resuming a normal existence that’s fulfilling.
Essential Tips to Proper Emptying & Cleaning
- Always carry an extra pouch with you whenever you leave the house. Nature has a tendency to call at the most unexpected & inopportune times.
- If you need to dispose of bodily fluids, find a restroom and empty the contents of the bag into the toilet.
- After the bag has been emptied, fill ⅓ of the way with water and stir to eliminate any lingering particles.
- Wipe the inside of the bag with toilet paper, and if necessary, apply deodorant to mask any noticeable odors.
Cleaning the Pouch
There’s an old saying; “cleanliness is next to godliness” this is nowhere more relevant than in the proper cleaning of an ostomy pouch. While having the pouch with you while you go about your normal day might take some getting used to, getting into the routine of proper hygiene is of the utmost importance.
- Some pouches need to be changed every day, some two to three days a week, and some once a week. Talk to your medical provider to see which one they recommend.
- Always use gloves when cleaning or emptying your ostomy bag. Bodily waste is never fun to deal with, but taking proper precautions makes all the difference in the world.
- Always properly dispose of old pouches, gloves, and any other disposable materials in a proper container.
- It’s important to establish a routine with your emptying and cleaning schedules. Your stool might appear watery when you first return home from the hospital, and might thicken over time. Establishing a solid rhythm with how often your body discharges waste and how often you clean might take some getting used to, but you’ll soon be operating like a well-wound Swiss clock.
MicroSkin Ostomy Pouching Systems
Having an ostomy is not the end of the world, nor is it a hindrance to you pursuing a normal life. Cymed offers the best in helping you get back to enjoying yourself. Give us a call at 800-582-0707 for more information or feel free to fill out the form below.