Tips And Tricks For Those With A New Stoma
When you first come home after ostomy surgery, there will be a period of time during which you have to adapt to your stoma and get used to caring for the area. During this time, you will probably want to mostly stay at home so you can adapt in a comfortable, familiar setting. Here are some tips and tricks to guide you as a new ostomy patient adapting to this change in your body.
Keep your home cool and dry
At first, this might seem like a strange tip. However, the humidity level and temperature of your surroundings will affect how the wafer — which is the sticky part of your ostomy system — sticks to your body. If your home is humid and warm, you may struggle to get the patch to stick. So, try to keep your home around 72 degrees or cooler and at about 45% humidity or less. If you do not have central air conditioning, consider getting a window unit for at least one room in your home. Then, you can make that the room where you change your ostomy bag.
Change the system before you have to
Everyone ends up on their own change schedule, and it may take you some time to figure out exactly how often you need to change your ostomy bag. Some people need to change every other day, and others need to change every three or five days. However, the goal is always to change the bag before you have to. You do not want the waste to build up to the point that it is coming into contact with your stoma. At first, try changing every other day. If this goes well and your bag isn't too close to being full, then try waiting three days.
Use stoma powder with your first few changes
Stoma powder is intended to absorb moisture and reduce irritation around your stoma. As you get more used to your ostomy and it heals further, you may not always need to use it. But as a new patient just getting used to their stoma, you are almost certain to have stoma irritation. When you change your bag, make sure you apply lots of stoma powder. Only stop applying the powder with your changes when your stoma looks dry, doesn't show any signs of irritation, and is not cracked.
With the tips above, you can have a better time adapting to your ostomy and the required care. Ask your doctor for more specific advice.
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