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MEDICAL NECESSITIES OF REHOSPITALIZATION by Many of you who have undergone ostomy surgery, faced the reality that you could (and some may now) face re-hospitalization. The reasons vary: tests, treatments, revisions of the ostomy, illness, surgery (blockages, twists and other emergency related procedures) and non-related health situations. Some of these are maintenance care reasons that are a fact of life as an ostomate and human being. It is important for you to be aware of what type of ostomy you have so you can alert your medical staff upon hospitalization. It is a good idea to write this down on the same card you have important telephone numbers and prescription drugs written on. Carry one card with you and give a card to a person close to you. You need to indicate if you have a urinary tract diversion, ileostomy or colostomy. There are different types of colostomies. You should indicate if you have a Sigmoid or descending colostomy, transverse colostomy or ascending colostomy. You should also indicate whether or not your rectum has been removed. This is important for rectal examinations, or to know your temperature cannot be taken this way. If you have an ileostomy, you should note whether or not you have an external or internal (Knoch) pouch, It would also be helpful to note if you had a considerable amount of intestine removed. If you have a jejunostomy, be sure to note it as this, and not an ileostomy. Also, it is a good idea to take along extra appliance equipment if you prefer using your own type of pouch, since all hospitals may not stock the particular pouch you are using. Sometimes you can ask them to special order your supplies but until you receive them, you should have at least several changes of your pouches. If you have a colostomy that you irrigate, take along your irrigation equipment so this will also be familiar to you. When you are entering the hospital, tell your admitting nurse what you have brought with you and what other equipment you might need. It would be helpful to have a written out procedure of how you take care of your ostomy to give to the nursing personnel. Include how often you change the pouch and/or skin barrier. This will help the nursing staff to take care of your ostomy in the way you prefer. By all means, if you are having any difficulties taking care of your stoma, this would be the time to ask for suggestions. Chances are the nursing staff can help you improve your care or solve any difficulties you are having. They may have an Enterostomal Therapy Nurse on staff or would certainly be able to call one in to see you if necessary. You are dealing with your ostomy on a day-to-day basis, so who knows your stoma better than you? It is very important for you to be aware of the type of surgery you had and to take responsibility for your own care. You know yourself and your body better than anyone else. If you prepare yourself properly, your ostomy should not pose any problems with re-hospitalization. 33 |