Accessorize Your Medical Supplies

Ostomy procedures aren’t always the easiest things to adapt back to life once you’ve gone through the process. In fact, many patients report having to “relearn” the basics of life that normally would’ve never crossed their minds. From things like what you eat, when you choose to hit up the restroom, and even how you shower, life can be shifted in an unexpected way.

Now, I’m not saying everything is altered beyond repair by any means. I’m pretty sure everyone would say that’s being dramatic about the situation. Nonetheless, there’s a period of “relearning” the basics that may sneak up on patients if they weren’t prepared ahead of time.

This situation is a valid one, especially for something that is still relatively unknown to most people. So, let’s jump into a proper answer for basic ostomy care. Whether it’s your Hollister ostomysupplies or some other big name brand, it’s important to know how to care for your stuff and begin a new routine.

First off, people sometimes wonder if they can use extra to hold onto their pouching system. Waterproof and other sorts of strips are available that are elastic and easy to use, so it’s important to exercise your options. They can even hold it all in place when swimming or running or when needed if your midsection is larger. Sounds like a flexible range of products to help fit whatever need you’re currently facing.

We’re also often asked if adhesive removers are essential. What’s important to note is that  if your pouching system can be gently removed, then you don’t need any sort of adhesive remover. You should use it if your skin is weak and tears easily or if you want to clean the sticky residue off your skin, but since it feels oily and contains alcohol, a good portion of people find it uncomfortable. And we get that.

Another thing to remember is that once you use some adhesive remover, you should be washing your stoma area very well with water and a mild or non-scented soap to remove any oily coating on your skin. You don’t want that to stick around, so you want to rinse your skin well with warm water and dry it completely.

Caring for your ostomy supplies should be simple and easy to learn so long as you pay attention to your body, what it’s telling you, and if your supplies feel at all uncomfortable. You should always feel quite comfortable with your pouching system on, so always tell your health care provider if you don’t feel comfy in your own skin and supplies.

Traveling With Your Ostomy

If you are part of the majority of people with a stoma, then you and your doctor decided on a stoma to give you a better life. Most people find their life restricted because of their disease or condition that damaged their intestines. The ostomy procedure is done in hopes of their life no longer being restricted to the comfort and familiarity of their own home. The ostomy gives the patient the freedom back that they deserve.

One such freedom that most patients felt they could not enjoy was traveling. Traveling can be stressful for someone suffering from Crohn’s disease (or any other bowel disease) because of the uncertainty of their bowels. With a stoma, people feel much more comfortable outside their own homes. So they finally get to enjoy travelling again. If you are planning a trip, you should consider these tips for traveling with an ostomy.

Firstly, you should calculate the amount of supplies you need to take, and then take extra. Ostomy supplies are great because many of their products can be sold in bulk. ostomy supplies also arrive quickly in case you are planning a last minute trip. Pack things like extra ostomy bags and skin barriers. You should take adhesive remover, especially if you are staying more days than you usually switch bags. Take deodorant sprays or wipes (whichever you prefer) in case you have a leak while you are away from the hotel or a rest stop. Just make sure to stock up on everything you may need!

If you are going to be traveling on a plane you may need to look into TSA guidelines and what type of products can be carried on with you. Of course, pack most of your ostomy supplies in your stored bag, as there are no restrictions on líquids and gels. But sometimes you may only be allowed a carry-on bag. And even with your main products in stored luggage, you probably want a smaller emergency kit on you. You can take ostomy scissors on your flight if you have medical documentation from your doctor. Remember, the scissors edge can be no longer than 4 inches, but it is something. Some people may just opt for pre-cut bags, though, to avoid taking scissors altogether.

Lastly, make sure you are keeping up with your daily routine while you are on your trip. It is so easy to fall out of routine when you aren’t at home. So make sure to keep up proper hygiene to keep your stoma happy during your trip.