Caring for Yourself: An Ostomate’s Guide
Ostomy surgery is performed on approximately 100,000 people annually in the United States. Some ostomies
are temporary and may be reversed in 3-6 months, but it is
estimated that roughly 1,000,000 Americans have permanent
diversions of the intestinal or urinary tract. There are many reasons
why this surgery is necessary; however the outcome is similar. Some type of pouch appliance will be necessary, whether it be a
one- or two-piece system. Northeast Express supplies a wide range
of ostomy products to suit individual circumstances and
needs.
Nutrition is key
Proper nutrition is vital to maintain good health after ostomy surgery. Consider this information as a helpful reference guide; consult your healthcare professional if you have concerns about a particular food.
Foods that produce gas
Beans, cabbage, turnips, onions. kale, green peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, dried beans, chili, sauerkraut, garlic, cucumbers, radishes, milk, instant cocoa mix, gum, nuts, carbonated beverages, alcohol, and fruitcake. Yogurt may control gas in some ostomates.
Foods that can cause strong odors
Fish, onions, peanut butter, strong cheese, eggs, garlic, baked beans, cod liver oil, asparagus, some multi-vitamin preparations, some spices and alcohol.
Foods that may irritate your colon (increased and/or loose stools)
Raw and green leafy vegetables, spices, brocolli, beans, raw fresh fruit, prunes and prune juice, raisins, whole wheat, bran cereals, chocolate, licorice, milk, alcohol, tea and coffee.
Foods that can obstruct your stoma (eat with caution)
Nuts, seeds, popcorn, coconut, fibrous foods (e.g. celery and chinese vegetables) poultry skins, corn, cole slaw, sauerkraut, parsnips, turnips, berries with large seeds, some raw vegetables and fruits, lobster, shrimp and crab.
Foods that help control diarrhea
Bananas, boiled rice, peanut butter, boiled milk, applesauce, tapioca, strong warm tea, strained bananas and scraped raw apple.
Foods that cause a change in color
Strawberries, beets, red gelatin, iron pills, red food color, licorice, and grape mix drink
Foods that help control odor
Tomato, orange and cranberry juices, parsley, yogurt and buttermilk.
Bathing
Water doesn’t interfere with pouch adhesion, so you may continue to bathe or shower just as you did before the surgery, either with or without your pouch. In fact, you may choose to bathe or shower on the day you plan to change your appliance, since warm water is soothing to the stoma and the skin around the stoma. Your shower or bath can also enhance circulation.
Avoiding Skin Problems
In order to maintain healthy skin and avoid skin problems, it is important that your pouch fits properly; your doctor or Enterostomal therapist will prescribe the proper appliance. If you do experience skin irritation, skin barriers and powders are two ways to reduce pain or redness of the peristomal skin (skin surrounding the stoma site). If irritation persists consult your Enterostomal therapist.
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Ostomy Products
All of the following product lines are available.
Please
call us toll free at
1-800-962-9513 with your specific requirements:
ConvaTec
Bard
Hollister
Genairex
Coloplast
Cymed
Torbot
Dansac
NuHope
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