While there is tons of information about stoma care available over the internet, sometimes it’s a better idea to look at the basics rather than getting lost in the complexity of details. In this article, we will discuss the fundamentals of stoma care by answering some frequently asked questions.
How to stop an ostomy bag from ballooning up?
Ballooning of an ostomy bag happens due to wind. Although there are five filters in an ostomy bag, they can stop working when they get wet. One of the ways to avoid the ballooning of this bag is to avoid consuming gas-producing foods and drinks. You can also burb your ostomy bag if it can be drained.
Does getting a camera into the stoma hurt?
Some people think that having a camera into the stoma must be a very painful experience. Having a camera into the stoma may be a necessary part of a diagnostic procedure. Since you will have to remove your bag for a moment, you may be worried about the unexpected evacuation of waste materials from the stoma during the checkup. The best practice is to take bowel prep before the checkup if you have a colostomy. And if you have an ileostomy, you may have to fast for some time before the procedure. Make sure to take a spare ostomy bag as your doctor will remove the existing bag before getting the camera into your stoma.
What is the right way to deal with a hernia?
A hernia can be quite an irritation, whose discomfort can range from difficulty wearing an ostomy bag to pain in the peristomal skin area. You may wonder where to get hernia support wear from. However, it will depend on the local prescribing guidelines. Your stoma care nurse will help you know what is available in your locality. Therefore, you will prescribe you any hernia support wear depending on that availability.
How to deal with red, sore skin under the flange
Sore skin can be quite painful. First and foremost, you will need to determine the reason for this soreness. Is it because of the wrong-sized hole in the flange or stomal output getting in contact with the peristomal skin? Leakage is the biggest reason for this skin irritation. In such a scenario, the best practice is to consult with your stoma care nurse as soon as possible. They may suggest you a barrier spray to help your sore skin. You can also try a home remedy consisting of Gaviscon liquid.
What to do with an ostomy bag peeling up on one side
Clothes rubbing against the edges of your baseplate can cause them to lift. It can be significantly difficult to get those edges back after they detach from your peristomal skin. One of the ways to deal with this issue is to use some micropore tape to stick the peeled-off tape back. You can also use flange extenders after getting a prescription from your ostomy care nurse. These extenders come in a semi-circle shape and stick around the edges of the flange.
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