Ostomy nurse credits!!

[David]

I had previously written a quick article on "face cloths" after receiving my ostomy and all the trouble I was experiencing. It's my very humble opinion that a new ostomy user or one within the first ninety(90) days connect with a knowledgeable/seasoned ostomy nurse is a key for success.

First: Assisting with finding the correct appliance especially to your body type. My personal mistake I went from the hospital, nursing home, and half way through my home health experiencing appliance after appliance that did not work; and it was only until I developed a fungal infection and went to a local wound center staffed by an ostomy as described above that I received relief. She saw the location of my stoma and my body type and it was decided to insert 1 and 1/2 cera rings under my appliance. Additionally, she said I was using to much spray and powder and this was confirmed by the manufacturer.

Second: I was getting up 8 times a night with issues and she was able to provide a fistula bed drain that my pouch drain could be inserted into and I finally got the sleep I needed. Now at times if I ate too much or did not drink adequate water the tubing did get thick. Washing the tube in the am did need concentration, as well as, liquid soap and vinegar/water with graduated container. Cannot try to fill tubing too quickly and need to pay attention to draining the bottom of the fistula bed drain in the toilet. Additionally, at what level the end of the tubing in relation to the drainage bag with shaking with soap or the water/vinegar solution. Used Hollister pouch with tubing at end 5018012 and Coloplast fistula bed drainable bag 14010. It took a little effort but believe me it works.

Third: My ostomy nurse was in charge of the support group and this group was great with speakers especially with dietary compliance and free supplies from manufacturer representatives. I also found out about the use of both marshmallows and applesauce to thicken the out put into your appliance and to limit caffeine. Additionally the importance of following a diet plan which was easily found using the UOAA literature.

Fouth: I always read the Phoenix from cover to get updated information and to validate what I was doing right and wrong.