Friday, May 23, 2014

A Guide On Changing Your Ostomy Appliance

By Arline Bradley


You might have recently had an ostomy. If you had this, you would have to wear an appliance for this at all times. There are times where one would find it really frustrating. There would be times that it would feel really itchy.

Be sure you read everything in the following paragraphs so you would have enough knowledge. You will be taught on the proper procedures of replacing your ostomy appliance. When you follow the procedures, you would be certain that its surrounding skin is maintained healthy.

The first procedure would be preparing the things you would be using. You should have some clean water, strips of gauze and some paper towels ready. You should also have your new bag ready. You should have it pre cut. Throw away the old one so you must have the necessary stuff ready.

Remove your t shirt first. You should insert a paper towel between your skin and underwear. This would help in changing bags in a way that is neat. This would also help in avoiding dirt from getting on your underwear and your skin when you will change.

Hold your skin down using one hand to remove the old piece. Pull that bag away so the stoma will be uncovered completely. Throw it away on the trash bin. See to it that you have a trash bin whenever you are changing so it would just be one reach away to throw old bags away. It would be good if you can shave the hair around that. It helps making the bag stick much better. You will feel less pain as you peal that away too.

Soak those strips of gauze on water to wipe your skin. You have to pay much attention on the parts surrounding it. Wipe your stoma until it gets clean. Use the paper towel to have it dried. It is suggested that you use it as it is capable of absorbing fast. It will not stick on the skin too.

One can also apply a suitable lotion. This will be helpful to lessen the sore. But, it will not help to stick the appliance well. Place a newer one. Check if it sticks. You may use your palms to place it well.

It is best to replace it early in the morning. At this period, the stoma is still small though it is still active. People who have this do it at this time. The times you should be changing it depend on the supplies and its behavior. There are times you should change that on the next day. There are times you should change it daily. If that is expensive, have that done during the morning.

A person could contact his doctor to help him in taking care of that. His doctor can suggest the best type of appliance for him. A doctor could also suggest stuff that will help to lessen pain when changing. Before doing all of those steps, see to it that your hands are clean. By making sure of that, you could avoid some infections.




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