How To Choose The Best Support

Did You Know!?: Not All Ostomies Are Created Equal

Life with any ostomy can leave you bewildered & confused, playing catch-up to the new experience. What is possible, is everything! We are here to help get the correct information on what’s what with our upcoming “How to Choose" page to help take the guess work out of choosing the wear style that would function best with your ostomy ‘type’.

Colostomy

A colostomy is a term used to describe a procedure in which a stoma is created from the large intestine, or bowel, to aide in disposal of digestive waste from the body. The stoma is typically located in the upper abdomen, most often above the navel and pant line. Colostomates can expect to empty their appliance less frequently, averaging 4-6 times daily, than other types of ostomies and is accompanied by firm, or thick, waste with less output throughout the day.

A colostomy is often less problematic, than other types of ostomies, and experience no restrictions in the wear style or support type chosen. Ostomy belts, ostomy bands, and ostomy wraps are recommended for extended ostomy bag wear time with the bag being worn horizontally, diagonally, or vertically. Compression style ostomy products work well to support a colostomy bag.

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is a term used to describe a procedure in which a stoma is created from the small intestine to aide in the disposal of digestive waste from the body. The stoma is typically located on the lower abdomen, to the right of the navel, at the pant line, or just below the pant line. Ileostomates commonly experience, often acidic, loose, or runny, waste and can expect to empty their appliance more frequently, averaging 10 or more times daily, than other types of ostomies.

An ileostomy is often more problematic, than other ostomy types, and report more instances of flange leakage, reduced ostomy bag wear time, and, because of the stoma's location, more difficulties maintaining a good seal or difficulties draining the ostomy bag properly. Ostomy belts and ostomy bands are recommended, diagonally or vertically worn. Ileostomates who do not experience increased leaking or flange issues can utilize ostomy wraps for light, every day support.

Additional restrictions may apply of ileostomates:

• stoma's located on the pant line find wearing the ostomy bag horizontally on the body difficult as the runny waste will pool above & below the pant line as it fills.
• compression style ostomy products may cause further erosion of adhesive around the flange due to the compression causing the waste to pool around the stoma. This causes reduced ostomy bag wear times, leaking, and skin & stoma irritation
• horizontally worn ileostomy bags may cause movement restrictions while sleeping. Rolling onto the bag while sleeping on the side or stomach can result in an increased chance for a blow-out.

Urostomy

An urostomy is a term used to describe a procedure in which a resevoir and stoma are created from the small intestine to divert urine away from the bladder. The stoma is typically located at mid, to lower abdomen. Urostomates can expect to empty their appliance often throughout the day, depending on fluid intake, with liquid urine waste.

An urostomy is not often problematic, with issues most commonly reported only when the bag is worn horizontally on the body. Ostomy belts, ostomy bands, or ostomy wraps are recommended with the bag worn vertically or diagonally.

Possible restrictions may apply for urostomates:

• stoma's located on the pant line find wearing the ostomy bag horizontally on the body difficult as the urine will pool above & below the pant line as it fills.
• compression style ostomy products may cause further erosion of adhesive around the flange due to the compression causing the urine to pool around the stoma. This causes reduced ostomy bag wear times, leaking, and skin & stoma irritation
• horizontally worn urostomy bags may cause movement restrictions while sleeping. Rolling onto the bag while sleeping on the side or stomach can result in an increased chance for a blow-out.

As reviewed, not all ostomies are created equally, and neither are the ostomates. All bodies, preferences, and stomas are different and require or experience different issues, needs, or preferences. Knowing your options, and experiences other ostomates have reported, can aide in assuring you & your ostomy are covered. Live life unhindered and get the best supports that protect, conceal, and support, in comfort, so you can do what you want, when you want.