March/April 2001
Page 3
The ABC's of Ostomy Care
APPLIANCE: should fit, be comfortable, unimpaired, odour proof and inconspicuous.
BLEEDING: A few drops are normal; injury, cut or anticoagulant bleeding is not normal.
CLOSURE: Always carry a spare clip (and a spare pouch)
DEHYDRATION: Watch for extreme thirst or no thirst, scant urine. Increase liquid intake.
EATING: Chew! Chew! Chew! And eat slowly.
FLUIDS: Two to three quarts of water every day.
GAS: Beans, milk, beer, cheese, spicy foods, carbonated drinks. Avoid these or put up with the gas.
HALAZONE: Use two tablets to a quart of water to purify questionable drinking water.
IRRIGATE: Irrigating is not an enema but using an amount of water to cause bowel to empty.
JOY: Enjoy your new life.
KARAYA: Skin protector, conditioner and adhesive.
LEAKING: Always empty pouch at about one third full.
MILK INTOLERANCE: If lactose is deficient in the small bowel, there will be gas, bloating diarrhea, nausea and cramping.
NUTS: Your trouble is not in your head. It's at the other end, and its real.
ODOUR: Garlic, eggs, onion, cabbage, and antibiotics can cause odour. Use a good pouch deodorizer.
POUCH COVERS: Make 'em or buy 'em if you like 'em.
QUIET TIMES: Stomas are usually less active before breakfast.
REIMBURSEMENT: Government grants in some provinces.
SEAT BELTS: Use them!!
TRAVEL: Use bottled water, bring along diarrhea prescription and a note from your doctor stating your needs.
URINE: Crystals have an abrasive effect on the stoma. Use compresses soaked in solution of half and half vinegar and water for 15 minutes.
VICTORY: It's yours!
WHEN CAN I? Have patience, what you did before you'll do again.
"X" MARKS THE SPOT: Keep your supplies in a convenient spot.
Y DID IT HAPPEN TO ME?: Try to be thankful for modern surgery which gave you your life, and live it.
Z IS FOR THE Z END: You now have a new end in view!
Adapted from the Ottawa Ostomy News Feb. 99, via Hamilton Osto-Info, Oct. 1999, via Inside Out On-line Mar/Apr 2001.
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