Many questions arise concerning ballooning and pancaking with Colostomies and Ileostomies. I too struggle with ballooning at times. It doesn’t matter how long you had your Ostomy. Ballooning occurs when your pouch accumulates gas from the digestive tract, which causes the pouch to blow up like a balloon.

Ballooning can cause the pouch to lift away from the body. There are multiple reasons this can happen, for instance a pouch with a filter can be blocked by the output from the stoma. Also consuming certain foods and drinks can cause an excessive amount of gas.

 A Few Tips To Reduce Gas In The Pouch That May Help with Ballooning

Food Intake

Changing your diet and eating habits can help decrease gas. Knowing and decreasing the intake of foods that may cause excessive gas build up. Eating slow and completely chewing your food, can limit the build up of air into your digestive track.

Fluid Intake

Consuming certain fluids such as carbonated drinks, can also contribute to gas accumulation in the pouch.

Vents/Burping

1-pc Pouches with no filter can be burped from the bottom of the pouch, where you empty your output. For those who are not comfortable with opening the pouch, a vent can also be used, that has a small tab that opens to release the gas.

Those with 2-pc Pouches can release the gas from the connected wafer or the bottom of the pouch.

Releasing gas from your pouch can produce strong odor’s. Opening the pouch in private places and using deodorant lubricants can help with odor concerns.

Pouches with Filters

Pouches with Filters are sometimes suggested for excessive gas build up. It not only helps with eliminating gas but also helps with odor’s when gas is released. Be sure that filters remain unclogged and avoid getting them wet by placing a sticker cover over the Filter.

These solutions can help reduce gas filled pouches. It does not eliminate gas all together, as gas is part of the digestive process.

PANCAKING

When dealing with Pancaking it often presents as the ostomy pouch sticking together, causing the stool to stay at the top of pouch. This can prevent the output from reaching the bottom of the pouch. When this occurs, the stool can block filtered pouches or force the pouch away from the body. This can also cause your skin to become sensitive and sore.

Preventing pancaking is the opposite to ballooning. With a filtered pouch, use a “filter cover” in order to prevent air from escaping.

A Few More Tips Below

 1. In the case of pancaking, place some wet balled up tissue in the bottom of the pouch. This will prevent the pouch from sticking together.

 2. Greasing or using Ostomy Lubricators will help the stool move down the pouch.

Certain food intake can also contribute to pancaking. Drinking fluids a half an hour before and after your meal can help move the food through the digestive tract successfully

Information on Ostomy nutrition can be found in the link below.

https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Food_Reference_Chart_2022-02.pdf

Modifying your diet and applying some of these tips suggested, may help with ballooning and pancaking.

As a long time Ostamate I am fully aware of the emotional roller coasters that may arise. The permanent and significant changes to our bodies force us to adjust to our new body images. For those who struggle with their self- esteem and body image, this new way of life can serve as a devastating blow. But as an Ostomy veteran I am here to tell you these feelings are normal in your initial stages of change. Change is uncomfortable and very scary at times but once we find a sense of stability, we can begin to see the true beauty of this glorious life we live.

Commonly Ostomates may experience bouts of depression and anxiety post surgery. Accepting change with your body image can be hard, fearful or overwhelming. Without proper acknowledgement, Understanding and managent of these emotions, it can contribute to negative effects on our lives. The loss of interest in participating in social, emotional and physical daily living activities, can be symptoms of these emotions concealing our lives into a shallow place.

If you or someone you know is struggling mentally and emotionally contact NSPL @ 800-273-8255(TALK)

After letting go of old lifestyles, and adapting to a new norm the initial depression and anxiety that some experience after surgery can start to subside. Embracing and learning new coping skills, in our daily living routine, can help with a new way of living.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS….

The learning and growing process takes time and may consist of many trials and errors. Gaining knowledge on how to live with an ostomy can be helpful with managing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Connecting with other ostomates in an ostomy support group with the same or similar circumstances can be extremely beneficial.

Ostomy Support Groups are sponsored by local chapters of United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA)

Holiday Gitters…..

First and foremost, let us start off our holidays by being thankful for our most precious gift; LIFE!!!

The holiday season’s tend to be pivotal moments for the Ostomy community. Things are different now, and you may feel like you can’t enjoy good holiday meals like you used to.

Living and getting use to an Ostomy can be challenging and worrying about our daily intake can prove to be strenuous. And for us Ostomates Preparing for the holiday seasons can be a tricky task.

Having an Ostomy for 14 years has allowed me to pick up a few valuable tricks to use during the holiday seasons. Tricks such as, wearing loose and comfortable clothing which will help with any bulging from your pouch. My favorite clothing to wear during the holiday’s, is a nice oversized jogging suit. I usually like to eat more during the holidays, which is why I make sure to have extra ostomy supplies at hand. Being proactive is crucial around these times because, your GI symptoms may increase. Wearing loose clothing, and eating a smaller meal in the morning will help reduce chances of excessive gas.

Referring to a daily food journal and preparing a food list with your restrictions, can be helpful to you and those who are preparing the holiday meals.

This information is not medical or treatment advice, it is for informational purpose only. If you are unsure, seek medical advice or treatment.

Listed below are Suggestions for holiday meal preps.

– Be sure to check the ingredients

– ask questions, about ingredients in a dish (ex. are they highly acidic)

– Preparing a dish of your own can help with limitations and food choices.

Celebrating the holidays, I found drinking 1/2 cup of liquids with meals And not drinking 1 hour before can be beneficial with slowing down output and increases the formation of solid stool.

– It’s always important to drink and stay hydrated even if the output does not become bulky.

– New ostomates, I know it can be mind boggling eating and visiting love ones during the holidays. Just be sure to remember to be open minded about this new experience

– When eating out, I believe you should continue to stick with normal eating habits, and the recommendations from your medical providers.

Eat what your comfortable eating, in small portions with less seasoning and salt. Eating soft foods, and chewing well can help with digestion.

Recommendation by other ostomates

Mash potatoes
(White, Sweet or cauliflower)
Plain Gravy
Fish
(Baked or steam)
Veggies
(No skin, seeds)
Meatloaf
Mac and cheese
Bake casseroles (check ingredients)
Cranberry Sauce
Tofu
Risotto
Pasta
Butternut squash or Potato Soup
Dips and Spreads
Desserts
(Cakes, Cookies, Puddings)

Happy Holidays ostomates, peace and joy to you and your family!!!

Skin irritation; though it may seem like a small issue that can be easily resolved; it can become harmful if not managed properly. As someone who deals with skin irritation regularly, I can attest to it being one of the few nagging issues when dealing with an ostomy. Having very sensitive skin along with multiple health issues always resulted in irritation around my stoma. But through trial and error I have been able to put together a regiment of techniques that help me to prevent and treat irritations. These techniques allow me to maintain healthy skin around my Ostomy.

Skin irritation around the stoma is usually caused by leakage from the ostomy pouch, and the output getting past the adhesive and onto your skin. If this occur it can stop your product from providing the support you need. The skin around your stoma can become irritated.

These situations can be challenging and frustrating when not knowing how to treat irritated skin properly.

If you do happen to ran into these issues, below are a few helpful tips.

Please seek medical advise if the skin is broken, discolored, has red bumps or bulge around the skin of the stoma. This can be caused by infections or leakage. 

1. Apply your pouching system over the thin hydrocolloid sheet or liquid skin protectant.
2. Avoid using ostomy powder or skin prep wipes, until irritation area is healed.
3. Gradually add back items you choose to use, will help narrow down the cause. 
4. If your skin is irritated, it may show some redness, burning, or become itchy. You may feel pain where the skin looks different.

February 2022-Newsletter on Peristomal Skin Issues

By Jenny Sterns BSN, RN, CWOCN

Our wounds are often the opening into the best and most beautiful parts of us- David Richo

Let’s start our year off with a bang!!!

What are your New Year resolutions.? What are the changes you want to make to better yourself in this New Year? These are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves; not only yearly but daily.

Us Ostomates have experienced first hand how life can throw obstacles in your way to stop your progression. But I am here to let you know that a detour is NOT a stop sign… By staying persistent and holding ourselves accountable we can and we will accomplish anything we put our, minds to. The road won’t be easy but by using all of the help and avaliable resources along the way; we WILL maintain our goals and a happier and healthier life.

Some days can be a bit challenging, and somewhat over whelming, here’s a few tips to help start the process

1. Making a daily to do list for the day. (if you don’t get to all the task on the list. Let the task be the first task on the list the next day.)
2. Writing in a daily food journal, can help identify any changes in the output. Having a record of your intake can help determine how your body reacts to certain foods.
3. Remaining Active can help with maintaining weight, prevent parastomal hernia and improve mental well-being (ensure that you have no complications that could compromise postoperative recovery)

Learning to manage your intake can contribute to the form of the stool and frequency of the output. The newsletter below focuses on the fiber intake for a Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy.

OSTOMY GROUP MONTHLY NEWSLETTER…. Provided By Jenny Sterns BSN, RN, CWOCN

For more nutrition and health information, please send a message through the contact page.

Thank you to our ostomy communities for making donations possible for other ostomates in need

Let’s Go Into The Holidays with Gratitude 

This month we’re celebrating life. I know it’s difficult living with medical issues, but let’s take this time to be thankful for all the things we were blessed with this year! These last few years have been challenging not only with the medical issues we encountered, but with life in general. let’s make this holiday season about celebrating life with lots of self love. Sometimes we can get wrapped up into our daily life routines, and forget to take the time out for our own self-care… I also want to express my gratitude to the Ostomy and Cancer Community, for all the support and shared wisdom among ostomates.

Standing Strong Together

Courage, Confidence and Strength

Utilizing all resources, allows us to build a stronger platform to support others during their difficult times.

“Scars may form from fighting our battles, but with faith and determination we will overcome all adversity.” Happy Holidays Ostomate Warriors!!! 

Spring/Summer Time Activities ……

Spring and Summer are approaching us. A lot of questions and thoughts may arise, about participating in outdoor activities. My first summer engaging in summer activities, I too had a lot of concerns before learning how to secure and protect my ostomy. I started preparing myself by researching information for each occasion. Taking these steps made me feel more confident and comfortable. 

Logging into UOAA gave me a lot of information, about swimming, leaks and engaging in outdoor activities.

INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND ON UNITED OSTOMY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA  WEBSITE  https://www.ostomy.org

Preparing for occasons

After doing my research and learning that securing and emptying the pouch, limited any doubts and concerns, about any leaks and removal of the pouch during water activities.

There’s a variety of ostomy supplies on the market for swimming. 

It is suggested for the pouching system to be in place, at least 12 hours for proper adhesion, even if all pouching systems are water resistant. I also believe eating several hours before, and emptying my pouch prior to participating in any activities was beneficial.

If you’re still feeling hesitant about your pouching system. Testing it out by soaking in a bath for several hours is recommended.

Below is a picture of me preparing to engage in my first swim in the ocean after recieving my Ostomy

Steps Before My Beach Days:

1. Changing the Pouch the night before
2. Securing the pouch with pink tape and barrier strips. (for extra security only, not needed)
3. Eat several hours before 
4. Empty Pouch before participating in water or any activities. 

Planning your day accordly, and staying hydrated during all outdoor activities is very important. 

NOW LET’S GO OUT AND HAVE SOME FUN

 

LIVING WITH A NEW NORM!!!

When life altering challenges impede on your life, we can sometimes feel as if we’re all alone in our trial and tribulations. The truth is we’re never alone; in fact there are many other ostomates that feel the exact same way. Facing new norm’s can be extremely challenging but with an Ostomate support network that is steadily increasing, we all can improve our mental and physical well-being.

Due to covid-19 THE SSH/BMC OSTOMY GROUP transitioned  to a tele-conference Group on every 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

To be added to the call list send all e-mails  through contact page. 

“Let’s Celebrate Ostomy Awareness Day”

Ostomy Awareness Day is a day, where many ostomates celebrate and share how they adapted to their new norms. Dealing with strenuous health issues, enabled me to bring knowledge, support and offer forum’s to others with similar circumstances. We started this Non-Profit to show that it’s possible to live a productive life with an Ostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy. This movement was created with empty hands, and will continue with holding hands with other ostomates. We’re hoping this non-profit shows ostomates that they can regain their confidence in life. By sharing the joy I feel when I wake up every day with an Ostomy, Prosthetic Breast and self-catheterizing; I’m hoping It help’s others to regain their confidence in knowing that we are beautifully and fearfully made. 

Ostomiesawreness.com Inc. facilitates several Ostomy Support Groups and Donate free ostomy supplies to many ostomates that can’t afford them, or supplies that insurance companies are unable to provide. Ostomiesawareness.com Inc. has made some great strides, but still have a lot more to accomplish in moving forward

Any donations at this time will contribute to our mission with achieving our future goals. 

We greatly appreciate all donations, and it will be used to support many ostomates with receiving future support and free supplies. If you wish to contribute, please go to the donation page on the website (hit the givelify square) or link below:

Please join the mission With your donation, we’re one step closer to helping others live a better quality of life with an ostomy. 

If you have any questions, I would be happy to provide you with more information about how you can help support our vision at ostomiesawareness.com Inc. 

Please see contact page to send messages. 

E-Mail: Ostomiesawareness@yahoo.com

“WE ARE WHAT WE CONSUME”

Getting back to a great taste of delicious, nourishing food is a must for us all with ostomies. After my ileostomy surgery I thought my post-op dietary instructions from my providers were going to be my new-norm and permanent eating habits. After increasing my Ostomy support network and speaking with a nutritionist who was familiar with our conditions, I was able to re-attain normalcy in my nutrition.

I started with liquids during my post-op and then slowly transition into solid foods. Some of us may struggle with this transition and that is completely normal. Following up with your providers or nutritionist for additional help during this transition is recommended. I believe having someone who specializes in ostomy care can be extremely helpful along with attending support groups. These steps helped me begin my journey with a low fiber, low in spice and low-fat foods diet. I remained in this dietary stage for approximately five weeks. Increasing my low fiber intake helped with reducing gas throughout my recovery period.

Please check with your provider regarding your nutritional intake 4-6 weeks after surgery. Dietary restrictions help decrease the risk of gastrointestinal tract issues and helps prevent obstructions. (UOAA)

High spicy and fat foods may cause diarrhea or reflux

Keeping a food diary in the early stages allows you to gain a better understanding of what nutritional intake works for you. By logging my daily intake, I was able to identify my foods of choose, and the foods that caused a negative reaction to my digestive system. Selecting food from all major food groups gave me a proper nutritional balance in my daily diet. According to UOAA people with ostomies should consume up to 5 to 6 small meals daily, and drink a hour before and after each meal. You should always drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated at all times weather the stool is solid or not.

Fiber is a great nutrient source to help form solid stool, and its also known to be a carbohydrate, that’s important in a ostomy diet. The fiber that’s needed is Insoluble it does not dissolve in water, causing it to add bulkiness to our stool patterns. Here’s a couple of example of foods with Insoluble Fibers:

LIST OF FIBERS

• Whole Grains
• Fruits
• Veggies
• Beans

(please see UOAA “EATING WITH A OSTOMY” for more nutritional information)

Please contact your provider to determine which medication is best to slow your output, if your having difficulty with food intake.

Getting back to eating normal is a tasks that takes time. Being able to eat out again is an even longer task but is achievable. Though it will take time it will become easier to manage as time progresses. In the beginning many may be stuck with the question does it smell, fear of using public restrooms or even fear of having a leak in public. I like to call this ostomy anxiety. As we grow with living and being more productive with our ostomies and learning what foods make us do certain things or feel a certain way it gets better for example.

My food diary taught me to determine my food in-take through trial and error along with the general guideline effect of food for those with an osotmy. (OSTOMATE FOOD REFERENCE CHART FOUND ON UOAA WEBSITE)

I struggled with Gas, Odor and Diarrhea and logging my daily in-take helped me identify the sources that contribute to these issues. My list of foods that contribute to these issues are listed below in each category.

GAS PRODUCING FOODS

• Dairy Products
• Carbonated drinks
• Beans
• Certain Soy Products

ODOR PRODUCING FOOD

• Bake beans
• broccoli
• Eggs
• Fish
• Garlic
• Onions
• Peanut Butter
• Some Vitamins and Medications
• Some cheeses
• Some veggies

DIARRHEA CONTROL PRODUCTS

• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Potatoes
• Peanut butter
• Toast/bread
• Fiber (supplements)
• Oatmeal/Grits/Cream of wheat
• Pasta

keep in mind everyone reacts to food differently, remember to chew all foods carefully for proper digestion, and to avoid any blockages. Try to eat in moderation, this will help decrease gas and give you a better food tolerance. I learned as a ileostomy patient, maintaining a low sodium diet helped with hydration.

As I became more comfortable living with my ostomy, I slowly started adding some of my old favorite foods back into my diet. If something irritated or upset my stomach I wouldn’t eat it for a few months, or I would cook it a different way.

Living with an ostomy can be challenging in many ways; but with guidance, support and your will to grow, you can regain your ability to live and not just exist in this world- creating your New-Normal.