FAQ

Adhesion to the skin is ensured by the skin protection material. In some situations, fixing strips can also be used. An ostomy belt can be used for additional security. It is attached to the ostomy supply using eyelets on the side and tightened around the abdomen.

Skin protection includes all preventive and care measures aimed at protecting the peristomal skin (skin around the stoma) from irritation, inflammation, infection or damage and maintaining its natural protective function.

The skin protection material is the material that protects the skin surrounding the stoma against aggressive excretion.

The STOMOCUR® range offers a variety of skin protection materials – from hydrocolloid products to variants with alginate and gelatine-free solutions. This means there is a suitable product for every individual requirement.

A colostomy is an artificial bowel outlet in which a section of the large intestine (colon) is passed through the abdominal wall to the outside. Stool is passed through the stoma into a stoma pouch. The stool is usually mushy, as the digestive process in the colon is largely complete.

An ileostomy is an artificial bowel where part of the small intestine (ileum) is passed through the abdominal wall to the outside. The stoma is created there, through which the predominantly liquid (as there is no passage through the large intestine) excretions leave the body and are passed into a pouch.

A urostomy refers to an artificial urinary diversion through the abdominal wall. An incontinent urostomy requires a pouch positioned over the stoma into which urine can drain in an uncontrolled and permanent manner.

Ostomy supplies include all aids and measures required to care for an ostomy hygienically, safely and gently. This primarily includes the stoma pouch (one- or two-piece system), skin protection plates and accessories such as skin protection rings or fixing strips. Modern ostomy supplies are water-repellent and odor-proof.

We recommend an annual check.

The stoma should be cleaned gently but thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and a soft, lint-free tissue or compress. Soap is not necessary – if you would use soap, it should be pH-neutral, without alcohol, perfume or oil, as this can impair the adhesion of the skin protection. Do not rub, but dab the skin carefully and make sure that everything is thoroughly dry before applying a new treatment.

If you are out and no water is available, you can clean your stoma and the surrounding skin with fragrance-free wet wipes.

A stoma has no nerve endings and is therefore insensitive to pain. An injury caused by cleaning or shaving is therefore not consciously perceived. If your stoma bleeds, this can sometimes be harmless, but it can also be a warning signal – it depends on the type, amount and cause of the bleeding.

Light bleeding – often harmless. A little blood can be normal, e.g. if:

A stoma is a round to oval, moist, reddish opening in the abdominal wall. It is similar in color to the oral mucosa and has no pain sensation. The appearance, position and size can vary depending on the type of stoma (colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy). At the beginning, the stoma is swollen and shrinks over the following weeks as soon as the swelling subsides.

“Pancaking” refers to a problem with ostomy supply - especially for colostomy wearers – where the stool does not sink into the pouch, but collects flat around the stoma on or under the skin protection plate. This can lead to the pouch “sticking together”, which can result in leaks, skin irritation and unpleasant odors. This can be remedied by using special filter covers, a little air in the pouch, lubricant or a drop of oil inside the pouch so that the stool slides off better. It can also help to increase your fluid intake.

Irrigation is a special irrigation technique for people with a colostomy in which lukewarm water is passed into the colon to achieve controlled bowel movements. It makes it possible to control the timing of bowel movements. This means that a stoma cap can be worn instead of a pouch, which offers more freedom in everyday life. However, the method can only be used with colostomies and should only be done under medical instruction and training.

Once you are fully recovered from your operation you should be able to play sport. If it is a contact sport such as rugby then it may be wise to wear a guard over the stoma which is held in place with an elasticated belt.

All pouches have been designed to stay on when in contact with water so they are fine to wear when washing or swimming.
The material film on the pouch is usually made from towel dry material. You can also obtain smaller sized pouches from most companies that are more discreet for swimming.

No, none of our ostomy products contain latex as we are very aware of the problems that this could cause.

The pouches are nearly all designed to be cut to fit your stoma.

Hydrocolloids have proven their worth in modern stoma and wound care. The soft material is a skin-compatible mixture of natural swelling components such as gelatine, pectin and vegetable cellulose.

Whether one-piece or two-piece: The ostomy patient is free to decide which system is more comfortable and practical for them personally. With the one-piece supply system, the pouch and the skin protection baseplate of a stoma supply are inseparably connected to each other.
When changing the appliance once or several times a day, the entire one-piece system is removed and replaced.
Many ostomy patient find it hygienic that they can clean the skin around their stoma at the same time as changing a one-piece appliance.

With the two-piece supply system, the pouch and skin protection baseplate are separate from each other.

The skin protection baseplate adheres to the body and is used to attach the pouch. Both parts are tightly connected with a locking ring (STOMOCUR® Clic System). The baseplate can be worn on the body for several days, during which time only the pouches are replaced as required. Many ostomy patientss find this practical, time-saving and, above all, gentle on the skin. However, two-piece systems are somewhat more rigid and inflexible than one-piece systems.

People that have a colostomy tend to use a bag that is closed i.e. there is no opening to empty it from. This is because the output tends to be firm and would therefore would be difficult to properly drain it. This means that the pouch needs to be changed each time it fills.

An ileostomy has a part at the bottom of the pouch that unfolds allowing for the drainage of the effluent that can then be cleaned and rolled back up. The pouch is then changed when required.

A urostomy bag has a one way valve built into it to prevent the flow of urine back into the stoma. It also has a tap or a bung at the bottom that allows for the drainage of urine as the pouch fills and for the attachment of a night bag.

Check that it is not something new you are using in your routine. Sometimes wet wipes or other similar products can cause skin irritation.
It could be that you have experienced an allergic reaction to the product but this is a very rare occurance as most products are made from hypoallergenic substances. However if it is an allergy it will probably mean that you will need to change the product you are using.

They should be kept in a cool dry place. If they are next to any heat this could dry the adhesive out so that the pouch will not adhere to your skin or it can start melting the adhesive. If you are travelling in a very hot country it is advisable to put your pouches in a cool bag and when required warm them slightly, for example by putting the appliance under your arm.

If you have a colostomy pouch that sticks straight onto your abdomen then this will require changing each time it becomes full, sometimes three times a day.

If your colostomy pouch is in two pieces then the pouch can be removed each time it is full and the flange, which is stuck to your skin, can remain in place for approximately 2-3 days. This is very individual to the person – some people may want to change it more regularly while others will prefer to keep on for longer. As long as it is not making your skin sore or you are experiencing problems with leaks then this is fine.

A similar time of 2-3 days is recommended for people using urostomy or ileostomy pouch as the output can be drained from both of these bags.

This could be due to a number of things:

Daily (24 hr) irrigation should continue until the stoma no longer acts in between irrigations. It can take 6 – 8 weeks for the bowel to become regulated with irrigation. It is best if you can get into a routinue and try and complete the irrigation at a similar time each day. Once the stoma no longer acts between irrigating then you can start making the time between each irrigation longer. Some people manage to go for 72 hours but 48 hours is more normal. You can continue 24 hourly if this gives you more confidence.

There could be a number of reasons for this:

Once it has been agreed by your consultant, your stoma care nurse can start teaching you how to irrigate. You need to be physically recovered enough to be able to learn and manage the procedure as once you know what to do it is then a self-management method for use at home. Your bowel also needs to have settled down enough to be producing formed stool.

Your stoma care nurse may have a list of people who are happy to come and talk to you about life with a stoma.

They may also run stoma support groups where people with stomas meet socially to exchange any hints and tips.

You do not have any muscles in your stoma to be able to control when the stoma works it will happen involuntarily. The stoma will tend to be more active after having a meal.
If you have a colostomy you may find that it settles into a similar pattern of working as when you used to have your bowels open prior to surgery.

Also if you start to irrigate your colostomy this will give you more control over when your bowels will work. (see "What is Irrigation")

You will notice that your urine may become a darker possibly reddish colour and more cloudy / milky and have a strong odour.
You may also find that there is more mucus being produced.

Even though you have a stoma you will still be susceptible to diarrhoea and constipation.
Ileostomists must take care not to get dehydrated during episodes of diarrhoea. It is advisable to have rehydration fluid during this time.
Foods that will help thicken an out put include apple sauce, cheese, crackers, ripe bananas, boiled rice, white pasta, arrowroot, marshmallows and white bread.
For troubles with constipation you may find relief from having any hot drinks, cooked fruits, cooked vegetables, fresh fruits, fruit juices and water.

Once you have had your surgery and your bowels have settled down you generally can eat anything. On an individual basis you may find that certain foods cause you problems such as loose stool but it is worth trying the same food on three separate occasions before avoiding it altogether. There are some foods that may cause problems with flatus, odour and loose stool for some people.

With an ileostomy it is best to be careful with any food that has a skin or is solid for example nuts, pith on citrus fruits, raw vegetables, skins on tomatoes, grapes, sweetcorn and potatoes. It is possible for these foods to cause a blockage in the bowel occasionally. You are able to have them but it is wise to have small amounts, chew them really well and drink a good amount of fluid with it.

You will continue to produce flatus but you will not have any control as to when it is emitted. Occasionally this will make a noise, particularly if your output is more liquid.

Most pouches now have a flatus filter on them which allows for the escaping of gas (to prevent ballooning of the bag) but they also deodorise it as well. If you seem to be experiencing excessive flatus certain foods can help minimise this including natural yoghurt, fennel tea and peppermint oil. Certain foods would also increase the amount of flatus produced although this can be quite individual. These might include alcoholic beverage, beans cabbage, fizzy drinks, chewing gum, dairy products, onions and nuts.

If you still have your rectum you may still have active disease which could cause some pain and the production of mucus. Or there may be some old blood/stool and mucus left from prior to the operation. This may well make you feel as though you need to open your bowels. This is quite normal and you may find it helps to sit on the toilet to allow you to open your bowels. If you continue to feel as though you need to open your bowels you may need your stoma care nurse to give you a suppository in order to help remove any old output. Some people need to wear pads initially to protect their clothing.

If you have had your rectum removed you may feel quite uncomfortable in that area. This is because the wound there takes a few months to heal so the pain could possibly take a few months to settle down. This pain and discomfort is sometimes referred to as ‘phantom rectum’. You may find that it helps if you can alter your position to relieve any pressure. If the pain is too uncomfortable you should see your family doctor for some painkillers. They may give you some anti depressants which actually work very well at dulling nerve pain (they are given at a lower dose than if needed for depression).

Occasionally you may feel the need to open your bowels. Even though your rectum is not there it can sometimes help just to sit on the toilet until the sensation passes.

If the pouch is fitted well then there should be no odour coming from the stoma. You should only be aware of it when you are changing it. The filters fitted on the pouch to allow the escape of flatus have charcoal in them which deodorises the flatus. There are some deodorisers that are available that can be used while changing the pouch. Occasionally some people find that they can smell it, sometimes due to problems with leaks and it is then worth using deodorising drops or capsules that can be put into the pouch to then be in contact with the effluent straight away. FORLIFE have STOMOCUR® SGX capsules that would help with this. Certain foods can make the effluent more odourous including onions, cabbage, sprouts, beans, strongly spiced or rich fatty foods and beer. Other foods can help reduce odour including cranberry and orange juice, parsley, yoghurt and peppermint oil.