Ostomate Advice Needed

[UOAA-AdvocacyManager]

Hello!

UOAA was honored to be an exhibitor at the WOCN Society 2020 WOCNext Conference - "Reimagined" over the weekend where it took place virtually. We were able to chat live with attendees during the virtual exhibit hall hours.

One nurse posed a question that I wanted to get more input from ostomates. Here was the question:

Any suggestions for an active colostomy pt who's stoma is very "noisy"....especially at work?

I told her that I have heard of some people using humor and making light-hearted comments/jokes when "noise" occurs. Others are simply frank and explain that they have an ostomy. This nurse said that she has also offered advice on foods that may be "gassy" and that the patient might want to avoid (cue the UOAA new food reference chart!).

Does anyone else have any advice for this patient? I will compile and share with this nurse.

Thank you.

[To Dream a Dream]

First a big THANK YOU for your own service to our community. It is welcome & fully appreciated. Am so glad that the WOCN Society conference was held virtually & went well. As for stomal outbursts, having an ileo with severely shortened bowel for many years, I instinctively cover it with my hand upon any audible activity. If it raises questions, I try to answer appropriately, otherwise I continue on with life. On the lighter side gleaned from a previous post on our Discussion Board, my favorite is that of an elderly gentleman who would refer to such interruptions as "barking spiders."

[UOAA-AdvocacyManager]

Thank you for your kind words and tips!

I'll need to search for that previous post! I smiled at your favorite too.

[ron in mich.]

Hi all I have found with my ileo. that if for some reason I haven't been able to eat I tend to have more gas and also more erpy/belching so I try to have some kind of snack available.

[UOAA-AdvocacyManager]

Thank you!

[xctm1]

Hi all I have found with my ileo. that if for some reason I haven't been able to eat I tend to have more gas and also more erpy/belching so I try to have some kind of snack available.

100% agree, don't let your stomach empty completely, keep something in the supply line. I always change my bag on Sunday morn and it can be a fine line between no activity and oops, waited too long and now it is spitting.