About

After ostomy surgery, you can learn a lot about taking care of your stoma from other people with ostomies, online communities, support groups, and forums. The problem, however, is that discussing things with people who do not know authoritative sources gives birth to myths. The best way to bust those myths is to discuss a confusing problem with a qualified ostomy care nurse.

In this article, we are going to talk about common ostomy myths and their reality.

Myth: The best ostomy pouching system is the one that you get from the nursing staff at the hospital.

Fact: In the weeks and months following ostomy surgery, your stoma and body may change. It may lead you to require an entirely different pouching system than the one you had received at the hospital.

 

Myth: It doesn’t matter what ostomy pouch you wear, because all ostomy products are the same.

Fact: Every person with an ostomy has different requirements. Every type of ostomy products fulfills a particular set of requirements.

 

Myth: The change in stoma size a few months after surgery is a bad thing.

Fact: Your stoma may change shape and size in the weeks and months following ostomy surgery, so it shouldn’t be a cause of concern.

 

Myth: Having skin irritation is the new normal.

Fact: Any kind of irritation in the skin around your stoma can lead to peristomal skin infections, which can result in poor adhesion of ostomy pouch. It may also affect the quality of life. The best way is to prevent these complications by taking care of the peristomal skin. Several types of skincare products are available for your benefit.

 

Myth: You are going to have to deal with persistent odor when you have an ostomy.

Fact: A properly fitted ostomy pouch contains odor in a much better way. Most of the ostomy pouches have filters that allow the gas to leave while disallowing odor to escape. You can also consider using ostomy products with deodorants to prevent foul smell emitting from your abdomen.

 

Myth: With an ostomy, you will not be able to enjoy the foods you love.

Fact: You might not be able to eat your favorite foods for a few weeks after surgery, but as soon as your bowel recovers, you will be able to eat anything you want.

 

Myth: You cannot get your ostomy pouch wet, which means you will not be able to enjoy water activities for the rest of your life.

Fact: The modern ostomy pouches are secure enough to retain the strength of their seal even if you engage in water sports or shower. Nonetheless, if you are using an ostomy pouch with a filter, you are going to have to cover that filter to prevent water from entering into the bag.