If you or someone you know is going through a major surgery followed by an ostomy, it is likely for you to be worried about the consequences including lifestyle changes, overall ostomy care, and being accustomed to the new life. While the change is new, it is okay for you to be overwhelmed.
Your apprehensions, however, can be reduced a little if you understand what ostomy is, what are the SenSura ostomy supplies, and how you can take care of it. This comprehensive guide will help you in navigating through the changes. Let us have a look.
What is an Ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgical procedure during which the surgeon makes a hole or opening in the body to remove waste. This procedure is mainly done after a major surgery or disease including cancer or injury to the urinary or digestive system.
The opening created during the procedure is called a stoma. This stoma is usually created from the end of the small or large intestine, depending on the type of surgery. The short part of the intestine is secured outside the abdomen to eliminate waste and collect it in an ostomy bag. This bag can either be discarded when full or the contents can be expelled to use it again.
What Are Ostomy Systems?
After an ostomy, you will need to be accustomed to the new lifestyle and learn to care for it. This includes changing your SenSura ostomy supplies, taking care of the stoma and skin around the stoma (peristomal skin), and managing your diet.
The basic part of an ostomy system includes an ostomy bag and barrier. Together they constitute an ostomy system. The bag collects the waste passing through the stoma and the barrier protects the stoma and allows the bag to be fixed to the skin.
What Are the Types of SenSura Ostomy Supplies?
SenSura ostomy supplies include the following:
Ostomy Bags
Ostomy bags collect the waste passing through the stoma. Depending on your choice and suitability, these can either be open type or closed. An open system consists of a tail which can be opened to drain the bag contents and closed again with a Velcro or clamp.
A closed system, on the other hand, does not have an opening and the entire bag has to be removed or replaced once full.
Ostomy Barriers
A barrier protects the stoma and the skin around the stoma. The barrier can be viewed as a large adhesive bandage of about 3-4 inches in the shape of a square or circle. The bandage has a circular opening in the middle that allows the stoma to pass through.
The main purpose of a barrier is to keep the waste from touching the skin. If required, a Comfeel barrier cream can be used to keep the barrier in place and reduce the chances of infection.
Barriers are also of two types:
Convex Barriers
As the name suggests, this type of barrier is convex-shaped which helps the stoma to push forward. In these types, it is important for the stoma to not recede.
Flat Barriers
Unlike convex barriers, a flat barrier does not require the stoma to extrude from the skin. This barrier lies intact against the skin with the stoma in the centre similar to a belly button.
How To Change an Ostomy Bag?
After your ostomy, your nurse will likely show you how to take care of the stoma and change SenSura ostomy supplies. While practising in the hospital can be a little stressful, here are some tips and tricks to help you through:
- Prepare the area for changing by keeping all the supplies including cleaning essentials.
- Remove the old bag gently by pulling the edges of the barrier away from the skin.
- Clean the area around the stoma with gentle soap or warm water and pat it dry with a soft cloth.
- Apply the new barrier and bag.
Where Can You Get SenSura Ostomy Supplies?
The best place to receive all your ostomy supplies is the hospital right after your ostomy. Depending on your surgery, you may receive some samples of different brands of ostomy supplies. Since the brands may vary from hospital to hospital, you can contact them beforehand to learn what to expect.
Once home, you can work with your doctor or insurance company to set up regular orders of the supplies from the hospital or another supplier. It is important that you raincheck the supplies as soon as you get home as running out of it can be quite inconvenient and stressful.
Takeaway
An ostomy may not be a cakewalk and include a lot of apprehensions and anxiety. Knowing about the ostomy systems, supplies, and care, can help you in navigating through the process. If at any point, you feel that the process is cumbersome or feel irritation around the stoma, contact your doctor at the earliest.
Disclaimer: Always read the label and follow the directions for use. prior to use, be sure to read the instructions for use for information regarding intended use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and instructions.
Author: Coloplast Store
Coloplast develops products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Our business includes Ostomy Care, Continence Care, Wound & Skin Care and Interventional Urology. We operate globally and our organisation is about 14,000 plus people strong.
