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Bladder cancer: Is a stoma the same as an ostomy?
Ostomy | Last Active: Aug 15, 2020 | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
This was an excellent reply and certainly gave you lots of information and very good advice. I have a colostomy and have had it for a year now. I have had quite a lot of trouble with having the bag stay on me. Mine was an emergency situation and due to the condition of my colon at the time the stoma is far from ideal. (flat and almost concave) Also, my skin is in poor condition all around the area due to my being on Prednisone for 2 years prior to surgery. I have had several visits with the Stoma nurse specialist and my equipment has been changed several times trying to find the right combination of barrier ring, flange and bag. Location is important if you have the luxury of choosing. After the fact it cannot be changed and bending over for any reason can be a real problem. I found that the manufacturer HOLLISTER has an excellent web site which was very informative as well and will send free samples. I fortunately live in Canada and after I was released from hospital, I had home nurses daily to help me for the first few months. They supplied me with the necessary supplies and equipment and my Government pays for it all. Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is out there.
Replies to "This was an excellent reply and certainly gave you lots of information and very good advice...."
I had an emergency colostomy last March. I would have looked into different options if possibly. I now also have a prolapse stoma and a hernia. To finish my problems my stoma, my stoma protrudes and it is the largest imaginable. It is difficult to bend down. I have tried most of the companies and found Hollister to be the best for my condition. I have never had leakage, but do change the bag once a day.
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Your response has prompted me to ask if anyone knows whether a barrier ring is necessary for skin health. We have had so many problems with leakage. My husband’s stoma is irregular in shape and slightly recessed. What has finally worked is a convex wafer and no barrier ring. We have begun to use the “Y” shaped barrier strips around the outside edges as well as the elastic belt and the pouch is good for three or four days. Now my concern is the irritated skin. I’m sure that if he gets even one lesion it will be difficult to heal.