Ostomy can knock on your door at any point in life. It is neither gender-specific nor occupation-specific. The only thing that matters is how well you deal with it. 

Learning to live your lifestyle with ostomy requires a thorough understanding of what ostomy supplies could support you. Your surgeon is the right person to have this discussion with. However, it could be a lot of information for you to understand in one go. 

To ensure that you live your life to the fullest while dealing with an ostomy, read this comprehensive guide on essential supplies. It is your go-to guide for knowing what products are available in the market, their benefits, and how you should use them. 

Post Operative Care Regime for Your Ostomy 

Adjusting your lifestyle to an ostomy could be challenging for many. At your first interaction with your doctor, you may feel overwhelmed with information. There’s much for you to understand here. 

Specifically, your care team can determine which products you need for your postoperative care regime. 

You can ask them for written instructions and video tutorials. These supplies and resources are ideal when you first buy your essentials. 

5 Best Ostomy Supplies That You Need 

Adjusting to life after undergoing an ostomy surgery can be stressful. But you are not alone in this journey. You can come across many like-minded individuals on the go too. Also, there are many ostomy support groups available online. Ask your doctor to connect you with either of them. Here, you can also discuss the best ostomy supplies you need in your post-surgical care regime. 

Some of the important ostomy supplies that you need are as follows:

Ostomy Bags

You cannot survive your ostomy journey without your ostomy bags. Ostomy bags are available both as one-piece and two-piece systems. Most people find a one-piece ostomy pouch valuable as it has a skin barrier. The bag is available either in closed system format or drainable format. 

Your ostomy nurse or doctor will also train you with the skin barrier systems. These systems are ideal for sealing your pouch to your peristomal skin. 

Ostomy Base Plates

Skin barriers, also known as ostomy base plates connect your ostomy pouch to your abdomen surface. They protect the skin around your stoma from damage, irritation, and infection. 

You, however, need to opt for the right size and shape. Modern base plates often incorporate features like moldable or pre-cut openings to accommodate different stoma sizes and shapes and flexible edges that move with the body. They are available in three types – flat, light convex, and deep convex.

Comfeel Barrier Cream 

The next item on your checklist for essential supplies is your Comfeel barrier cream. This cream ensures 360-degree skin protection and maintains your skin’s pH balance. It is a win-win situation for you to keep your skin dry and well moisturised. 

This cream is ideal for skin irritation, rashes, rashes with purple or red patches, and itching. Talk to your surgeon to figure out if you need this cream in your post-ostomy care kit. 

Adhesive Removers

Adhesive removers are the next best accessory to add to your essential supplies kit. You may need an adhesive remover to remove the skin barrier attached to your stoma skin.You may also need it to remove any extra adhesive left behind on your skin surface.

It is beneficial in cleaning the area around your stoma. Practising this hygiene regime helps you in reducing all forms of skin infections. The remover is available in the form of wipes. However, you may also find it in different types based on your preferences. 

Odour Control Accessories 

You may find the odour associated with ostomy postoperative care unpleasant to think about. It is not valid, though! A well-sealed ostomy bag will not give peculiar odours. 

However, to be extra sure of all this, you can add some odour-control accessories to your kit. You can have them in sprays or tablets—the choice is yours. 

Skin Barrier Paste 

Skin barrier paste is just like skin barrier rings. Both are useful for filling in the unevenness between your stoma pouch and your skin surface. They also help prevent leaks by ensuring a good seal. 

These are available in two different forms: adhesive stripes and squeezable pastes. Try samples of each to decide which one you are most comfortable with. 

Tips for Buying Your Ostomy Supplies 

While buying essential supplies for an ostomy, consult your surgeon or supporting healthcare staff to determine your right choice. They could help you choose the size of your stoma by considering your lifestyle and activities. 

Check for insurance coverage if it is helpful for you, and compare the features and specifications to find your right fit. 

Important factors to check before buying your ostomy supplies:

• Type and size of your stoma. 
• Type of pouching system.
• Material of the skin barriers. 
• Capacity and draining options of your pouching system. 
• Lifestyle requirements. 
• Consulting your surgeon.
• Trying samples of different supplies. 
• Comparing brand specifications and pricing. 

Takeaway 

In this guide, we deep dived in five essential ostomy supplies for your post-ostomy surgery care regime. This will give you a much needed clarity. Also, consider getting an ostomy organiser to help you manage your supplies or accessories better. 

Check with your surgeon on your essential and right ostomy supply picks. Good supplies give you the flexibility to choose better, enhancing your quality of life. Enjoy stress-free ostomy care like never before!

 

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.