The following are common terms and phrases that you may see within me+™ answers emails and articles, and well as during conversations with your healthcare professional.

Abdomen: area of the body between the chest and the hips in the front part of the body that contains the digestive organs.

Accessories: products (such as ostomy covers, skin barrier rings, paste, etc.) that are used to enhance the performance of the pouch

Adhesive Coupling Technology™: a two-piece stoma pouching system that attaches with a tape-like adhesive rather than flanges (plastic rings that snap together)

Adhesive removers/releasers: Available in wipes or spray, minimize discomfort while helping to remove adhesives from the skin

Barrier opening: the pre-cut hole in the skin barrier/wafer

Barrier wipes/sprays: Provide protective film to skin. These are used prior to applying a skin barrier/wafer.

Bowel: Part of the digestive tract. The small bowel is also called the small intestine, and is located between the stomach and large intestine. The large bowel is also called the large intestine or colon and is located between the small intestine and the rectum.

Bowel obstruction/Blockage: a clogging of the intestine. This can be caused by food, retained stool or disease. It’s important to seek medical attention immediately if this occurs.

Closed-end pouch: a pouch that has no opening at the bottom and is removed and discarded after each use

Colostomy: a surgically created opening between the large intestine (colon) and the abdominal surface

Convexity: A skin barrier/wafer with a curved, cup-like surface that bows inward towards the stoma. Convex products may be used when a stoma empties at or below the skin surface, when there are creases, wrinkles or scars near the stoma, and/or when the abdomen is very soft around the stoma.

Cut-to-fit barrier: a skin barrier/wafer that requires a hole to be cut before placing over the stoma

Dehydration: a lack of water in the body. This can be a serious concern for people with an ostomy and should be monitored closely.

Drainable pouch: has an opening at the bottom, which allows stool or urine to be drained and re-closed with a tail clip, tap (for urostomy pouches) or InvisiClose self-gripping fastener hook tape

Durahesive®: an extended-wear barrier that provides the ultimate in security and adhesion for people with liquid to semi-liquid output

Durahesive Plus®: an extended-wear barrier available in a one-piece cut-to-fit pouch

Eakin Cohesive seals: a donut-shaped accessory placed around the stoma; acts as a gasket or seal to help protect the skin around the stoma

Film: the materials used to manufacture the pouch. All Convatec pouches have built-in layers that help reduce the rustling noise under clothing, and a built-in odor-barrier

Filter: some Convatec pouches have an integral filter that helps release gas build-up from within the pouch

Fistula: an abnormal tube-like passageway between one hollow organ in the body and another hollow organ or the skin

Flange: ring that is attached to skin barrier and pouch on some two-piece systems. Flanges are designed to snap securely together to join the barrier to the pouch.

Ileal conduit: a surgically created opening that allows urine to pass. Also called a urostomy.

Ileostomy: a surgically created opening between the small intestine (ileum) and the abdominal surface

Irritation: soreness, redness or inflammation of the skin

Night drainage: a container that may be attached to a urinary pouch to manage drainage of urine during sleep.

One-piece ostomy pouching system: the skin barrier/wafer and pouch are made as one unit

Opaque: a beige pouch film that helps conceal pouch content

Ostomy: a surgically created opening (called a stoma) in the gastrointestinal system to allow the passage of stool or in the urinary system to pass urine

Peristomal skin: the skin surrounding a stoma

Pouch: The bag portion of an ostomy appliance that collects and contains urine or stool.

Pouch with spout: drainage taps or spouts at the bottom of the pouch to empty urine or liquid stool

Pre-cut: skin barriers/wafers that are available pre-sized. These are made to be used without additional cutting or trimming. Some Convatec skin barriers are available pre-cut to certain stoma sizes

Skin barrier/baseplate: the adhesive portion of a stoma appliance that attaches to the skin. These are applied to the skin around the stoma (called peristomal skin). Helps protect the skin from stool or urine, which can be very irritating.

Stoma: a surgically-created opening on the abdomen surface, constructed of intestinal tissue. Also commonly called an ostomy. The stoma should be moist and red. Stool or urine leaves the body through this opening instead of the anus or urethra.

Stomahesive®: a skin barrier that provides excellent security for people with semi-formed to formed output because of its special formulation that enables it to adhere to both dry and wet skin.

Stomahesive Powder: helps bond to and form a protective barrier on red, irritated or weepy skin.

Tape collar: The outer section of some skin barriers/baseplates. Convatec skin barriers are available with or without tape collars.

Temporary colostomy: involves the diverting of the colon to the abdominal wall to create a stoma. Unlike a permanent colostomy, the lower part of the colon and digestive track remains in place within the patient to allow for healing and repair.

Transparent: clear pouch film; pouch content is visible

Two-piece stoma pouching system: skin barrier/baseplate and pouch are separate and attached together with a round, plastic ring (called a flange). Pouch can be easily removed without having to remove the skin barrier/baseplate.

Urologist: a healthcare professional who specializes in urinary diseases and disorders

Urostomy: a surgically created opening that allows urine to pass. Also called an ileal conduit.

Leakages are scary and embarrassing – leakages in public are a stoma wearers worst nightmare. Leaks happen, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to be a big deal.

There are ways to deal with stoma leakages to help prevent them and to make it easier if it does happen.

Here are our tips for dealing with stoma bag leakages!

1. Preparation
By preparing for the worst case scenario, it will mean you are able to handle the situation better.
You may want to keep a small bag of your supplies with you, just in case you need to change your stoma bag when you are out and about.

What to have in your bag:

★ Spare stoma bag
★ Accessories (niltac, barrier cream, wipes)
★ Water bottle
★ Dry wipes
★ Disposable bags
★ Spare clothing

Top Tip!

Pre-cutting your base plates will save you a lot of time, especially if you are in a rush, panicking or upset.

2. Stay calm!

Find a public toilet or an establishment like a pub, cafe or restaurant which has toilets.
Top Tips for dealing with small cubicles:

Space can be an issue in a toilet cubicle and you may need to think about how to use the space creatively – can you use the toilet cistern as a shelf or even the toilet roll dispenser to balance your supplies?
Disabled toilets are good as they usually have more room, a sink and places to put your supplies when getting ready to change
Baby change rooms are also great as like the disabled toilet they also have the additional space

3. Take your time

Having a leak is horrible and you will want the whole experience to be over quickly, but try not to rush.
Take time to apply your new bag correctly and avoid another leak.

4. Seek advice

• If you are getting repetitive leaks, then it could be a good idea to review your appliance, any accessories you use and your application technique with your stoma nurse.

Common causes for leakage:

• Stoma has changed size or shape since you last measured.
• Misalignment when applying appliance – so may not fit properly
• The skin has become irritated so adhesion has become poor
  The output is aggressive and therefore breaks down the adhesive sooner than expected.
• Not using a barrier spray or a barrier pad
• Gelling products can help ‘solidify’ output and therefore help avoid leakage and make it easier to empty.
• Empty your stoma bag regularly

If you would like to talk privately and confidentially why not speak to our team of experts lifestyle advisors? Call +91 (0124) 4096100 we are here to help.

If you would like to talk privately and confidentially why not speak to our team of experts lifestyle advisors? Call +91 (0124) 4096100 we are here to help.

From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery. These tips from the me+™ Team may help you return to the workplace with more confidence and less anxiety.

• Be prepared. Pack a bag with the items you need for a full change of pouching system and a change of clothes. You may not need your “emergency kit” at all, but it can offer peace of mind knowing that it is at the ready.
• Pack your water bottle and stay hydrated. Drinking water is one of the simplest ways to improve your health and well-being.
• Initially, you may be self-conscious about emptying your pouch in public due to odor or sound. Create a buffer with a layer of toilet paper in the toilet bowl to avoid splashing when emptying your pouch. Some people also include toilet deodorizing products in their stoma supply kits.
• Dress comfortably. Do not worry that others will notice the pouching system through your clothes. Having a stoma may seem very noticeable to you, but in reality it is rarely noticed by others. Ostomysecrets® apparel keeps your stoma pouch supported & flat against your stomach allowing you to wear tailored clothing.
• Consider starting back to work on a Thursday, allowing you to ease back in with a short work week. You will be able to rest over the weekend before taking on a full week of work.
• Think about what facilities are available in your work restroom and plan accordingly. If no paper towels are available, have premoistened paper towels in zip lock plastic bags or moisturizer-free wipes. Try to think of how to accomplish a pouch change in that setting if needed.
• Take breaks. It is easy to get wrapped up in the task at hand, but allow yourself time to empty your pouch.
• Don’t try out new products or foods right before going back to work.Save testing new products or diet changes for the comfort of home.
• Most likely, your co-workers will not realize you have a stoma unless you tell them. It is a personal choice whether or not to tell your employer about your stoma. Although it may help to tell your manager or trusted co-worker(s) if you require frequent breaks or accommodations.

Consult your physician or healthcare professional before returning to work. If you have other questions about returning to work following stoma surgery, contact the me+™ Team.

Call :

me+™ Specialist Advisors +91 (0124) 4096100 – (M‍onday-F‍riday, 10:00am-5:‍30pm IST)

Email :

customerserviceindia@convatec.com

Do you have red or irritated skin around your stoma?

Having a peristomal (around the stoma) skin complication is one of the most common reasons people living with an ostomy seek medical attention. Urine and feces can be irritating to the skin. If you believe you have a peristomal skin complication, contact your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Why is it important to maintain healthy skin?

If the skin around your stoma becomes damaged, it could be painful and lead to infection. It also becomes more difficult for the skin barrier of your pouching system to adhere to your skin. Prevention is the key to maintaining both healthy peristomal skin and your comfort.

Make sure you know what healthy skin looks like

Make note of how your peristomal skin looks when it’s healthy. Peristomal skin should look similar to the skin on the other side of your abdomen: smooth and not irritated. Once you know what healthy skin looks like, you can watch for signs of skin irritation.

If you are a parent or the caregiver of a student with a stoma, here are some tips that may help reduce anxiety about returning to school following ostomy surgery.

• Schedule a meeting with teachers, administrators and the school nurse. Use this time to educate those that will be in communication with your child daily on what stoma surgery entails and how your child’s needs may have changed since last attending school.
• Diet, Nutrition and Hydration. If dietary needs have changed, it is a good idea to investigate what sorts of nutritional options are available at school or know if you will need to pack meals and snacks. You may need special permission for your student to carry a water bottle with them throughout the day to stay hydrated. Ensure that your child has permission to use the restroom whenever needed. If they are restricted, they will not be likely to drink as much as necessary to stay hydrated.
• Ask to tour the restrooms. Check out the privacy offered by stalls, sink layout, and proximity to classrooms. You may determine that a staff restroom or another non-student restroom may be more comfortable for pouch emptying or changes. If so, establish permissions in advance for your child to use these restrooms as needed. Most schools have a private restroom at the nurse’s station and extra supplies can be kept there as well. Closed ended pouches may be more convenient.
• Create an emergency change pack and leave it in the nurse’s office. Be sure to include all the supplies needed for 2-3 full pouch changes including pouch and wafers, bathing wipes, necessary accessories, and a change of clothes. Even if your child can empty or change their pouch themselves, consider training a school nurse to assist if needed. If there is not a school nurse available, have a contact list on hand who can quickly get to the school to help.
• Teenage drivers shouldn’t leave supplies in their cars. Teenagers may prefer to leave supplies in his or her locker or backpack. Remind your teen not to leave extra supplies in the car to avoid temperature extremes affecting supplies.
• If you are testing new supplies out, do so on a weekend or over breaks versus during the school week.
• Confirm with the student’s physician what types of activity are appropriate after surgery. Resuming activity following surgery is encouraged, but full contact sports like football and wrestling may require a slightly longer recovery window following surgery. Please consult with your physician before resuming any activity or exercise. Ask if during PE they will be changing clothes in a shared locker room and see if accommodations can be made.
• No need to buy a new wardrobe. Consider Ostomysecrets® wraps and undergarments paired with their favorite wardrobe items to increase confidence. People living with an ostomy can wear almost everything they wore before surgery. Learn more about how Ostomysecrets® products work.
• Over communicate what to expect before returning to school. Whether talking with teachers with your student, communicating about needs will help make your child have a smooth return to school.
• Discuss with your child how to handle inquiries from classmates. Although classmates do not need to know about your child’s stoma it is good to discuss with your child how to handle instances should a classmate ask. You may consider opaque pouches in case a shirt rides up. Your child will feel more comfortable practicing responses with you at home. Always remind your child that an ostomy is nothing to be ashamed of.
• Be respectful of your child’s wishes as to who is informed of his or her stoma. Some children may only want minimal staff to know about their stoma.