GENERL HINTS FROM EVERYONE

Metro Maryland - via patch ‘n Pouch, Mercer Co PA & GR Promoter

1. It is not unusual for a stoma to enlarge and protrude at times and then become small and recede. This movement of the stoma is called peristalsis, an activity of the intestine. Peristalsis is a squeezing, wave-like, rhythmic motion found in the alimentary canal; this kind of movement is frequently observed by people with ostomies and there is no need for concern.

2. Try rubbing hydrogen peroxide on an insect bite and surrounding skin to eliminate itching.

3. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean pouches.

4. Check emergency pouch on occasion to see if it is still usable.

5. While sunbathing, cover the stoma area with a cool, wet cloth to prevent the adhesive from melting.

COLOSTOMATES;

Fiber from fruits and vegetables does not have the same scouring results as fiber from grains and cereals. Some ostomates find bran muffins and agreeable alternative to bran cereal.

ILEOSTOMATES:

As a result of a terminal ileum resection, or an ileostomy performed, ileostomates may have altered cholesterol’s. You’ll recall that the terminal ileum is the site of absorption of bile salts (materials made in the liver) which aid in the digestion of fatty foods. People who lose bile salts in their feces because of ileitis, or whose ileum is resected by surgery, often have low levels of cholesterol. They pour out bile salts into the stool faster than the liver can make them, and since they are used to digest fatty substances ...their cholesterol levels tend to be lower than that of the general population. (Therefore, an ileostomate should use a normal amount of salt and if high blood pressure is present, other remedies should be considered.)

UROSTOMATES:

You can save money when you need to have a urinalysis. A urine sample should NEVER be taken from the pouch. When your doctor says to have a urinalysis done, and to take a slip to the lab, suggest that he state on the slip that the sample must be taken directly from the stoma to ensure a valid test. If a sterile technique is used, an accurate and prompt diagnosis can be made.

Treatment and/or medication (if needed) can be prescribed immediately. Unintentional errors are eliminated by labs doing the testing, the time and money saved by having a valid test done the first time will be well worth removing and replacing your appliance.