After colostomy surgery, patients wonder when they may head to their workplaces. Going to the workplace with a colostomy bag tied to the abdomen seems daunting even by imagination. Some people may have to travel to distant locations as a part of their work. Is the colostomy bag a hindrance in their work? It’s worth finding out. What is a colostomy? A colostomy is a type of ostomy that involves bypassing the lower part of the colon. The upper functional part of the colon is then diverted to the abdominal wall, where a surgical opening allows the functional part of the colon to find an excretory point. This type of ostomy can be temporary as well as permanent, depending on the medical condition. A colostomy is not an illness in itself. It is just an opening that allows an ostomate to discharge the body wastes. Since this surgery bypasses the anus, the colostomy discharges solid wastes. However, it is worth mentioning that the person with a colostomy doesn’t have any control over when he discharges stool. The patient has to use a special bag to collect the stool. This bag or pouch is known as a colostomy bag. It may seem like a big undertaking to learn to live with a colostomy. But it is a learning curve just like other life changes such as a new job and relocation. It may take time for you to adapt to unfamiliar aspects of colostomy. But you need to have patience and a positive outlook on life to adjust to this new situation. You can talk to a trusted friend, your ostomy care nurse, or even another person with an ostomy. The colostomy bag The purpose of a colostomy bag is to collect the stool that comes out of the stoma. This bag is also called a pouching system, which consists of a bag, a pouch, and a skin barrier. In the modern-day, companies produce discreet pouches that remain hidden under the clothes remarkably. Nevertheless, a pouching system, no matter how advanced it may be, cannot restore an ostomate’s ability to control the passing out of feces or flatus. With the help of a colostomy bag, you live your life to the fullest. Modern-day designs of colostomy bags help ostomates to make sure of that. Working with a colostomy
You may wonder if you can go to work with a colostomy bag attached. The answer is yes. But since every individual’s need is different, you may need to talk to your ostomy care nurse to have guidance about the right way to manage your colostomy.
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The primary purpose of a stoma collar is to avoid leakage. This item is placed between the skin and the stoma, forming a collar around the stoma. The barrier, which the stoma collar aims to make, prevents the stomal output from coming in contact with peristomal skin, helping in avoiding irritation in the skin. About 73% of ostomates suffer from peristomal skin problems. The most frequent skin problem is the peristomal irritant dermatitis, which is usually a result of poor adhesion of stoma supplies, allowing leakage of stoma contents to occur. Now, we are going to talk about the recommendations to ensure the maximum benefit of stoma collar. Take into account the stoma size, type, and appearance A healthy stoma appears red or pink, and its shape is round or oval. A colostomy, which is usually located in the left iliac fossa, should be only minimally raised above the abdominal skin level, and its diameter should be 30–35 mm. An ileostomy and a urostomy are much similar in terms of shape and location. They should be 28–30 mm in diameter. The ideal size of their spout is 25mm. While choosing a stoma collar, it is necessary to consider the size and type of stoma. If a stoma doesn't fit well, it can cause leakage, which can result in the accumulation of fluids below the wafer. As a result of this, the wafer might detach from the skin. On the other hand, a collar pressed tightly against the skin can lead to the blockage. The small size of the plate, compared to that of the ostomy, brings up the necessity to cut a large piece of the outlet. An outlet too big for the plastic ring can result in poor adhesion between the plastic ring and the stoma. Not everyone can benefit from stoma collars Stoma collars might not be much useful for certain types of patients. For instance, patients whose stool is too thick do not get any benefit from the use of the stoma collar. Stoma collar and herniated stomas Unlike the retracted stomas, herniated stomas protrude further than the normal. This protrusion can result in the stool to spread around in the bag, ultimately resulting in leakage into the flange. Using a stoma collar or a hat can help manage a herniated stoma better. The flexible adhesive channel, which the stoma collars consist of, sits well over the stoma and prevents the leakage of stool into the flange. The necessity of stoma collar The primary purpose of a stoma collar is to aim the stoma into the bag to prevent leakage. According to a study, the fear of leakage of ostomy bag affects daily and social life. A stoma more aimed into the bag poses a little risk of the stool's leakage. Ask your stoma care nurse
Before deciding whether or not you need to use a stoma collar, it is necessary to ask your stoma care nurse. Those highly qualified individuals can help you with the selection of the right kind of stoma care supplies. |
Brian Anderson
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