To celebrate Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada’s (NSWOCC) 40th Anniversary and 2021 National Conference, we are sharing answers to frequently answers questions from patients to NSWOCs from NSWOCs themselves! This article is PART TWO – read PART ONE here.
Do I need to use stoma powder?
Stoma powder is only used when the skin around your stoma is damaged and moist. Stoma powder applied to moist areas absorbs excess moisture from damaged skin and provides a dry surface for the barrier/flange to adhere to.
Apply a light dusting of powder to all moist, raw and/or weepy areas. Gently brush off excess powder before applying your pouching system. Your NSWOC may direct you to apply a skin barrier film (e.g. skin prep) over the powder but this is not always necessary.
Stop using the powder as soon as your skin is no longer moist. Applying powder to dry skin will interfere with adhesion – think about applying tape to a surface covered with flour or sawdust.
By Laureen Sommerey
What is the difference between adhesive remover spray vs. wipes?
Simply put, adhesive remover spray is used more for removing the ostomy pouching system from your body.
Adhesive remover wipes are used for removing any lingering tacky residue (e.g., barrier ring or paste, dried powder).
Can I play sports such as soccer and volleyball with a stoma?
Playing sports or being active with an ostomy is totally fine. If you plan on playing a contact sport or there is risk of injury to your stoma from falling or contact then, check with your doctor first and then consider using a stoma guard. There are multiple companies that make stoma guards but ask your NSWOC nurse as they may have one that can be provided to you.
Source: http://stomasdome.com
How can I sleep well with an ostomy?
You may need to experiment with different sleeping positions – try using a body pillow or an extra pillow between your knees, under your knees, or tucked along your side to support your pouch. You do not have to be restricted to only back-sleeping. If you are having issues with leaking, you may choose to use a towel or waterproof pad with your bedding initially until your pouching system is more predictable and reliable. Wearing an ostomy belt that hooks into a pouch with loops or wearing a belly band can help secure your seal. Consider having your larger meal at noon and finishing eating and drinking (other than sips) by 6 or 7pm if you find you have a lot of output overnight. Plan to empty once or twice overnight (eg, every 4-6 hours) if required. Over the first 2-3 months postoperatively, your system and bowel pattern should normalize and you may not need to empty overnight ongoing. See your NSWOC to discuss further.
By Meggan Chung, NSWOC Nightingale Medical
