The Most Popular Ostomy Guide Posts

Over the years we’ve collected a number of informative posts and online resources to assist ostomates, their families, and practictioners. Here are links to some of our most popular content.

Hot Topic: Sex & Intimacy

• A Guide to Sex with an Ostomy
• Useful Ostomy Supplies for Intimacy

Hot Topic: Traveling with an Ostomy

• TSA Screening Cards for Ostomates and those with Health Conditions
• Full Body Scans in Airports and Ostomy
• Preparing for an Ostomy On the Go

Hot Topic: Ostomate Lifestyles

• Ostomy & A Nutritional Diet – Know Your Guts!
• Managing Ostomy Accidents – Leaks, Sleeping, Odors, and Blowouts
• How Weather Affects An Ostomy
• Protecting Yourself from Stoma Injuries
• Learning about Ostomy Complications

Ostomy Supplies and More

• Best Colostomy and Illeostomy Supplies for Different Lifestyles
• Useful Ostomy Supplies for an Active Lifestyle
• Useful Ostomy Supplies For the Overweight
• Useful Ostomy Supplies For Pediatrics
• Cleanliness is Next to Godliness - Ostomy Supplies for Convenience, Cleanliness, and Odor Control
• Interesting Ostomy Products You May Not Have Seen Before

Ostomy Reading List - Updated for 2012

Learning about Ostomy, Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and IBD

Tips for Living, Overcoming, Surviving, and Thriving with Ostomy

Some of the stories about living with an ostomy, tips for better living, inspirational stories of overcoming cancer, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

For Nurses and Health Care Workers

In 2010, the American Nurses Association now recognized wound, ostomy, and continence as a nursing specialty. Here are some resources for study, reference, and to provide the best care for patients.

A Guide to Sex with an Ostomy

Before we get started, let’s cut to the chase and let it be known that for most ostomates, a stoma has little effect over the ability to enjoy sex, regardless of sexual preferences or lifestyle before surgery.

Sexuality and ostomy are complex subjects with many facets: the physical, emotional, and psychological pressures are major influences in ones’ life. Let’s break down these issues down to discuss the physical considerations (both after surgery and ongoing) and then the psychological and emotional considerations for sex and ostomy.

Physical (Post-Surgical)

There are many potential physical issues with sex within the first few months after surgery for a new ostomate. Depending on the type of surgeries done, medications administered, and what parts were affected is going to determine the viability of your sex life. But most of the anxieties of post-surgery ostomates about sex are alleviated after a few months and most find they can have sex just the same as before they had their surgery.

Some of the issues faced by post-op ostomates are:

1) Initial anxiety due to physical changes & fear of injury
2) Feelings of loneliness or a sense of rejection
3) Inability to achieve an erection / lubrication / orgasm.

Sex Tips for Post-Op Ostomates

- For a partner of a new Ostomate, being supportive and patient are the best things you can do.
- Be patient, sex drive and the bits-and-pieces will usually rebound to full function again.
- Intercourse can be painful the first couple times after surgery, especially if you haven’t had any for several weeks/months.
- Sex doesn’t have to mean penetration. Oral, petting (foreplay), masturbation, toys, and any number of other sexual activities can be enjoyed.

Physical (Ongoing)

Over time, after a full recovery from surgery and regular sexual function returns, more thoughts & concerns arise about sex. Here are some of the common concerns and some information about them:

1) Fertility / Ability to Have Children - Most women can still conceive after Ostomy surgery without any problem. Most men will remain fertile, even if they cannot achieve an erection for a period after their surgery, so artificial insemination may be an alternative if sexual ability has been limited by surgery affecting the urological system and sexual nerve pathways.

2) Injury to the Stoma - Ensure your partner that having sex will not damage the stoma.

3) Sexual Positions - Most ostomates will find they can still enjoy sex in most positions. But if some positions are uncomfortable or compromise the appliance, try something different until you find the best ones for you.

4) Odor - Many ostomates worry about odor & this can be a psychological factor as well. Before sex: don’t eat foods that create odors/gas, clean the skin around the stoma and wear a fresh pouch or empty and clean a drainable pouch prior to sex.

Sex Tips for Physical Issues and Ostomy

- Communication is key in any sexual relationship. Ostomy and sex is no different. Let your partner know they won’t injure your stoma by having sex and if something is uncomfortable.
- No sex in or around the stoma. No anal sex.
- For odor management, also try DEVROM internal odor control tablets and Hollister’s m9 Drop Deodorizer for pouches. Burn candles and/or incense.
- Empty the pouch beforehand when time allows. Keep everything clean and neat beforehand.
- Check all fasteners and adhesives to ensure they’re secure.

Psychological & Emotional

Ostomy can be hard for both the patient and the healthy partner. In some instances where a patient has had surgery for dibilitating health problems like cancer, the healthy partner helps to take care of the ostomate and “certain” bodily functions. Working through these hard times without sex can take a toll on the sex life, and it can take time for these couples to adjust and recoup to a healthy sexual lifestyle again.

But there are also far more common psychological considerations for ostomates and sexuality. And they mainly have to do with…

- Desirability/Attractiveness: “Will my partner still want to have sex with me?” or “I don’t look like I used to.” The truth is, We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to appear a certain way and become sensitive to our differences when compared to others. A step further is when we feel others judge us the same way we judge ourselves. But imagine if your partner, someone you care about, had the same condition and how you would feel about them. What would you be thinking, or how would you react? Most find their partner has a sensitivity and understanding towards the ostomy.

- Breaking the Ice/Fear of Rejection: At some point, a single Ostomate has to tell a potential partner about their ostomy. But when and how? And what do you say? The best advice would be to tell someone earlier than later. When it comes to one’s health, it’s best to present the facts at face value with confidence and understanding that the person you’re telling may not understand what an ostomy is and how it affects your life. Explain the surgery and how it affects your physical ability for intercourse. Let them ask questions, don’t judge them and be patient. Typically this understanding tone will be returned in full, but even if you are rejected, don’t blame it on your stoma - simply do what all single folks do and go fishing again.

Sex Tips for Psychological Issues and Ostomy

Below are some things many ostomates do to increase confidence for intimacy:

1) Wear a small, low-profile pouch such as Convatec’s Mini Pouch or stoma cap before intimacy. These pouches are more discreet, so they’ll be less invasive.
2) Wear a pouch cover such as C&S Pouch Covers or satin My Heart Ties for the ladies.
3) Many ladies also choose to wear a comfortable satin slip or camisole to bed with them. Men may wear a belt or similar support along with a pouch cover.

A Few Last Thoughts…

There are some cases where physical impairment may prevent one from having sex. This can happen sometimes based on previous health and the types of surgery needed. Some types of colorectal cancer can result in removal of the nerve pathways that cause erections. In some cases, colorectal surgery can result in the vagina changing shape and structure. All of these physical changes can limit some types of sexual activities.

Homosexual couples deal with all of the same issues as straight couples. And, due to the surgical implications of the colostomy or ileostomy surgery, it can influence what sexual activities are permissible.

No matter what the sexual preferences and difficulties you’re facing, consult these issue candidly with a health care professional that understands your surgery. They can provide you with advice specific to your personal needs.

Some Resources on Sex and Ostomy:
http://www.o-wm.com/article/5339
http://www.hollister.com/uk/ostomy/resource/love.html
http://www.ostomyok.org/ostomy_care_guides/uoa_facts_sexmale_en.pdf
http://www.outsiders.org.uk/leaflets/sex-and-ostomy
http://www.ostomyinternational.org/Facts/Sex%20and%20the%20Single%20Ostomate.pdf
http://www.colonandrectalsurgery.com/html/patientedu/sub/ped2/disease13.htm

Please feel free to leave your comments with additional tips, suggestions and thoughts!

Thoughts on Confidence and Dressing Up Yer Ostomy ...

Time to time…. maybe late night in bed, changing appliances, waiting for a checkup, or even when doing nothing else… your eyes flicker as your idle mind begins to wander the Seas of Self: Why do I allowing this condition to undermine my self-confidence, my well-being, my relationships?

These questions are common, especially among new Ostomates. So many individuals drudge through life without enjoying the confidence and full spectrum of experience they should, even if it’s not practical, useful, or helpful to act in such manner. And here’s a curious and rarely-asked question deviating from the less practical mindset:

Why does everything about Ostomy have to be so boring, serious and medical?

Let’s talk about Ostomy bags as a product for a minute - the logic that ostomy appliances must look and feel “medical” seems to follow the same pretentious logic that a police car looks impressive with 500 flashing lights attached to it (resulting in pointless, nightclub-esque epileptic-nightmare light shows every time they pull someone over); or anything regarding government is extra important by slapping an official-looking circular seal on it (eagles, stars, and flags, anyone?). Rarely do we ask - why are these things the way they are?

Obviously, making an ostomy pouch “look good” has zero affect it’s practical medical purposes. Making pouches “pretty” adds even more choices in the already overwhelming pool of possibilities in ostomy appliances, not to mention driving prices up while doing nothing to improve care.

But the fact is we’re people, and personal worth and aspirations in life are not always purely utilitarian like an ostomy pouch is. We like style, we like comfort, we experience a neverending buffet of feelings, thoughts, emotions in our single shot at life. And we do not want to spend the majority of our short time here focusing on the insecurities or negative feelings towards our medical condition. We desire to live life pursuing goals, influencing & improving on the lives of others. And when you focus on the bigger picture and away from the self you begin to explore what you are truly capable of! What does it take to pick yourself up off the floor, recover confidence, and/or start doing the things you keep telling yourself you’ll do?

Ostomy pouch covers have helped many Ostomates with both practical needs as well as their personal mindset of having an Ostomy. Something as simple as a pouch cover worn over an Ostomy appliance helps boost confidence by concealing the appearance of the Ostomy collection pouch and eases the tension many feel during, say, intimate encounters. Ostomy pouch covers also serve many practical purposes, for instance, the soft cotton fabrics eliminate the uncomfortable “plastic” feeling of the pouch that generates heat and sweat or irritates the skin. They can also help support the weight of the appliance as the bag begins to fill and keep clips tucked away with drainable collection pouches.

And, with those practical uses aside, an ostomate may choose to use a pouch cover for the same reason someone wears a hat, buys a nice watch, or why kids like to color casts on healing bones - it takes a lighter tone to one’s more serious condition, and many times it simply looks nicer. So no, your ostomy pouch doesn’t have to look medical. And if this helps you feel better about yourself, your activities, and your life style, by all means wear it and wear it proudly. Express yourself freely and without shame or fear.

You should.

Always.

You can find Ostomy Pouch Covers in sets of 6 on STLMedical.com.

The new online Hollister product guide on Ostomy G...

When it comes to Ostomy Supplies there is an overwhelming number of options and sizes, patented technologies and brand names. Then you further add to the complexity with HCPCS codes, pouch colors & material selections. Add all of these variations up and you end up with hundreds of product codes to choose from in lists and catalogs overwhelming for consumers, physicians, and nurses.

So anyway I’ve made it a goal of mine to put this information online the best I can in an organized format similar to a tabbed product catalog to make it convenient to find the correct features and codes online. Since Hollister is one of the bigger brand names in Ostomy, I started by doing a product catalog for their products first. Even doing this, there is still no reference point on prices for any of these products, so I’ve linked many of the product codes to the correct product on STLMedical.com. You can see the new Hollister ostomy catalog here.

I found building this with tabbed navigation and tiny thumbnails to be useful for my own personal reference and I felt other people may find it useful, so it really made the most sense to just put it online.

Of course, if you do find it useful, your feedback would be greatly appreciated, and I’ll add catalogs for the other brands of Ostomy supplies.

See the Hollister Ostomy Product Catalog.

The Best Colostomy and Illeostomy Supplies for Dif...

Colostomy surgery isn’t taken lightly. Bad news about health, combined with frightening surgery, a stoma, and a pile of necessary medical equipment for daily life is nothing taken lightly. It is a life-changing event that at times is cumbersome, embarrassing and difficult.

Those of us who have experienced the pain and suffering of colon cancer, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis or other digestive diseases understand without question a Stoma is preferred over illness, and wearing ostomy appliances are an easy exchange to a potentially fatal health condition.

Whether need for an ostomy is temporary or permanent, there are thousands of ostomates living out their lives happily, many with little thought of their Stoma or the extra work required to manage ostomy appliances every day. And thanks to modern ostomy products, everyone can go about their daily business with less thought of their stoma and more about living life.

Below are links to a series of articles based on lifestyle and situations where specific types of ostomy supplies come in handy.

Ostomy Supplies for Active People
Ostomy Supplies for Intimacy
Ostomy Supplies for Overweight People
Ostomy Supplies for Children and Pediatrics
Ostomy Supplies for Cleanliness and Odor Preventions
Interesting Ostomy Products You Haven’t Seen Before