As with anyone who is having major surgery, life after ostomy surgery can be a lot to come to terms with. Although the physical factors of life don’t really differ, emotionally things are a little different. Which means that for those who know someone who is coming to terms with their new stoma bag, learning how to care and support them is essential.
Although caring for someone post-op and for the rest of their life may be daunting or overwhelming at first, knowing how to offer long term support to someone with a stoma is the best way to ensure you provide the best possible care.
Whether you’re a friend, neighbour, relative or partner, learn how to best assist a loved one who has undergone colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy surgery.
Pre-surgery support
Many report that the support actually starts prior to surgery, after making the difficult decision to go ahead with ostomy surgery, there are a number of things you can do to care for your loved one. Ensure you visit regularly in the build-up to the surgery; this offers a sense of normality and a chance to talk openly and honestly.
Since returning to normality post pandemic, it’s now also permittable for someone to be there in the pre-operative suite and when the individual wakes up from surgery.
Available support groups
Ongoing support is available for everyone with a stoma, in many different formats. One keyway to show that life hasn’t just changed for the individual with a stoma, but also those around them, is to get support together. Showing that this difficult time is something you can face together also builds a safety network, an open relationship and a new level of trust.
There are a number of support groups available for both those with a stoma, and anyone in their support systems. Suggesting attending a group session together is a great way to offer support, alternatively, you can utilize these yourself if needed, to gain a clearer understanding of other things you can do to be there for your loved one.
There is also an extensive range of advice and support online in the UK, such as Colostomy UK support services, which offer a free 24/7 helpline and a live chat. Again, whether it’s yourself looking for further guidance, or something you recommend to your relative or partner living with the stoma.
Emotional changes and patient mental wellbeing
Emotional support is exceptionally valuable during the transitional period and beyond. Those who have undergone ostomy surgery have taken a big step towards saving the quality of their own life. However, the aftereffects and benefits aren’t immediate, the transition period post op can see your loved one experiencing a significant life alteration. It’s not uncommon for those who have recently undergone surgery to feel worried, concerned or emotionally overwhelmed.
This can take time to overcome. Once those with a stoma become more familiar with their slightly amended way of life, they will begin to feel comfortable in their new body and begin experiencing the benefits of no longer being in pain or discomfort. A good support system will continue to be amazingly helpful to those with a stoma throughout their journey.
Accept that there will be highs and lows, a long period of acceptance and a few battles with confidence and personal esteem. All of these things can be challenged by encouraging your friend, partner or relative to get back to your everyday life once a doctor has confirmed it’s safe to do so.
It’s a long road, so start with little things, whether it’s a walk, or a visit to a drive through or a shopping centre. Choose places that won’t be too overwhelming, that offer a sense of normality and offer areas o privacy where necessary.
Familiarize yourself with the stoma, and common problems:
Familiarize yourself with how to clean and change stoma bag. A feeling of isolation can often come with those transitioning to a slightly new way of life, this is because they’re much more conscious and aware of issues and problems that could arise in day to day life.
In order to offer as much support as you can, educate yourself! It’s important to show you understand what your loved one is dealing with and offer care in the form of acknowledging their thoughts and concerns. There are 5 types of stoma bags an ostomate might be using, so making yourself familiar with their bag and their stoma type is a great place to start.
You can then start to watch out for problems that can arise with a stoma bag that could cause discomfort. See some common issues below:
- Leakage can often occur due to an ill fitted stoma, if this occurs it’s usually best to consult a stoma nurse as a new template may need to be measured. If you hear your loved one complaining of issues of this kind, why not suggest a consultation with your stoma care nurse for a review.
- Sore skin is a common side effect of removing a stoma bag, however you should watch out for redness and inflammation, if it looks painfully sore it could be the skin is infected or the adhesive being used is irritating the skin.
- Pancaking is a mishap of the stoma bag where the layers in the stoma bag stick together, making a vacuum. Tips such as using a drop of oil or blowing into the bag prior application can help to prevent this.
- Ballooning due to gas trapped inside the bag or a filter blockage can both cause discomfort. If you notice certain foods are causing ballooning, why not suggest eating in and cooking something that you know won’t cause this?
Types of available supplies and where to get them
It will be worth familiarising yourself with the different equipment types and accessorise that can be used. For example, there are many different types of bags, i.e. one piece of two piece, drainable, covered, filter or no filter – stoma nurse or specialist will be able to advise.
Different types of equipment available. Such as support belts etc.
Prescriptions can be taken to either a local chemist, or a specialist company who can delivery your supplies discreetly. With Ainsworth, you receive additional support care such as tailored cutting and customisation for your specific requirements. See more about our services here.
Ainsworth has specialised in stoma care since 1981. Interested in more information or advice? contact-us today to speak to a friendly member of our staff.