Aging with an Ostomy

By a person given a “new life” through ostomy surgery

From The New Outlook- Chicago

From the day we are conceived, we start growing older. It is a lifelong process. We will change physically

socially and psychologically, sometimes with wonderful results and sometimes with challenges. Physicians and

researchers have invested generations in defining and studying aging. We now live in a time where we have more

useful information than ever before for us to make intelligent decisions about our own lives.

As we grow older, subtle changes occur in our bodies. The most insidious one is the changes in our skin. It loses

elasticity and becomes thinner and drier....this is why we begin to wrinkle and have more skin irritations. These

changes may become real issues for those who must wear an ostomy system.

To prevent leakage as the skin becomes more wrinkled, one should be sure to either stand up or lie flat when

installing a new barrier. this will assure that your barrier is attached to smooth skin and not a skin fold. It is prudent

to use a mirror to help you see your progress as a new barrier is applied.

The skin over ones entire body tends to bruise more easily and heal more slowly as we age. This also means that

we need to be more careful when removing a barrier. A skin barrier will actually help protect the tender skin under

the barrier. Skin usually heals better with a covering on it than when it is exposed to the elements. Skin care products

used under the pouch may help to reduce or eliminate skin irritation from the pouch rubbing against the skin.

Aging may also result in less strength in the hands. Arthritis, lessening mobility or pain in the fingers can make it

difficult to put together a two-piece ostomy system. A one-piece system may eliminate the task of lining up the

flange to the wafer and snapping them together. Although, the leading manufacturers are aware of this issue. They

are designing new ostomy systems that require less effort that ever to apply a pouch to a barrier. Two examples

would be Hollister’s New Image Ostomy System with Floating Flange, or ConvaTec’s new Esteem Adhesive

Ostomy System.

Aging is a phenomenon we must all face with the benefits and the challenges. When one considers the

alternative, it is not too bad.

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MUSCLE SPASMS OR NIGHT CRAMPS

via North Wind News, Seattle

Ostomates with vomiting or diarrhea who have cramps in hands, feet or legs might ask their doctor about electrolytes. Losing lots of body fluid, at any age from any source, can cause muscle spasms. Hot, sweaty weather may cause heat cramps, or working up a sweat doing manual labor, running or working out may cause cramps and charley horses.

Loss of body fluid causes a shortage of the main electrolytes; sodium and potassium, minerals that help the nervous system activate muscles. When electrolytes are in too short supply, the muscle may spasm.

Orange juice, honey-and-apple cider-vinegar drink, bouillon, tomato juice, or other high sodium drinks help. Gatorade, other sport drinks, Pedialyte drink and freezer pops from the grocery store and powdered electrolytes from sports shops are commercial drinks that help cramping from electrolyte loss.

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