A Brief Note On Ostomy Complications

Ostomy complications can arise after ostomy surgery, and they can be quite problematic sometimes. You will need to know about those complications if you want to prevent them in the best possible way. In this article, we will talk about the most common complications that can occur after ostomy surgery.

Hernia

A hernia occurs when the weakness or detachment of abdominal muscles allows intestines to push through them, causing a noticeable bulge (sometimes) around the stoma. This issue can result in mild to severe pain in the peristomal skin area. Hernias tend to be persistent, even if you undergo surgery. The most significant disadvantage of having a hernia is that compromises the seal between the skin barrier and the peristomal skin.

The best way is to avoid scenarios that result in the formation of hernia. You will need to discuss with your doctor regarding the activities that you need to avoid. The risk of hernia formation is highest during the first two years after surgery.

Prolapse

The protrusion of the stoma through its opening is known as stoma prolapsing. The length of the protrusion may vary. It can be quite problematic if it remains untreated for a bit longer duration. A prolapse can make ostomy management quite difficult. In some cases, it can cause blood constriction, which can further deteriorate the stoma. The quick fix to a prolapsed stoma is to use a specialized ostomy bag that accommodates the stoma with its increased length. You may want to go for a regular inspection of your stoma to make sure that it is not developing any issues.

Retracted stoma

A retracted stoma is one that lacks the necessary protrusion. It means that a retracted stoma maybe a flush or below the level of the abdominal skin. Sometimes the retraction may be associated with certain body postures. For instance, the stoma may protrude a little when standing but flushes when sitting. According to a survey, retraction is more common among ostomates. It occurs in 10 – 24% of the patients. It is more common among patients who are obese or overweight.

A retracted stoma can cause leakage because it involves the sinking of the point of junction between the skin and the stoma lining. With that part of the skin out of reach, the skin barrier of the ostomy pouch will not be able to form an ideal seal with the peristomal skin area, leading to a heightened risk of leakage.

There are some ways you can prevent issues that can occur as a result of the stoma retraction. For instance, you can use a convex barrier, which pushes the peristomal skin to reach the base of the stoma. You may also use an ostomy belt to apply the necessary pressure on the abdominal skin to make the entire peristomal skin area accessible to the ostomy appliance’s skin barrier.

Blockage

Blockage can turn out to be the most painful condition, occurring mostly with ileostomies. The most common reason for a blockage to occur is the buildup of food wastes in the bowel. The most common symptoms of blockage may include no or liquid output and swelling. You may take a warm bath and drink warm liquids to dissolve formations inside the bowel. In extreme cases, reach out to your doctor immediately.

All about Ostomy Belts

Ostomy belts are little devices you wear around the abdomen, which protects and supports the weight of your ostomy appliance. This is an alternative way to keep the appliance in place during activity which is vigorous.  There are elastic belts that’ll hook into small loops of your flange or pouch. They’re helpful in holding the flange to the body, which preserves the seal and helps prevent the leakage too.

You should begin walking a bit with surgery, since it helps stimulate the bowel function, and it’ll get you back on track to getting the muscle that you lost back from before you went into the hospital. Ostomates who regain this usually can do a lot of things, and ostomy belts are great since they allow you to do all of these. They tape the appliance to edges too. However, if you do sweat a bit, you might need to change it, especially if you notice that the appliance is slipping.

Ostomy belts play a part in supporting pouch systems, especially in the case of hernias.  They’re elastic, and only an ich in width, and they come in many different sizes and lengths, with the longest being 154 inches, and can be adjusted.  At the end is elastic, and there are some hooks which attach to the tabs on the belt of the pouch or barrier, depending on the ostomy system.  This is used to help with minimizing the risk of holding onto elimination in the skin areas where the pouches attach, and of course it helps support the weight of the pouch as there are oily drainages, and also will avoid irritation, hernias, and of course skin mounding around the tissues around the stoma, and of course to protect the stoma from irritation and the trauma that comes from external contact.  These are confused with binders, which are larger. There might be multiple bands which are available for better concealment, and of course the prevention of hernias.

So what’s so great about ostomy belts? Well, they will support, stabilize, and conceal the ostomy pouch.  This also supports the weight of the pouch that’s attached to the skin that surrounds the stoma.  It also reduces noise from the pouch, and it makes it capable of holding the pouch in a more discreet and secured manner close to where the abdomen is.  It also helps reduce the tendency of mounding, reduces herniation of those areas, provides better support of the skin and tissues, helps with adhesion of the pouch to the stoma, helps to reduce the discharge of the contents of the pouch, reduces irritation, and eliminates the pendulum effect that might not otherwise be created in different ways.  This also enhances the flanges convexity, so when you use the belt, you can pull it towards the abdomen, which enhances the effects. This also supports and secures the weight of the stools towards the pouch, making it safer and much comfier for you.

Those who are active and move around from side to side do worry that their ostomy system might have a reduced grip, so this will help with improving that security. It’s hard to find tabs on the one piece systems, since there’s no rigidity in the coupling mechanism that comes from the two piece system.

An ostomy belt helps many people keep their ostomy systems in place, and you can get a lot of different variants which can help you. This is a wonderful option for people who are looking to do more but would like the extra security and comfort they desire when they go out and do things.

Denim is the answer for ostomy

When you find out for any reason that you have to get a stoma, it can be disheartening. It’s scary, and many different emotions overwhelm you all at once.  No its not vain or arrogant to first be worried about your looks. It is only natural to be afraid about carrying around a bag with you all the time that you don’t want new people to know about.  So once you get over the initial shock there are some great things to research and remember.  Denim is your friend and always will be.  Yes, everyone will say get high waisted leggins and a baggy shirt. And that is an easy look that well I use all the time, but don’t forget that Denim works really well too at hiding ostomy supplies and being comfortable.  So next time you are shopping look for a few of these items too.

Get yourself a pair of dungarees. They are fun and very comfortable.  I usually go a size bigger and then can sinch down the waist to get the comfort, look, and feel I am going for. Feeling fresh and being able to have freedom of movement without being worried of your personal ostomy supplies moving or leaking is a big deal.  This is why I love the range of movement in a dungaree.  So next time your at the store, give one a shot.  Now I also like other types of denim too.

Don’t forget to give the bodycon skirt a try.   Don’t be afraid to try new things and show yourself off a bit.  It's a bit high waisted and then you can throw a shorter shirt on just for fun.  A little daring never hurt and with the bodycon skirt you won’t have to worry about your bag being a focal point.  You can use a nice belt to keep everything secure and not crush it.  Tailor Swift has been a godsend for fashion for anyone with a stoma and the high waisted looks keep on coming.

Last but not least, mom jeans… I know that sounds insane, but if you get them a bit big and sinch that waist down, it's a fun look and can totally work if you are in a rush.  Lets face it we all go to Target not exactly looking our best.  But it doesn’t mean you can’t look good doing it. 

Next time your at Target give a pair a shot and grab a nice belt to go with it and see how it work with your body.  Remember you are beautiful and are confident and denim is a great way to accentuate that.

High Waisted Jeans are a must for Ostomy

Anxiety is a real and difficult problem for the average person in the United States.  Take that normal anxiety and see the billion of dollars spent on this issue every year.  It can be a debilitating problem that needs more than counseling and it is even higher felt for individuals who have had an ostomy.  Feeling the worry and fear that comes with something going wrong or someone noticing your ostomy bag is heart wrenching.  Yes, I know that I am a confident person and that I am able and capable of handling any situation that arrives, but I still feel anxiety over it.  So what are some things that can lower that anxiety without pharmaceuticals or counseling? To be honest its dressing correctly is a huge boost to my self esteem and confidence.  It keeps my anxiety low if I know that my clothes look good and wont give me away or cause leaks or issues with my Ostomy supplies. 

So my advice is you get yourself a pair of hIgh Waisted Jeans.  I know this sounds silly, but its not. How you look, and how you feel are very important and I believe even more so when you have a Ostomy Supplies bag that you have to carry around every day.  It’s important to have clothes that work with you.  High Waisted Jeans take the actual needs of keeping the bag safe without getting crushed and possibly causing leaks.

So what are some of my favorite brands that work with me and my body with my stoma? Well any of the top brands at TJ Max works for me.  WHAT? I mean it, it doesn’t matter, just find a nice high waisted jean brand that works for your body.  Our bodies are so different, and we must look confident in the brands we think look the best. Not what works for someone else. 

Remember there are also lots of different kind of fits depending on your waist.  Loose fit, is a big winner in my book, because its not super tight on the waist.  You can always sinch with a belt, but having a little wiggle room is a win.  Book cut is a must if you are heading down south and want to take advantage of the local looks.  Nothing is more fun than trying on alagator skinned boots and looking great in them. 

What it’s Like Having a J Pouch

Some people wonder what having a J pouch is like. If you get this at different ages, you may talk to people about this. J pouch surgery is done in multiple steps, usually 2 or 3 in most cases, and usually is done with a colorectal surgeon locally.  Usually, these surgeons also have experience in doing this. But if you’re pressed for wondering what it’s like having a J pouch, keep reading on. 

No More Bathrooms 

A lot of times initially people feel the fullness within the J pouch initially, and some discomfort, but usually it’s not as bad as it would be if not treated. Ulcerative colitis does make going to the bathroom uncomfortable, and usually, after the J pouch, it soon becomes a memory. 

Usually, the surgery also goes on for an extensive period of time, where you get a temporary ileostomy in some cases, and usually you’re out of work for at least 6 weeks to recover. You also will have scarring, since it’s common with surgery. However, if you take prednisone beforehand, you probably will not fully heal from this. Many times, people struggle with tapering off of this before the initial step, because it would cause UC bleeding for people. 

A scar will not fully heal in this case if you are taking it, but it’s a small price. 

Ostomy isn’t Bad 

If you’ve dealt with years of diarrhea and are worried about ostomies, don’t worry. An ileostomy will offer you freedom again instead of anxiety of when to use the bathroom. 

You just empty out the ostomy pouch when full, and you don’t even need to change your wardrobe. At first you might be a bit limited with foods, but you can eat quite a bit, and you also can put on weight too after this.  You definitely will also learn how to do this too, without blowout or anything embarrassing happening. 

At first, changing the appliance might be complex, but it does get easier, and soon your stoma is just an extension of the body.  If you think about it too much, it may seem weird, but over time, you’ll be able to live. Without this ostomy though, the dysplasia and the polyps may’ve resulted in colon cancer, and something worse over time. 

Your nurse will also help you with dealing with this, and they’ll even help to determine soma placement. In emergency instances, the stoma may be placed where it is best, but if you have preparation time, take advantage of it. Be honest about the lifestyle so that they know what you do, your clothes you wear, and the best place to put this stoma. Anatomy does play a part in it as well, since muscles do become different, and the stoma may not be in the best place.  Things are better, and the ET nurse will make sure it’s correct too. 

Being Normal 

After you’ve had a J pouch for a while, you notice that it isn’t too bad, and you might wonder whether or not you need it, but it’s not as bad as the first one, with a shorter recovery time, and less pain meds. 

It definitely does feel different, and you do need to empty it more, but it’s not as bad. It also is not as bad as UC. The bowel movements might be differ too, more painful for some. However this is actually a result of certain foods, especially spicy and fried foods, which irritate the bowels. It’s a learning process, and don’t forget that about this too. 

Do your dogs hurt your stoma?

There are so many wonderful things about life and having people and things that love you.  I know that for me I love my family and count my dogs as being a big part of my family.  They are basically a child.  When people first learn they are going to get an ostomy surgery things can be difficult.  Lots of things happen all at once.  You meet lots of new people and get to know your ostomy nurse and surgeon really well.  They give you massive amounts of information to learn and are generally really good at teaching you what you need to know in a very friendly way.  They will give you great suppliers to get your ostomy gear from.  I personally like to use big corporate ostomy companies because they are really informative and easy to work with.  What most people won't go into detail about is how having ostomy works with having pets.  

We all know that pets and especially dogs have an incredible sense of smell and are generally very acute at picking up that something has changed. Dogs for instance generally have a sense of smell that is 40 times greater than ours! They know that you have a stoma and some are a little too excited about it.  In general, many pets get along just fine and match your emotions and become a great asset and friend for the situation.  Now I have two dogs and they both reacted very differently.  One pet was almost indifferent and really went along with life as absolutely normal as could be.  He was what I will call a very good boy.  On the other hand, one dog was not so good, but it was not the end of the world.  Having a stoma guard can also save any issues too.

My wonderful wife wanted a wild type of dog and now my other dog is a Yorkie breed.  He is a fast-paced dog that is always on the go. That dog breed is also known for being very one-track-minded or hard-headed.  This pet would simply not go away or stop pestering what he smelled.  Even when everything was perfectly sealed and working great thanks to using Hollister OStomy supplies gear the dog would still try to jump all over me when I was on the couch.  So I ended up having to train him very quickly.  I suggest you start by purchasing a lot of your pet's favorite treats.  You simply won't win and train your dog by being mean or forceful.  At this time in your life, it's not a good idea for you either.  Your abdomen muscles are not what they used to be and you are likely more prone to hernia situations as well.  So use kindness and lots of treats to work with your pets as soon as you get home.  They know something is different so treat them for being good with it.

This is a key part of living with a pet and a stoma.  It is being able to have good mental states and a good attitude about hard situations.  Kids are the same way and some are just not where they need to be mentally so you have to adjust.  We have all been there and we all get along just fine. 

Can you have a dog with an ostomy?

I love dogs.  There is nothing better than coming home to a lovely dog that 100% loves you and lives to be with you.  They can make your life joyful and also when they pass they literally feel like a family member is lost.  So is it still Ok to have a pet even with a stoma? It seems like it would be pretty hard to have a dog with a stoma since this topic is so near and dear to me I wanted to go over it.  One thing I really wasn’t told was how to deal with pets when you get an ostomy. I love my dogs and would never get rid of them and to be honest, my ostomy nurse and surgeon were fantastic.  I just didn’t think to tell them I had dogs.  I have two little dogs but let me tell you they have some strength to them. One is a lovely Yorkshire Terrier and the other is a Scottish Terrier. Now the small Yorkshire Terrier is a very hyper dog who is very one-track-minded.  The Scotty is on the opposite end of the spectrum.  He is very calm and concerned but also has the most killer instinct.  That goes along with his nature of being a true hunting animal.  The Scotty is also very loyal and to a fault, he is a protector.  So how does it stand to go outside with my dogs and my ostomy supplies all at the same time?  It can be a bit difficult and there are a few things I should have done better. 

Training really matters.  People can train their dogs in different ways and my wife and I were raised to train our dogs differently.  I have always had very well trained dogs that walk beside me and do not run off after anything.  My wife grew up with the idea that dogs are wild and should be free when they are on a leash.  I was used to using a 6-foot leash and even running with my dogs on a daily basis. My wife always used a 30-foot retractable leash so they could run wild and be free.  Well, let's face it the dogs we got together were not well-trained 6-foot leash dogs.  They are basically wild pulling animals and my wife hates it when I attempt to keep them in line.  So they would always pull and yank and get involved with my ostomy supplies on me and it became a big problem.  

This does not mean you need to be mean and treat the dogs like they are doing wrong.  They were trained by us to be wilder and it is not their fault.  But what it meant was more training by us and using lots and lots of treats for them to change their ways. 

I had to be able to walk them and take them out when needed so we took lots of time and my wife had to do a lot of it to start to train them to behave on a leash. It is simply wise to train your dogs well and don’t let them pull you and injury you. Don't be afraid to have them trained by a family member or even a professional trainer if you have to.