You had a digestive tract disease and needed surgery called an ostomy. This surgery changes the way your body eliminates stool, so now the waste will exit through an opening in your abdomen, called a stoma, into a colostomy bag. Now how do you know what to watch for to take care of your stoma and your health? In this article we'll explain what to expect, the danger signs when using a colostomy bagand how to take care of your stoma.
What can I expect to see at home?
Most stomas are similar and share some characteristics that, while conspicuous, do not represent danger: they protrude from the skin as a small bump of up to one inch, are red and moist like the inside of the mouth, and have no sensitivity. They are usually circular or oval in shape and can vary in size. It is normal for the stoma to be swollen during the first weeks after surgery, but it will gradually shrink to its final size.
As the stoma is the lining of the intestine it is a very delicate part of the body. It is also important to remember that it does not behave like the surrounding skin (peristomal). You may see mucus or bleed a little when you clean it, but this is normal. The most important thing is to keep the peristomal skin dry and that fecal matter does not come in contact with it.
When to call the doctor?
As an ostomate you will have to pay attention to different situations that will let you know when it is time to call the doctor. Let's start with the danger signs that have to do with your stoma:
- It begins to swell, instead of decreasing the swelling.
- It is 1 centimeter more protruding than normal.
- It begins to retract, as if sinking into the skin.
- It bleeds more than usual.
- It has changed color to purple, black or white.
- It drains fluid frequently, as if it were leaking.
- It does not seem to fit in the colostomy bag as it used to.
- There are secretions with bad odor.
- He presents with diarrhea that does not subside.
You should also be aware of the skin around the stoma (or peristomal). A doctor should be called when the peristomal skin...
- It is red or raw.
- Rashes are present.
- It is dry in spite of the care.
- It hurts or burns.
- It becomes inflamed.
- Bleeding.
- Causes itching.
- It has white, brown, dark red or gray protuberances.
- It has pus-filled lumps.
- It presents sores with irregular edges.
Finally, there are conditions in your overall health that may be a sign that something is wrong with your stoma, making it necessary to see a doctor:
- You have less waste than usual in your colostomy bag.
- You have a fever.
- You find yourself dehydrated for no apparent reason.
It is worth mentioning that whether or not there is discomfort, it is important to consult with your doctor whenever you have questions or concerns about your stoma, peristomal skin or the use of your colostomy bag.
How to care for your stoma if you use a colostomy bag
There are recommendations that are basic to take care of both the stoma and the peristomal skin at the time of changing your colostomy bag:
- Peel the adhesive from the skin barrier from top to bottom, without pulling and holding the peristomal skin.
- Remove any stool that may be in the stoma with toilet paper.
- Clean the stoma and peristomal skin with water and neutral soap. Remember that some bleeding is totally normal.
- Dry with light touches, never rub. Make sure that the peristomal skin is completely dry before placing the colostomy bag.
There are also general recommendations that ensure good peristomal skin and stoma health, regardless of colostomy bag placement.
- Avoid products containing alcohol, as they can over-dry the skin.
- Avoid products with oil, as they may prevent the sachet from adhering properly.
- Use the least amount of skin care products in the peristomal area. This will make it easier to avoid irritation.
In the event that the abdominal area has hair, it is very important to receive advice from an ostomy nurse to indicate the best way to shave the area. The presence of hair could prevent the pouch from adhering well, so it is important to receive professional advice so that shaving does not cause problems.
By following these recommendations and using high-quality colostomy bags, you can rest easy knowing that you are giving your body the best possible care. You will also be able to recognize when it is time to consult your doctor.
