Ostomy Resources Question: I just had surgery that resulted in an ostomy. I wasn’t given very much information in the hospital. Do you know of any resources that may be helpful? Answer: There is a wide range of resources available in a variety of media formats. Information may be specific to the care and management [...]
Ostomy Accessories Question: I have just had surgery and now have an ostomy. My ET sent me home with just flanges, pouches and paste. My HomeCare nurse says I need more supplies like stoma powder, adhesive remover and skin wipes. I’m confused: what products should I be using? Answer: The basic necessities of ostomy care [...]
Interesting Ostomy Accessories Question: Where can I buy interesting ostomy accessories? Answer: The basics of ostomy care require, at a minimum, the use of a skin barrier and a pouch. Additional supplies, or accessories, may be necessary to ensure a safe, secure, and predictable seal. Typical accessories include paste, belts, and closure devices like clips. [...]
Travelling with an Ostomy Question: I have a stoma and would like to travel. Is there a problem with travelling and should I do anything special? Answer: Having a stoma should not prevent you from pursuing and enjoying travel. Some planning, however, is suggested as well as a few special considerations. Prior to your trip, [...]
Ostomy Belts Question: I have seen belts for ostomy pouches in the retail stores. I am not sure if I need one. How would I know? Answer: Ostomy belts come under the category of “accessories” for ostomy products. A belt may be a feature that you require for your care, or it may be completely [...]
Pregnancy with an Ostomy Question: My wife has an ostomy. We are hoping to have children soon. Are there any concerns about pregnancy and ostomies? Answer: Having a stoma is not a contraindication to pregnancy and delivery. Most women with ostomies do very well during their pregnancy and experience no complications before or after the [...]
Bathing with an Ostomy Question: I have just returned home from the hospital and have a new ostomy. I am concerned about bathing with my pouch. Is there anything I should know before I have a bath or shower? Answer: Bathing is often a concern for people living with an ostomy. Fears of the appliance [...]
Drug Therapy and the Compromised Bowel Background Physiology Several factors can alter the absorption of drugs taken orally in patients with a compromised digestive system. The most important determinations are the length of bowel available for drug absorption, and which section of the bowel has been removed. The small bowel, with its large surface area [...]
Links and Other Resources The GI Society does not necessarily endorse the information provided by the following organizations or individuals. This list is intended to give you a well-rounded view of some of the options available. Always consult your physician or health care provider before implementing any major lifestyle or treatment changes. More information on [...]
Stoma Complications Question: I have Crohn’s disease and my surgeon has told me I need a stoma. I’ve been looking at websites and it seems like there are problems with stomas. Should I expect to have complications with a stoma? Answer: Any surgical procedure carries some degree of risk; having surgery with the creation of [...]
Closed-End Pouches Question: I have had a colostomy for 5 years and have been using a 2-piece pouch with a drainable pouch/clip. Recently, a friend told me that I should try closed-end pouches. What are the advantages of a closed end pouch? Answer: Closed end pouches are an option for people with colostomies. This type [...]
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Anxiety Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term that primarily refers to two diseases of the intestines: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These diseases cause chronic inflammation, and include symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. In Crohn’s disease, the inflammation can be anywhere in the digestive tract, [...]
AJ Leveille - Life After Surgery The terms ostomy, urostomy, colostomy, and stoma, are all words that many people have heard, but don’t really understand until they are faced with the reality of needing one. For the most part, the diseases that involve our waste are generally kept quiet in our society. People are happy [...]
Ostomies, Stomas, and Colostomies This series of articles are authored by Jo Hoeflok, RN, BSN, MA, CETN(C), CGN(C), who is a Registered Nurse specializing in enterostomal therapy care. She currently is an Advanced Practice Nurse for the Gastroenterology and General Surgery Unit at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. What is an Ostomy? The term ostomy [...]
Appliance Wear-Times Question: I have just come home from the hospital with an ostomy. My ET in the hospital said I should change the appliance twice a week, but my HomeCare Nurse says I only need to do it once a week. What should I do? Answer: While you may hear that wearing an appliance [...]
Pastes Question: I have an ostomy and have been using tube paste for years. Recently someone told me about strip paste. Is this paste better than what I am currently using? Answer: Pastes for ostomy care come under the general category of accessories, which are products that you may or may not need for routine [...]
Pouch Clips Question: I have been using a plastic clip with my ostomy pouch for years. I have heard that there are now pouches with clips attached. Are these safe to use? Answer: Closure devices for the tails of drainable pouches have gone through a variety of changes over the years, moving well beyond the [...]
Digestive Fallacies Researchers have only recently begun to understand the many, often complex, diseases that affect the digestive system. Accordingly, people are gradually replacing folklore, old wives’ tales, and rumours about the causes and treatments of digestive diseases with accurate, up-to-date information. But misunderstandings still exist, and, while some folklore is harmless, some can be [...]
Click here to download a PDF of this information. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Intestinal Anatomy To understand IBD, a review of gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy is helpful. This explanation is not complete, but it covers the basics. The digestive system consists of a long tube (alimentary canal) that varies in shape and purpose as it [...]
Convex Flanges Question: I have had my ileostomy for years and have been using a regular pre-cut flat flange. Lately I have been having more problems with leakage and someone suggested that I needed a convex flange. What is a convex flange? Answer: Convexity is a different style of flange or pouching system, one designed [...]
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