Knowing Your Supplies

After an ostomy procedure the most important part is making sure you have all the ostomy supplies you need in your home with you. Before you leave the hospital, the nurses make sure you know how to clean, change, and sterilize your stoma and the surrounding areas. It is up to you when you get home to maintain this routine and keep your stoma healthy and happy. Learning how to deal with issues that might arise will help you prepare for unplanned events that might happen with your stoma. Getting to know and really understand your ostomy supplies will prevent infections of your stoma and the skin surrounding it.

First and most important is your ostomy bag. There are multiple different types of bags you can choose from: one-piece, two-piece, pre-cut or cut-to-fit, drainable, or closed-end. You could even look into an ostomy belt if you are going to be more active. Most people prefer one type of bag over another, but you should never stay content with one type of bag. As your life changes, your preference of bag might change, too. You should definitely try out multiple different bags to see what works for you and your lifestyle.

The next thing you have to consider is the type of adhesive paste or gel you choose. There are different brands with different ingredients. You can get super strength, sensitive, or multiple different other types of adhesive. You should have a few on hand for different activities and situations. You should also always keep adhesive with you in case of emergencies.

Deodorizing sprays and creams are also very popular. If you feel a little embarrassed by the odor that could possibly happen then you should look into these products. They don’t have to be used every day, but they are always good to have on hand in case you would ever need it. There are also deodorizing wipes available for quick and discrete clean up. Even powders are available for this same function.

There are so many different types of supplies that you really are just going to need to research what would work best for you. Just because your nurse sent you home with one specific type of bag and adhesive does not mean this is the type you have to order every single time. You should always read reviews and see what would work best for your lifestyle. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.