Patients who face an invasive surgery often worry that the aftercare is going to hamper their quality of life. In reality, medical technology has advanced in comfort and convenience, making medical devices like ostomy bags less intrusive and easier to manage. Here are four important things you should know about ostomy bags and how they will affect the patients who use them.
There Are No “Right” Ostomy Bags for All Patients
If you have spent any time at all around ostomy patients, you know that every surgery and stoma is different and requires unique care. Some patients will require a leg bag for ease of care. Others, because of active lifestyles and preferences, will choose either a one- or two-piece bag that they can change themselves with ease. There are so many factors that go into choosing the right bag– discretion, fit, and output to name a few. Regardless of your patient’s needs, there are ostomy bags that will facilitate a smooth transition post-surgery.
Plan to Change the Appliance 1-2 Times a Week
Depending on the equipment chosen and the sensitivity of the skin, it is imperative that ostomy bags be changed frequently. To reduce the risk of infection and irritation, change the appliances 1-2 times per week. Changing the bag too often can also cause skin irritation, so encourage patients not to increase the frequency unless necessary.
Each Patient Will Find Their Own Rhythm
Ultimately, each patient will integrate the ostomy bag into life in his or her own way. Some will choose to sit when emptying, and others will stand. Patients may choose a smaller ostomy bag for discretion in exchange for more frequent trips to empty it. Some will choose to shower without the bag in order to clean the stoma, while others will leave it intact. In each case, the more ownership a patient feels over their ostomy bags, the more likely it is that they will be successful in caring for their own health.
Education is the Most Important Factor
More than any product selection, the most important factor in a patient’s success with an ostomy bag is education. Teaching patients to care for and feel confident with their system will allow them to move forward with confidence. It is vital to teach patients how to recognize the warning signs of problems with their ostomy bags. Cramps, skin irritation, or any discharge from the stoma are all cause for concern. They should also be aware that no waste appearing in 5-6 hours should be reported to medical staff.
It is never comfortable or easy to make a big lifestyle change. However, most surgeries that result in a stoma also result in a happier, pain-free life for patients who had earlier been in extreme pain or discomfort. Educating a patient about their options and ostomy bag management will allow them to live a normal full life. To receive the best prices and service on ostomy bags and other medical supplies, browse our online store of over 250,000 products today!