Why should I consider joining an Ostomy Support Group
Research has shown that individuals who join an ostomy support group adjust to living with an ostomy more completely and faster than individuals without this resource. Ostomy Support Groups offer education, support, resources, and networking opportunities. Every support group is different but EVERY support group has value.
The NWA Ostomy Support Group has steadily grown and is a vibrant and vital resource to our community. All individuals who have an ostomy, anticipate having an ostomy in the future, or care for someone with an ostomy are welcome. There are no dues or questions or requirements to share anything. Just come and observe. It will make a difference in your life and your presence may make a difference in someone else’s.
What do I need to know before having an ostomy?
If an ostomy is not an emergency, you have time to put resources in place. In the case of an emergency, you simply
need to have the ostomy done and then after surgery seek the resources that are needed.
When you have the time to consider whether or not to consider if ostomy surgery is the right choice for you, there are a number of things that may be helpful for you. Some of these include finding and then working with a board certified ostomy specialist,
finding an experienced physician, learning about the surgery and what to expect after surgery, and locating an ostomy support group in your area.
How do I find a specialist for ostomy care?
Bothphysicians and nurses may have specialty education and certification or fellowships with managing ostomies. As a general rule, these individuals will be most knowledgable and experienced in helping you. Unfortunately, some people will tell you that they are very experienced with ostomies or a facility or agency may introduce an individual as their “ostomy
nurse”. This is not the same as a formal certification.
Surgeons who are specialized in either urology or colorectal surgery will have that information clearly listed online and with the hospitals that they have privileges at. General surgeons also can perform ostomy surgery. Regardless of who you select for your care, it is important to research their qualifications, the number of similar surgeries that they routinely do, their complication rate, and any other information that is important to you.
Experienced nurses can be found by looking at several websites. The original education in ostomy management was provided through WOCN (Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Association) accredited courses. These programs combine both classroom education with clinical preceptorships (residencies) to offer patients up-to-date, evidence-based information and competencies. Education is only a first step and ideally, you will want to find a nurse who is both educated AND certified. Certification is offered through a separate entity, WOCNCB (Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board), and is not tied to any educational program. Nurses who are able to earn board certification through the WOCNCB have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, completion of a WOCN approved educational program and successful completion of a challenging board exam. Recently, another group began offering ostomy certification. The WCEI now has a certification in ostomy. You can research each of these on their website. Look for the length of the educational programs as well as “real life” clinicals
in determining which may be the best option for you.
You can go to the wocn.org website, look at patient resources and then the “find a nurse in your area” option.
This website will list members of the WOCN and is inclusive of both certified and non-certified individuals.
You can also go to the wocncb.org website and search for a nurse in your area. What you want to find is a nurse with ostomy expertise. Those certifications may be the original CWOCN, or any of the following: COCN, COCN-AP, CWOCN-AP
How often should I see a specialist after recover from the initial surgery?
Even if you are not having problems, an annual visit with your certified nurse is recommended. This allows
you to have your stoma evaluated, address any questions you may have and look at new advancements in ostomy supplies and
appliances.
How often should I change my appliance?
Pouch change routines change depending on which type of ostomy you may have. For individuals with a colostomy (an
ostomy involving the large bowel or colon), an appliance may be worn for a full week. Because ileostomies (ostomies involving the small bowel or intestine) and urostomies (also called ileal conduits involving the urinary system) have drainage that is liquid, the change routine may be more often. It is not unusual for these individuals to change appliances twice a week. The ideal changing routine will be one day less than the number of days that a pouch has been on when it
leaks.
What about odor?
Odor is a concern with most individuals. The reality is that modern ostomy appliances are odor-proof.
Unless the pouch is not holding firmly against the skin or having a leak of some other kind, there should be no odor unless you are emptying your pouch. In that circumstance, you are no different than anyone else. Stool and urine exposed to the air, can have an odor.
There are charcoal filters, deodorizers, sprays, drops to add to the toilet and simple tips that can help. Your ostomy support group or ostomy specialist can help with recommending which may be the best option for you.
I am terrified about accidents with my ostomy. How do I cope?
Accidents can happen. It is just a part of life, but accidents with an ostomy should be unusual and not the rule. If you are having routine problems with leakage, consult your ostomy expert. You may need a specialty product or tip on how to manage a change in your skin condition.
Having a plan will help reduce anxiety about a possible leak. If you have an ostomy, you should ALWAYS carry the equipment for an emergency change. You can place special ostomy wipes or paper towels, a precut pouch, caulking if necessary or
any other routine product in a small zip top baggie. Keep these supplies with you and not in your car since temperature extremes can affect adhesion.
What should I do for irritation around my stoma?
What can I eat after I have an ostomy?
What about gas?
Research has shown that individuals who join an ostomy support group adjust to living with an ostomy more completely and faster than individuals without this resource. Ostomy Support Groups offer education, support, resources, and networking opportunities. Every support group is different but EVERY support group has value.
The NWA Ostomy Support Group has steadily grown and is a vibrant and vital resource to our community. All individuals who have an ostomy, anticipate having an ostomy in the future, or care for someone with an ostomy are welcome. There are no dues or questions or requirements to share anything. Just come and observe. It will make a difference in your life and your presence may make a difference in someone else’s.
What do I need to know before having an ostomy?
If an ostomy is not an emergency, you have time to put resources in place. In the case of an emergency, you simply
need to have the ostomy done and then after surgery seek the resources that are needed.
When you have the time to consider whether or not to consider if ostomy surgery is the right choice for you, there are a number of things that may be helpful for you. Some of these include finding and then working with a board certified ostomy specialist,
finding an experienced physician, learning about the surgery and what to expect after surgery, and locating an ostomy support group in your area.
How do I find a specialist for ostomy care?
Bothphysicians and nurses may have specialty education and certification or fellowships with managing ostomies. As a general rule, these individuals will be most knowledgable and experienced in helping you. Unfortunately, some people will tell you that they are very experienced with ostomies or a facility or agency may introduce an individual as their “ostomy
nurse”. This is not the same as a formal certification.
Surgeons who are specialized in either urology or colorectal surgery will have that information clearly listed online and with the hospitals that they have privileges at. General surgeons also can perform ostomy surgery. Regardless of who you select for your care, it is important to research their qualifications, the number of similar surgeries that they routinely do, their complication rate, and any other information that is important to you.
Experienced nurses can be found by looking at several websites. The original education in ostomy management was provided through WOCN (Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Association) accredited courses. These programs combine both classroom education with clinical preceptorships (residencies) to offer patients up-to-date, evidence-based information and competencies. Education is only a first step and ideally, you will want to find a nurse who is both educated AND certified. Certification is offered through a separate entity, WOCNCB (Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board), and is not tied to any educational program. Nurses who are able to earn board certification through the WOCNCB have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, completion of a WOCN approved educational program and successful completion of a challenging board exam. Recently, another group began offering ostomy certification. The WCEI now has a certification in ostomy. You can research each of these on their website. Look for the length of the educational programs as well as “real life” clinicals
in determining which may be the best option for you.
You can go to the wocn.org website, look at patient resources and then the “find a nurse in your area” option.
This website will list members of the WOCN and is inclusive of both certified and non-certified individuals.
You can also go to the wocncb.org website and search for a nurse in your area. What you want to find is a nurse with ostomy expertise. Those certifications may be the original CWOCN, or any of the following: COCN, COCN-AP, CWOCN-AP
How often should I see a specialist after recover from the initial surgery?
Even if you are not having problems, an annual visit with your certified nurse is recommended. This allows
you to have your stoma evaluated, address any questions you may have and look at new advancements in ostomy supplies and
appliances.
How often should I change my appliance?
Pouch change routines change depending on which type of ostomy you may have. For individuals with a colostomy (an
ostomy involving the large bowel or colon), an appliance may be worn for a full week. Because ileostomies (ostomies involving the small bowel or intestine) and urostomies (also called ileal conduits involving the urinary system) have drainage that is liquid, the change routine may be more often. It is not unusual for these individuals to change appliances twice a week. The ideal changing routine will be one day less than the number of days that a pouch has been on when it
leaks.
What about odor?
Odor is a concern with most individuals. The reality is that modern ostomy appliances are odor-proof.
Unless the pouch is not holding firmly against the skin or having a leak of some other kind, there should be no odor unless you are emptying your pouch. In that circumstance, you are no different than anyone else. Stool and urine exposed to the air, can have an odor.
There are charcoal filters, deodorizers, sprays, drops to add to the toilet and simple tips that can help. Your ostomy support group or ostomy specialist can help with recommending which may be the best option for you.
I am terrified about accidents with my ostomy. How do I cope?
Accidents can happen. It is just a part of life, but accidents with an ostomy should be unusual and not the rule. If you are having routine problems with leakage, consult your ostomy expert. You may need a specialty product or tip on how to manage a change in your skin condition.
Having a plan will help reduce anxiety about a possible leak. If you have an ostomy, you should ALWAYS carry the equipment for an emergency change. You can place special ostomy wipes or paper towels, a precut pouch, caulking if necessary or
any other routine product in a small zip top baggie. Keep these supplies with you and not in your car since temperature extremes can affect adhesion.
What should I do for irritation around my stoma?
What can I eat after I have an ostomy?
What about gas?