So, you’ve decided to get an ostomy but would like to learn more about lifestyle issues afterward. This is an important time not to fret or panic, but to prepare yourself for what’s like managing your stoma to avoid trouble with odors, leaky pouches, and so forth. We’d like to cover a few of the most important components of ostomy care.

Changing Ostomy Pouches - How Does it Really Work?

As you may already know, there are several pouch systems, most of which will allow you to drain them. Fortis Medical Products offers both a one-piece pouch and a two-piece drainable pouch, so you have different options.

It’s easy to change pouches by slowly peeling them off, wiping all around the stoma, and then draining it or installing a new pouch. It’s not too difficult, but you have to practice a few times to get a feel for it. 

How Do You Prevent Leaks?

Pouches can leak during the changing process or any other time if you don’t secure them correctly. The best way to eliminate leakage is to take your time when you’re new at it. Also, it’s important to secure the pouches with an effective skin barrier ring to avoid leaks.

Does Getting an Ostomy Prevent Me from Enjoying Life?

Most ostomy patients have almost no difficulty resuming all their normal activities after a brief respite right after the surgery. Given the much better pouches and other supplies we have now, it’s easier to manage your ostomy without it interfering with daily life. Some ostomates take hardly any time at all to get back to their old routine of running, swimming, weight lifting, bicycling, and working.

What’s the Best Way to Manage Odors?

Odors originate from gas problems, which can come from a few sources, but most often from dietary habits. The best way to handle gas is to determine which foods are causing the most trouble and consume them in lower quantities. It’s also crucial to eat slower with smaller bites to avoid trapping air in your digestive system. Finally, when all else fails, don’t forget to keep some perfume or deodorizer handy to cover for anything unexpected.

Those are some of the most pertinent topics related to ostomy care once you undergo the procedure. While all of this may seem overwhelming at first, you’ll get the hang of it. After the initial struggles of acclimating to life, post-ostomy, you’ll see that getting it was absolutely worth it.

We can’t wait to help you even more with ostomy care and let you sample our pouches at Fortis Medical Products. Our innovative new Entrust Ostomy products are among the industry’s best for promoting skin health and overall comfort. You can call us anytime with ostomy-related questions at 855-550-2600.