Guidance on daily life for stoma patients
Author: Yuan Baofang
Dressing Yuan Baofang, Stoma Wound Incontinence Care Clinic, Nantong University Hospital
1. Clothes should be soft, comfortable and loose.
2. no need to make special clothes.
3. A moderately elastic belt will not harm the stoma and will not hinder the function of the intestine, as long as it does not hoop the stoma and cause pressure on the stoma.
Bathing
After the surgical wound has completely healed, you can take a bath. There is no damage to the mucous membrane of the stoma during bathing, and the stoma bag can be attached or removed. When bathing, the skin around the stoma can be cleaned with mild soap. When swimming, you should use stoma plugs at the stoma and swimwear should be one-piece.
Exercise and travel
1. To maintain good health and physiological function, moderate exercise such as swimming and running can be maintained.
2. Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent herniation around the stoma.
3. avoid sports with direct impact on the stoma, such as basketball, wrestling, etc. 4.
4. some patients should be restrained with a stoma lap band to increase abdominal support when exercising.
5. Prepare adequate stoma supplies when traveling and avoid leaving stoma supplies in hot places in the car compartment or in the sun.
Work
Generally, stoma patients can return to their previous work six months after surgery, so there is no need to worry about the stoma affecting normal work. The stoma bag should be checked frequently to see if it is secure, especially before going out to work, exercising, or going to sleep, the bag should be emptied to prevent the contents of the bag from overflowing when moving and turning over. Usually there should be a spare bag around for emergency use, especially when the stool is thin. Some manual labor jobs require wearing a lap band
Storage of the pouch
1. It is recommended to store no more than six months, avoid long-term storage of large quantities
2. keep in a cool and ventilated place, avoid sunlight and heat contact
Sexual life
When you are healthy, you can basically resume your previous sex life, consult your doctor and stoma therapist if you have any questions. Before having sex, the stoma bag should be changed or the mini stoma bag should be changed to encourage the ostomate to try different positions during sex to choose the most comfortable and suitable way for him/her, and in such a way that no direct pressure is put on the stoma. The stoma holder may be positioned overhead or on his or her side.