Urostomy: What You Need to Know

Most patients agree that the most challenging time during their life with an ostomy is right after the procedure. Their body is in quite a bit of pain and will take a few days to heal. In the meatine, the nurses and healthcare professionals will assist the patient in learning ostomy care. The patient (or caretaker) will have to learn all the necessary steps to keeping the stoma healthy and clean. They will learn how to drain, clean, and change their bags around their stoma. They will also have to learn the different types of adhesives and what type is best for them. All of these supplies will be ordered prior from Hollister ostomy supplies.

Here are a few more types that have to do with life in general after a urostomy. Patients should expect a slight odor when draining the urostomy. There are different types of bags that can mask odor more depending on the patient’s needs. There are also deodorizing sprays that can be applied several times a day. To help check that odor in check patients should be testing and then limiting certain types of foods. Food to limit at first would be foods such as: asparagus, eggs, and cheese. Depending on the patient these types of foods can really increase the odor. Some people have found that drinking multiple glasses of water and taking extra Vitamin C can help.

Patients should expect up to seven days in the hospital for recovery. But they should also give extra time after the hospital stay to get acclimated at home before returning to work. At the hospital, patients have nurses and healthcare professionals to help them with all of their new daily tasks. Once the patient gets home they will have to do their daily routine entirely on their own.

Time returned to work also depends on the type of work the patient will be doing. Desk work will be an easy adjustment as they will just have to empty their bags a few times a day. Laborious work may have to wait a while longer for the urostomy to completely heal. People who are laborers should consider purchasing an ostomy belt from Hollister ostomy supplies.

 The belt will keep the pouch in place to ensure the stoma and bag are safe during work. The belt can always be used for athletes or people who exercise on a daily basis. There are even waterproof options for people who sweat or spend time in the water.