A GUIDE TO LIVING WITH A STOMA

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WELCOME LIFESTYLE DIET ACCESSORIES SUPPLIERS SUPPORT MORE FOR YOU CONTACT

AT HOME

Twitter is a social networking and microblogging service, which enables users to send and receive short messages called ‘tweets’. ‘Tweets’ are text-based posts of up to 140 characters, which are displayed on the user’s profile page.

Many ostomates prefer this method of communication, as it is more private and less obtrusive than

direct contact. An ostomate can join in and follow many organisations on Twitter, including

Pelican Healthcare Ltd., whose Twitter link is:

Pelican Healthcare Ltd.

TWITTER

Showering or bathing is not restricted by having a stoma. A stoma patient can shower or bathe with

the entire appliance on, or when it is necessary to change the appliance, with the whole product off.

Water itself will not damage a stoma, but it is advisable not to let the shower stream fall directly onto it. Endeavour not to put soap onto the stoma, but should this happen, ensure that the soap is thoroughly rinsed off the skin, so that the new appliance will adhere correctly.

If bathing with the appliance on, dry the pouch thoroughly with a towel, or use the cool setting on a hair dryer. Long soaks in a warm bath may lessen the normal wear time of an appliance.

Stoma products should be kept in a cool, dry place, away from heat. To keep appliances in the best condition, the most suitable place is the bathroom, as it is generally cooler than other rooms. However, ensure that the bathroom is not full of steam.

Do not put products in a fridge, as this may alter their effectiveness.

Appliances should be used in rotation to avoid any old stock accumulating.

STORAGE OF APPLIANCES

From time to time, some ostomates find that they have surplus stock - either they have been sent manufacturers’ samples, which may not be relevant to their own personal needs, or indeed the ostomate’s product requirements may have altered. There are charities, who are able to accept

this surplus stoma stock and put it to good use.

When sending surplus stock, a few guidelines may be helpful:

Jacob’s Well,

2 Ladygate,

Beverley,

East Yorkshire.

HU17 8BH

Website

Telephone

www.thejacobswell.org

office@thejacobswell.org

01482 881 162

Medical charity providing surplus stock to many countries

worldwide, where organisations are known personally to them.

● Please include the sender’s name and address.

● Stoma products can be removed from the boxes, and placed in a plastic bag.

This reduces the cost of postage.

● If possible, enclose the product code, i.e. the box flap, so that items can be

identified.

● Partial boxes, pre-cut and template cut pouches are acceptable.

● Unopened tubes of paste and powder are also very welcome. However, any

opened tubes are unacceptable.

SURPLUS STOMA STOCK

Hospices Of Hope,

28a High Street,

Otford,

Sevenoaks,

Kent.

TN14 5PQ

Website

Telephone

www.hospicesofhope.co.uk

office@hospicesofhope.co.uk

01959 525 110

Provides hospice care for adults and children in Romania, Moldova and Serbia, who are suffering from a terminal or life-limiting illness.

OstomyAid,

Ostomy Lifestyle,

4 The Courtyard,

Eastern Road,

Bracknell.

RG12 2XB

Website

Telephone

Helpline

www.ostomylifestyle.org

amber.dixon@ostomylifestyle.org

0118 324 0089

0800 731 4264

Distributes any unused stoma supplies to put to good use in developing countries for patients affected by stoma surgery.

SHOWERING/BATHING

S - Z

Some ostomates find it more helpful to look at pictures, videos, etc. for explanatory purposes.

You Tube is a video-sharing website on which users can upload, share and view videos. By entering appropriate wording, e.g. changing a stoma pouch, etc., into the search box, a list of any relevant

videos will appear.

YOU TUBE