With the right guidance and products, you should be able to do the things you’ve always done. In this section, you’ll find information that is intended to enable you to do just that. As well as product information, you’ll find helpful tips about intimacy, keeping your skin healthy and other aspects of living with a stoma. You’ll also find useful links to various patient organisations.
Once you are home, you may experience some challenges caring for your stoma. But remember that your stoma care nurse, as well as Coloplast Customer Care will be more than happy to help you with any issues.
It is important to keep your skin healthy. Contact between stoma output and skin causes skin irritation that then affects how well the adhesive on the appliance sticks to your body. This creates a vicious circle of more leakage and even more irritated skin – which is important to avoid.
For more information check out our stoma care routines page.
You can choose between different pouch sizes, application systems, colours, adhesive types and many other features to suit your lifestyle. See the product finder for more details.
Coloplast also offers a wide range of supporting products available to make wearing a stoma pouch even more comfortable. These can help improve sealing, prevent skin problems and reduce smell. Try our trouble shooter to discover which products might help you.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your stomal therapy nurse about how your appliance fits and which accessories might work for you.
One-piece systems consist of a pouch and adhesive area that are permanently fixed together. When it needs to be changed, the whole appliance is removed, making this system suitable for frequent changes.
Mechanical coupling fixes the pouch to the baseplate with a locking system that makes an audible click, confirming that is locked securely.
An adhesive coupling fixes the pouch to the baseplate with a secure, flexible adhesive system.
Drainable pouches are generally used if you have an ileostomy as the stool is usually liquid. Sometimes, drainable pouches are used if you have a colostomy. Drainable pouches are easy to empty and do not have to be replaced as often as closed pouches.
Right after your operation, one of the big questions may be: how and who do I tell about my stoma? Who you tell and what you say is entirely up to you, but sharing your experiences can be a big help while you adjust to your new situation. Who to tell?
Whatever you decide to do, the most important thing is that you are comfortable with your decision. You may want to explain that you had major surgery because of a serious illness and now wear a stoma pouch. This often leaves few other questions to be asked and people will see that you have a straightforward attitude towards your condition.
Apply suntan lotion only after you’ve put your bag on, as the creams may affect the adhesive.
You don’t need to follow a special diet, but just like anyone else, some foods may cause wind or just not suit you.
There are small stoma pouches that can be used during intimate moments. Contact customer service for complimentary samples.
Having a stoma needn’t stop you from travelling. You may, however, need a bit of time to adjust to having a stoma and feel ready to travel. Start by taking short trips, and see how it goes from there.
Whether you are travelling by car, ferry, train or plane, it’s important to be well prepared. Pack a small, travel changing bag and keep plenty of extra pouches and any other supplies you may need with you.
If you are flying, make sure you pack plenty of supplies to take with you on the flight and for while you’re away, plus extra for contingencies. Divide up your supplies in different bags just in case your luggage is misplaced or your flight is delayed. Don’t forget that scissors aren’t permitted in hand luggage, so cut all of your bags to size before you fly.
Don’t be concerned about your pouch expanding due to the change in cabin pressure. Stoma pouches have been designed and tested to withstand pressure changes.
In warmer climates, you may perspire more and thus need to change your pouch more frequently. Always make sure your skin is completely dry before applying a new pouch ensure a good secure fit. If necessary, use a hairdryer to dry the area – but be careful not to have the heat setting too hot.
You may also be at increased risk of diarrhoea or dehydration. Drink plenty of water, and take rehydration sachets and medicine to treat diarrhoea, just in case.
Once you are on holiday, remember that you can still do all of the same activities you did before, and relax and enjoy yourself.
Life after stoma surgery is a journey, with challenges along the way. Your body can continue to change and there are a lot of new things to get to grips with – starting with the key terminology of stoma appliances. Read common terms of stoma appliances.