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Living with an ostomy is tough and finding the best ostomy products can be hard, but Health Products for You can help.
It is no secret that living with an ostomy can be a daily challenge. Whether it is a urostomy or a colostomy/ileostomy, trying to live a “normal” life may seem like an impossibility. There have been truly amazing improvements in ostomy care over the years, so believe it or not you can lead a more normal life than you may think. Unfortunately, there are so many options and ostomy products available to ostimates that it can make your head spin. How do you choose the ostomy product that is right for you and your lifestyle? That is where we can help!! Let us at HPFY show you 10 great ostomy choices that can help improve your quality of life and maybe help you regain your independence.
We have all heard the term colostomy, but do we truly know what an ostomy is and why they are necessary? It is not something that may come up in the course of a normal conversation, obviously. An ostomy (colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy) is a medical procedure that requires a re-routing of our intestines or urethra through the abdominal wall to allow our bodies to expel waste, bypassing the colon or bladder. This can be caused by a number of reasons that can include:
No matter the cause, an ostomy surgery requires an opening in the abdomen so that we can expel waste into a collection bag on the outside of our body. This opening in the abdomen is referred to as a stoma. It is this sensitive area of skin that needs to be diligently look after in order to avoid potentially serious health issues down the road. Skin breakdown and infection are the leading ostomy issues that can cause real problems. The main difference between a colostomy and an ileostomy is the location of the stoma. A colostomy has its stoma located near the large intestines, while the ileostomy utilizes a stoma located near the small intestines. Another difference ostimates must consider is that an ileostomy creates a high flow rate of liquid and the colostomy produces formed stools with a low flow rate.
After your ostomy surgery it will be imperative that you find the ostomy product that matches your lifestyle to your apparatus and other ostomy aids. It may seem like a never-ending sea of products that are available, but with all the advances that have been made you can rest assured there is one for you. 10 options you may want to explore include:
1. Nu-Hope Convex Standard Round Post-Operative Brief Urinary Pouch: This odor proof, durable, and economical urinary pouch allows for longer, more extended wearing periods and fits perfectly on the side of the body and over your stoma. It is clear and has the capacity to hold up to 12 fluid ounces and measures 8 inches long and 5 ¾ inches wide and comes with 10 caps and one adapter.
2. McKesson Ostomy Appliance Deodorant: Overcoming the stigma of odor associated with an ileostomy or colostomy can help the ostimate improve their quality of life. This appliance deodorant can eliminate the unpleasant odors and provide long-lasting protection against embarrassing odor. All it takes is one drop into your pouch and the no scent formula can neutralize unpleasant odors in any type of pouching system.
3. McKesson Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier Strip: These strips help keep your ostomy apparatus secure and the peristomal skin safe. They are water resistant and the hydrocolloid adhesive is absorbent enough to be used during swimming and showering. They come in precut, half and one third strips with high tack adhesion for easy application while staying smooth against the skin and allowing for greater freedom during movement. These strips can be ideal for patients who are allergic to or experience irritation from tape. The arc shape conveniently fits the flange of your pouch and can be used directly on your skin as a barrier.
4. McKesson Ostomy Skin Barrier Powder: It is critically important to keep the skin around your stoma (peristomal skin) clean and supple in order to avoid skin breakdowns and potential infection. Along with a skin barrier film, this skin barrier powder absorbs moisture and can enhance comfort from cracked skin in and around the stoma, not to mention under your pouch. This is a pectin based powder that forms a barrier of protection from itching, irritated/broken skin, and moisture that helps with securing tape or adhesives that keep your pouching system in place. Be proactive in your skincare instead of reactive!!
5. Nu-Hope Standard Round Post-Operative Brief Urinary Pouch: This odor proof and durable urinary pouch can hold 12 fluid ounces and allows for a comfortable and easy application of one piece which in turn extends the period the user can wear it making it economical as well. It fits perfectly on the users body, directly over the stoma and is clear for seeing fluid levels. Available in sizes ranging from 5/8”to 1-3/8” makes this urinary pouch available to a wide range of ostomy patients. It comes with 10 caps and one adapter as well as a 3 inch adhesive foam pad.
6. McKesson Hydrocolloid Skin Barrier Ring: Ensuring a tight, leak proof seal can make your ostomy apparatus perform optimally. This highly absorbent hydrocolloid ring can remain stable, even when exposed to effluent and the tack of the adhesive creates a secure turtleneck around the base of your stoma. The moldable form requires no cutting and is durable enough to wear for extended periods of time while preventing leakage. This barrier ring can replace messy pastes for easy application and removal while being latex free.
7. McKesson Skin Barrier Wipe: Used to initiate crusting technique, this wipe leaves a thin, breathable, and transparent film on your skin to increase adhesion of tapes and wafers. This can improve security of your apparatus or pouch and can extend usage time of your ostomy apparatus. The gentle, alcohol free formula of these sterile, individually wrapped wipes prevent irritation and breakdown of normal, sensitive skin. These can help prevent adhesive buildup and can also form a barrier between your skin and adhesives, friction, and bodily fluids.
8. Skin Barrier X-Tra Wide Crescent Arcs: These tape alternatives feature an alcohol free formula and great adhesion, while being water resistant which helps hold your pouch system in place to avoid skin irritation and potential stoma damage. It acts as a barrier to adhesives and tapes and the hydrocolloid in the arcs is gentle and protects your sensitive skin.
9. Nu-Hope Classic-Oval One-Piece Urinary Trim to Fit Deep Convex Ostomy Pouch: The proprietary foam of these urinary ostomy pouches are soft and pliable which conforms to the contours of the users body allowing them to move comfortably and confidently. The standard shield provides firm support to withstand skin folds and user activity, while also supporting the weight of a hernia. It utilizes a gentle adhesive to securely attach the apparatus to the skin and is clear, odor proof, and durable. It allows for extended wear and can be trimmed to create a customized seal over any user’s stoma.
10. Nu-Hope Classic-Oval One-Piece Urinary Precut Regular Convex Ostomy Pouch: The extended wear, latex free design of these ostomy pouches allow the user to securely adhere this pouch to their skin and move with them comfortably. This can increase the time the user can wear this apparatus and is available in a multitude of sizes and options to accommodate a number of stoma sizes. These pouches are opaque for quick identification to see if your pouch needs changing and are drainable while having belt tabs for a secure fit.
Living with an ostomy may be difficult but there are definitely products that can make your life just a little bit easier. By being proactive in your ostomy program, you can minimize the risk of potentially dangerous health issues that can rear their ugly head. You can work with your doctor and nurse in order to figure out what type of medical aid may benefit you the greatest, but rest assured there are products that will allow you to maintain your quality of life and independence.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
HPFY Staff Writers are product experts with years of experience in medical supplies and equipment retail. They specialize in understanding the typical usage of our products, the differentiation between brands and have insights on product popularity and features. Each article ...
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