Just wanted to share this two page flier about Ostomy from Hollister that came across my radar last week. It’s well assembled and gives some basic guidelines to managing and caring for an Ostomy. Among them are tips for routine pouch care, skin care, some common terms and general maintenance. Here are a few:

• Prepare your new pouching system before you remove your used pouch.
• The best time for a routine pouching system change is in the morning before you have had anything to eat or drink.
• If you wear a two-piece pouching system, try placing the skin barrier on your body in a diamond shape for a smoother fit.
• If soap is needed, use a mild soap without lotions or creams that may leave a residue or film on your skin. This can interfere with the adhesive.
• Things NOT recommended for routine skin care around your stoma: soap with lotions creams, lotions, powders, baby wipes, isopropyl alcohol, steroidal medications or ointments.
• Pouch wear time may decrease during warmer seasons when you are perspiring more or during times of increased activity. This is normal, so anticipate and plan appropriately.

So yeah, it’s basic, but sometimes its better that way. 🙂

Here’s the flier PDF, I’m going to keep this one handy in our links as well.