Are you insane to enjoy the outdoors with an ostomy bag?

People always think those who are more outdoorsy are a bit crazy.  I am totally fine being put in the category because I love being outside. Now, because I also have a stoma and live with an ostomy bag some people think I am unsafe.  That is flat-out wrong.   When I found out I was going to go into surgery and a stoma would join me on the other side I started to research the extremes. I wanted to know what the worst-case scenario would be and the best case.  Now on the best regular side, most people don't have to change their lifestyles really at all.  That is because you can be as active as you want for the most part with a stoma.  There are so many incredible stories of people doing insane nearly non-human feet with a stoma, and for me, I only wanted to see if I could head out and follow my favorite hobby.  And yes you are 100% able to kick but and do crazy outdoor things with a stoma.  

Now, I am also a hunter.  Rather you are against it or not that is ok.  I feed my family with the best high-quality meat in the world and I bet you can't say that.  When I first heard that I was going to end up with a stoma due to some complications I was a bit worried about me being able to enjoy the great outdoors like I used to do.  But I was happy to find out that I was wrong in that assessment and that the wonderful world of the outdoors was and is still available to me.  I will say that it did not come instantly though.  Going through surgery and knowing that I now have a stoma left me knowing that I was more prone to hernias, ulcers, and abdominal injury.  My goal was to fight hard to be able to do what I wanted and I decided to get into shape to do it.

Did you know that being outdoors is hard?  I love it because it pushes me to my limit and hunting is physically strenuous.   When I am lucky if I end up getting a dear in the hunting season I may have to be able to drag up to 300 pounds for hundreds of yards.  Or I may have to end up carrying that weight for a long-distance depending on the location.  That means that my body needs to be in shape and my stoma and abs need to be protected.  That meant for me that I had to get into the gym and start working on my body so I wouldn't get any hernias or simply make my health a true situation and no one wants that. 

You have to be wise and actually work up to this goal.  There is no easy way about it.  I found that using the right ostomy gear during this time was key.  I ended up calling a bunch of companies and talking with my local pharmacist on what might work best for me and what I could do to make my working out comfortable and to forget I had a stoma.  I work hard to get the gear that works for me and I suggest you try a lot of things to see what works best for you. 

How to Empty and Change Your Colostomy Pouch?

A patient with colon cancer, rectum cancer, colon injury, colon blockage, colon infection, rectum disease, and bowel disease needs colostomy surgery. Doctors will remove the entire colon or a defected chunk of colon or rectum to let you get rid of the digestive malfunction and illness. Thus, they create an opening in the abdomen of the patient for solid waste discharge. After the removal of the infected colon or rectum, the anus will not work; therefore, a patient will excrete the stool through the hole or opening in the belly wall, called a stoma.

A colostomy patient will always release the solid waste in the form of feces. Moreover, the bowel movement is usually predictable, until the ostomate is not suffering from constipation or diarrhea. So, a colostomy person discharges the stool once a day or two times per day. As the anus will not responsible to eject the solid waste any more; therefore, the stoma will replace the duty of the anal opening. The hole or stoma in the abdomen will allow an exit gate to the feces. So, the stoma needs something that will collect the waste. Therefore, a complete pouching system will cover, protect, and collect the feces. These supplies include a bag, skin barrier, paste, adhesive, ostomy rings, adhesive remover, wipes, and other small accessories.

Usually, every ostomate assumes that changing the pouching system is a complicated job. But, this is not true, during the stay in the hospital, a patient learns how to empty and change the bag. Evidently, an ostomate will take time to learn the techniques, but once you know all the tactics, this will be the easiest job for colostomy patients. The key is knowing that you need drainage now not change of the bag. The colostomy stoma discharges the solid stool when the patient is healthy. An unhealthy digestive system and stomach can release loose motion also. In this case, an ostomate will eject liquid stool, then he/she needs frequent emptying and cleanliness.

How Often Do a Colostomy Person Empty the Ostomy Pouch?

The emptying of the colostomy pouch is predictable in the case of healthy stoma and stomach. As a person discharges the feces once a day. In the situation of a disturbed stomach, a patient can excrete the stool more than one time per day, but it depends on the digestive system and your diet. Thus, a healthy diet is necessary for every ostomy patient. However, the drainage of the colostomy pouching system depends on the following factors:

·         The location of the stoma opening.

·         The frequency of bowel movement.

·         The activity of the stomach.

·         A patient's physical activities and daily routine.

·         Diet of the colostomy patient.

Well, a colostomy patient's stomach is fine and working properly, then the person will feel the bowel movement. Thus, he/she can drain or empty the ostomy bag after the discharge. Moreover, the solid waste content will make the stoma pouch heavy; thus, a patient can feel the fullness of the pouching system. So, you can go to the restroom and empty the bag. In case of unpredictable movement or disturbed digestive system, a patient should go to the loo, two to three times daily to check and drain the content.

How to Change Your Colostomy Pouch?

A colostomy person should not change the entire pouching system daily. Well, it depends on the frequency of discharge, but a colostomy stoma discharges the solid stool; therefore, a colostomy pouch can last for a longer period. So, a person can change the entire pouching system once or two times a day. First, a patient has to remove the adhesive or paste. Use the best quality adhesive remover to remove the glue. Once the skin is clear from the sticky content, you need to pick the pouch and gradually remove it with the help of your hand. Then, clean and dry the stoma and peristomal skin with a medicated wipe or a soft cloth. Let it be free for a few seconds. Once the area is completely dry, apply the adhesive and place the skin barrier. Finally, you can paste the ostomy pouch on it.

The Accurate Wear Time for Ostomy Appliances

When an ostomy patient in the hospital, an ET nurse takes care of the person. However, after getting the discharge slip everyone has to look after on their own. Thus, all patients must learn how to empty and when to change the pouching system. During the stay in the hospital, a patient does not understand all about the ostomy and stoma nature. In the early days of the incision, the opening gives pain and causes frequent discharge, but after a few days or healing, or changes its habit of excretion. Thus, at home everything is different and an ostomate needs to learn the accurate wear time and change of the appliances. Moreover, every stoma is different, such as urostomy has frequent discharges every day, it can lead to eight to nine times, while ileostomy has less frequent discharge as compared to urostomy. An ileostomy patient needs to empty the pouching system five to six times a day. While the patients of colostomy only need one-time drainage or two times every day. Thus, first, a patient needs to learn his/her type of surgery, then they can take care of themselves and understand what is the appropriate wear time of the appliances for them. Moreover, every patient's digestive system and body react differently. It depends on your diet and routine. Thus, there is no specific rule for the discharge and wear time of the ostomy pouching system. It depends on the individual stoma, type of ostomy, and discharge routine.

Some Necessary Elements for Wear Time of Ostomy Appliances

People who are worried about the accurate wear time of the ostomy pouching system, need to consider the following necessary elements. These are:

1.      The kind of ostomy surgery you have gone through.

2.      The age of the patient.

3.      The age of the stoma.

4.      The texture of discharge.

5.      Frequency of discharge.

6.      The stoma appearance, its shape, size, and peristomal skin contours.

7.      Daily routine.

8.      Daily physical activities.

9.      Type of skin barrier or paste a patient uses.

10.  Travel and work routine.

The wear time of the ostomy appliances depends on the type of ostomy or stoma. When a person has a urostomy, he/she must change the pouching system two times a week. Leakage and frequent discharge can damage the skin barrier, paste, and peristoma skin. Thus, an ostomate needs to remove the entire system after two or three days and wear a new appliance. Well, if a person has more than six to seven drainage routines daily, then it is better to wear a new pouching system every two days or three times a weak. He/she should not wear the appliance system for an extended time.

In the case of ileostomy, a patient can change the pouching system once or twice a week. Well, also the wear time depends on the discharge texture and routine. Many patients release the thin liquid stool in the ileostomy stoma. Then, they cannot have an extended wear time of the appliance. They need to empty the ostomy bag more than times day; therefore, they should change the ostomy pouching system two times a week. In the case of thick liquid stool, and ostomates drain the stoma bag three or four times a day; thus, he/she can increase the wear time. Sich patients must change the ostomy appliance once or twice a day, relying on the health of the stoma and durability of the skin barrier and pastes.

In the case of colostomy operation, an ostomate can extend the wear time of the pouching system. If the stoma, peristoma skin, and internal organs are healthy, they are not bleeding or facing blockage, then the skin barrier and adhesive will last for a longer time. In such a condition, a patient can extend the wear time of the appliance. The colostomy patients discharge solid feces; thus, they have almost no fear of leakage. Moreover, they can feel the movement and discharge. They empty the ostomy bag once a day. In case of unhealthy digestion or diarrhea, they can drain the pouch twice a day, but it does harm the adhesive. So, they have a long wear time of the pouching system. They change the appliance on a need basis, once a week, or once in two weeks.

The Right Way of Communication with the Post-Ostomy Patients

When a person goes through the ostomy surgery, millions of fears and thoughts go through the mind. Patients get nervous and fidgety. Well, relaxation and calmness need help and support. An ostomate remains in distress until he/she gets to know the right way of managing the ostomy pouching system and stoma. This needs communication, care, and the right information regarding the surgery. Many patients go through the worst part of their life due to surgery. They feel frightened as they assume that they will be dependent and their lives will get finished. Sometimes patients seek helo from nurses and doctors, but sometimes they want their family and loved ones to be around and make them comfortable. Moreover, in many cases, ET nurses do not have sufficient knowledge and they cannot assist you in the right way. Thus, the necessary thing is having a nurse who has full knowledge about the ostomy types and their care. So, the hospitals and staff have the first duty to guide and help the patient by hiring educated ET nurses. Moreover, they should have some seminars and conferences for the medical staff. Doctors and organizations must teach their new staff and nurses about ostomy, stoma, and care. If an ET nurse or a medicare person does know about the ostomy care, then a patient will never feel comfortable. He/she will take the surgery and stay in the hospital as baggage.

When the medical staff and ET nurses have the right information and full knowledge about the ostomy, its care, and appliances, then they will be able to talk with their patients and make them comfortable. To win the trust of your ostomates, you need to communicate with them. You can only make it possible when you have details, patience, and information about the surgery, care, and tools. So, first learn the ostomy procedures, stoma care, use of appliances, post infections of the ostomies, treatments for serious situations, handling emergencies, and the deal your ostomate. Moreover, when you know all about the surgery and its care, then you can guide their home caregivers and family members. 

Well, once a patient goes back to the home, the family and the person would care and manage every difficult situation. After the operation, a patient relies on the ET nurse and family caregivers. He/she has some expectations from them. The medical staff and nurses can fulfill their hopes when they have the knowledge and the right tactics of communication. Be a helping hand for the patients in their difficult times. A patient always feels comfortable and relax when the family and nurses' support is around.

Post-Ostomy Operation Expectations of the Patients

Many ostomy patients belong to rural areas. Thus, they do not have sufficient information on incision and care. They seek to support and care tactics. Thus, they rely on family members and nurses. There are several organizations organizing seminars for the teaching of ostomy care and the use of appliances. But, every patient cannot reach to such health care centers. Thus, it is the primary duty of the hospital staff to make connections between the patients and such organizations. By attending these conferences, a patient gets to know about the reality of the surgery. They understand and learn about the differences between healthy and unhealthy stoma. They can take of themselves at home without any support. Thye knows how to empty and change the pouching system. They feel confident and can communicate with doctors, nurses, family members, and other people. Well, communication is the key to express their fears, problems, issues, diseases, and they can ask for help when they can communicate and express themselves.

What Are Different Ostomy Options?

A patient suffering an intestinal condition such as cancer, ulcerative colitis, or Chrohn’s disease might have to undergo the surgical procedure involving the removal of the colon and rectum. This surgical procedure also includes the rerouting of the small intestine towards the abdominal wall to create an opening (stoma) on the belly. This intestinal diversion is known as an ileostomy. This diversion allows waste content to leave the body without proceeding to the bypassed or removed part of the bowel.

An overview of options

Physicians had been looking for a feasible surgical solution for intestinal disorders since the early 1990s. They have been successful by developing different ostomy options until now. In this article, we will discuss those options briefly.

Brooke ileostomy

A Brooke or traditional ileostomy is the one that brings a part of the small intestine out through a cut in the abdomen. The end of the small intestine becomes the stoma that sticks out. It is generally located at the lower right side of the belly. After the creation of the stoma, waste content passes out through it. Because it doesn’t have any sphincters, you are going to have to wear an ostomy bag over it to manage stool evacuations. Having to wear an ostomy bag involves an entirely different kind of waste evacuation regimen.

J-pouch or ileoanal reservoir

Another option to manage stool evacuations after the removal of the colon is the ileoanal reservoir, which is also known as a j-pouch. This option involves the creation of a reservoir by folding the end of the small intestine and suturing the combined sides. The surgeon then makes an incision at the bottom of the reservoir to fit it over the anal canal. This way, you will retain your ability to move bowels naturally. The internal pouch will store wastes until it becomes full.

Continent ileostomy

A continent ileostomy involves the creation of an internal pouch using the tissues from the colon and small intestine. The surgeon will also use a part of the ileum to make a valve. This valve will be used to form a connection between the internal pouch and the abdominal opening. This option gives you total control over when to evacuate waste materials. There are two types of continent ileostomy: Kock pouch and BCIR. A BCIR is an advanced form of the Kock pouch due to the enhanced capacity of the pouch and a collar made of living tissues to secure the valve further. Doctors have been successful in reducing risks of complications by developing this method.

Choosing an option

It is worth mentioning here that not every option is right for everyone. Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The doctor will evaluate a patient’s condition before suggesting which option might work well. He will choose an option whose benefits outweigh the pitfalls in a particular case.

Discussing with the doctor before undergoing a colon removal procedure is quite necessary. During this discussion, you can put forward your questions to clear your doubts. It will help you live a healthy life after surgery.