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.