OSTOMIESAWARENESS.COM, INC.

A “Breakthrough”… From Leaks

What is a piece of mind?….which was a question I used to ask myself time and time again when it came to leaks. Living with an ostomy can be challenging so dealing with leaks is like a nightmare you never seem to wake up from. I am here to let you know, it gets better with time, good teaching methods and a great support network to help you ease back into your daily routine.

It took me a while in the beginning to fully grasp the process. Learning my pouch system seemed like a lot of work but I had the appropriate training from a great ostomy nurse. It was like going shopping for clothes in a catalog because I tried so many different pouches in order to get the right fit. It may take learning different methods before you get into your comfort zone, and believe me it’s ok. I went from trying several different systems before I changed from a two piece pouch system to the one piece that helped secure me from my leaks.

I went into a one piece with a skin barrier ring around the stoma, to prevent irritation or damage from drainage.

I use Stomahesive Powder(my preference). Normally I apply the powder around the stoma before placing the barrier and pouch. The powder acts as a skin protector by absorbing moisture and contributing to extended wear. This powder is also good to use for any redness, rawness or skin irritations.

PLEASE CONTACT YOUR OSTOMY CARE PROVIDERS IF ANY SIGNS OF PERISTOMAL COMPLICATIONS.

If you still have some doubts about getting leaks there are more options to help you feel confident, like placing barrier stripes around your appliance because it helps fill in skin irregularities. Due to my sensitive skin I used Securi-T Barrier Stripes(Hydrocolloid skin), I placed them around my appliance like a “picture frame”. This brand is also a great replacement for allergic reactions/irritations to tape as well.

I used the water proof Hy-Tape, along with the Securi-T Barrier Stripes. This tape is my life line, it’s a medical tape with many different types of applications. It’s good for bathing, swimming, perspiration and it reduces any chance of irritation. Along with being waterproof and washable this secure wound dressing gives you that piece of mind to know you have the confidence and support to continue your daily activities.

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson

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Everyone will have different needs from one day to the next, but lets agree that dehydration is one thing we all can relate to.

The questions we all have are, how much fluid should we be drinking daily? what are those fluids? and how much do I need to stay hydrated?

Some people may need 2 to 2 1/2 Ltrs (6 to 8 glasses) of fluid daily, whereas others may need more or less.

Lets just make it clear PLAIN WATER alone is not good hydration. 

In order for fluid to be well absorbed by the body, a drink needs to have a small amount of glucose and some sodium. This concept is known as osmolarity.

Water is mostly absorbed through the large intestine(colon) which was interrupted, some water is absorbed in the small intestine(ileum), so it is possible to stay hydrated but difficult with a ostomy. 

Here are some Tips/ Recommendations to stay hydrated:

-Gatorade (G2 less sugar) or sports drinks(low sugar)
-Homemade oral rehydration solutions
-Coconut Water
-V8 Juices (veggie juices) -Pedialyte

It is recommended that you drink extra fluids during hot weather and exercise.

Signs Of Dehydration:

Symptoms such as
dry mouth, headache, tiredness, weakness, confusion, dizziness, low blood pressure 
and low urine output (very little urine that is very dark) can attribute to other health conditions as well, but they are often due to dehydration.

IF YOU FEEL SEVERELY DEHYDRATED OR IF YOUR URINE IS VERY DARK IN COLOR, THEN SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY.

Here are a few examples of some foods with high water content (just remember your dietary restrictions):

-Watermelon
-Applesauce
-Yogurt
-pudding
-Smoothies
-Jell-O

Few more examples (slow down ostomy) but still good for hydration:

-Potatoes
-Bread
-Cracker
-Bananas
-Pretzels

HERE’S A FEW ADDITIONAL TIPS TO STAY HYDRATED

-Carrying a beverage with you that’s refillable, when you go out.

-Sip small amounts of fluid at a time, to help hydrate properly.

-Enjoy your favorite beverages (with flavors, fruits) for additional nutrition and electrolytes.

FOR MEDICAL ADVICE PLEASE SEE PROVIDERS TO SLOW DOWN TRANSIT TIME (ask doctor’s about taking Metamucil and optimize for water absorption)

We believe living with an ostomy should be a road to a new norm an productive life whether it’s socializing or being active. We all live different lives, share similar stories and are now back to the things we enjoy doing within them. Let’s live a life full of productivity, and stay healthy while doing it.

Thank you to all for the comments and support

Learning to Live with Confidence

It starts with you!

You are beautiful, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

PSALM 139:14