The Do’s of Ostomy Care
- Do measure your stoma weekly for 8 weeks, then as needed.
- Do change your pouch when the stoma is least active, usually before eating and drinking.
- Do change your pouch at least 1-2 times each week.
- Do change your pouch promptly if itching, burning or leakage occurs.
- Do talk to your WOC Nurse if you are changing your pouch more often than expected.
- Do store ostomy supplies in a cool, dry place.
The Do Not’s of Ostomy Care
- Don’t use gloves or gauze as in the hospital.
- Don’t use soaps with oils, creams, or fragrances.
- Don’t use baby wipes or towelettes with lanolin, oils, or fragrances.
- Don’t use alcohol or other chemicals to clean the stoma site.
- Don’t flush ostomy products in the toilet.
- Don’t forget to discard used products in a small plastic bag.
Support Resources
United Ostomy Association of American (UOAA)
This is an association of affiliated, non-profit support groups committed to improving the quality of life for people who have or will have an intestinal or uniary diversion. The Phoenix magazine, their official publication, is an ostomy patient magazine that is published four times a year.
1-800-826-0826
www.uoaa.com
Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN)
The professional organization of nurses who specialize in wounds, ostomies, and continence issues. Most hospitals have WOC nurses (previously known as ET Nurses) to assist ostomy patients. For information regarding WOC Nurses in your area, contact national headquarters.
1-888-224-WOCN
www.wocn.org
American Cancer Society (ACS)
An organization committed to fighting cancer through research, education, patient service, advocacy, and rehabilitation.
1-800-ACS-2345
www.cancer.org
Crohn's and Colitis Foundatioon of America, Inc. (CCFA)
This is a non-profit, volunteer driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
1-800-932-2423
http://www.ccfa.org