The question of whether tube paste or strip paste is better has been a source of debate for ostomy patients. Some people say that the tube paste is easier to apply, while others prefer the ease and convenience of the strip paste. Here are both sides of the argument and can help one decide which type might be best for your needs!
Tube paste is the traditional ostomy paste, in which the user squeezes out a line of what looks like toothpaste onto their wafer or onto their skin directly. It is then dried for approximately three minutes before applying the wafer. Some ostomates like this type because it is simple, easy to use and dispenses the perfect amount. This type of paste can be messy because it has to be applied using your fingers, and it only covers an area about one inch wide by two inches long. Some paste products say you can apply this with a cotton swab, but many ostomates find it difficult to do so.
In contrast, strip paste is applied directly from the container onto the skin, and it comes in a ribbon of paste about an inch wide by fifteen inches long or more. This type of paste takes a little getting used to for some users because it can be difficult to control how much paste you use at one time. But strip pastes are quick and easy to use, which comes in handy when you have a wafer in a hard-to-reach location or your stoma site is on the move!
Strip Paste is unique in that it comes in a pre-cut sheet, much like paper tape for your wafer. This means less mess and no need for fingers directly on the product! You can use any method you prefer to apply, whether using fingers or cotton swabs. It comes in many sizes for different applications! On the other hand, tube pastes are much easier to apply when your wafer is in a difficult-to-reach location.
Barrier ring is also another alternative to tube pastes and strip pastes. It is a clear flexible ring that has adhesive on one side of it. A line of tube paste or a standard paste is applied onto the skin then the ring is placed onto your skin and pressed down, and it creates a seal between your skin and ostomy bag to protect both of them. It makes tube pastes and standard pastes unnecessary, which makes Barrier rings a convenient alternative. Barrier rings are also very easy to use when you have a wafer in hard-to-reach locations.
One final factor to consider is the cost of tube pastes compared to strip pastes. Tube pastes average about $5 for a small container containing one ounce of paste, while strip paste is usually more expensive at $7 or $8 per fifteen-inch ribbon.
Every ostomate has different needs and preferences, so it's important to be open-minded about which type of paste you use. Do some experimenting to see what works best for you, your skin, and your stoma site!
In conclusion, everyone is different when it comes to their ostomy care needs! While some people prefer tube paste because it's easy to apply and doesn't move around once placed on the skin, others need the convenience of strip paste because they have a hard time reaching their ostomy site. Tube pastes and strip pastes each have their pros and cons, but both are easy to purchase from your local pharmacy or online through an ostomy supply company!
A colostomy is a procedure where the large intestine is pulled through the abdominal wall. If there is a problem with your lower bowel, then a colostomy may be necessary. Sometimes these problems are not permanent and can be fixed by turning stool away from the lower bowel.
A permanent colostomy may be necessary if the colon is no longer viable. Some of these reasons include:
Colon Cancer
Colonic Polyps- extra tissue grows in the colon. The tissue can be cancerous or turn cancerous.
IBS- Irritable bowel syndrome causes bloating, constipation and abdominal pain.
Crohn’s disease-inflammatory bowel disease.
Diverticulitis- diverticula in digestive system becomes infected.
An injury or a blockage in the colon can also make a colostomy necessary.
During the procedure, a stoma is created by taking one end of the colon and sending it through an incision in the abdominal wall. A pouch for the feces is attached to the stoma.
Sometimes colostomies are not permanent. The procedure is used to fix lower digestive tract problems.
What are the risks?
This procedure is categorized as major surgery so there are some risk. Some of these risk include:
Other organs become damaged.
An internal organ may go through a weak part of the muscle and cause an hernia.
Colostomy prolapse
Infection
Bleeding
Colostomy can become blocked
Like with any major surgery, an allergic reaction to anesthesia and experiencing heavy bleeding is always a possibility. Before the surgery, you need to speak with your doctor. They can explain the risk and any possible complications that can arise during surgery.
Getting ready for a colostomy
When your doctor feels like a colostomy is your best option, they will take blood samples, do a physical examination, and check your medical history. Your doctor will ask about past surgeries and if you are taking any medication. Make sure to tell them everything, no matter how small it seems, even over-the-counter medication.
Most likely, you will need to fast at least twelve hours before your surgery, and they may want to perform an enema the night before. Your doctor will want to make sure that your bowels are clear before the surgery.
Before and after the procedure
Once you are sleeping due to the anesthesia, the surgeon will make an incision in your stomach.
The surgery largely depends on what type of surgery will be performed. The surgeon may or may not use a laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is where small tools and a camera is inserted into the incision so the surgeon can perform the surgery. Whichever method the surgeon uses, the surgeon will make an incision, find the right part of the intestine, and pull it through the abdominal wall. A ring will be implanted into the abdominal wall to keep the end of the intestines in the right place. Your surgeon may use the ring to help your skin heal around the intestine, or it may be permanent.
Once finished, the surgeon will stitch you up. You will be taken to a recovery room and watched to make sure there are no problems. You will probably be in the hospital for at least five to seven days. During this time, your doctor will slowly reintroduce you to solid food. Starting with liquids to make sure the digestive system still works correctly. Then you will be shown how to use the colostomy bag.
There will be follow-up appointments so your doctor can make sure that everything is healing and working correctly.
Contraception is a very personal decision and one that many people struggle with. It can be even more difficult for those with a stoma to find the right contraception due to the risk of infection. A stoma is an opening in the abdominal wall to allow bowel movements. If you have undergone stoma surgery, there are a few things you need to consider before choosing your contraception method. Many contraceptives come in the form of a pill, injection, or implant, and some can be implanted into the lining of your stoma. Others such as condoms and diaphragms do not affect your stoma at all.
The aftermath of surgery can be a difficult time. You may have had an operation on your uterus or other reproductive organs and are now wondering what to do about contraceptives. For example, an intrauterine device can be used, but it depends on your age and the type of surgery. Suppose you have had a vaginal stoma formed by pulling down the bowel through the abdominal wall to sit at or just above your pubic bone. In that case, an intrauterine device is unsuitable because it sits in the lower portion of the uterus, which is likely to perforate through the bowel into the pelvis. An intrauterine device is generally inserted in a woman who hasn't had any surgery at all, in which case it would sit in the uterus without being able to be felt by you or your GP.
Many people take the contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy, but they must be aware of some risks. One risk that needs to be discussed with your surgeon before taking the pill is clotting. Any contraceptive pill, including the mini-pill, increases your risk of clotting. The more often you take it, and the longer you take it, the higher your risk. Some women do not realize that they will fully recover from their surgery and may mistakenly continue taking their pills; this can lead to serious problems.
If you have had a bowel stoma formed, it is best not to use contraceptive hormones if they pass through the stoma and enter the abdominal cavity. There are estrogen-containing creams, tablets, or patches that can be used, but you must use condoms as well because all of these forms of contraception remain in the body for up to three days. You cannot rely on using them just before or after sex because they are not always effective at preventing pregnancy.
There are many different types of birth control, but not all work for everyone. Knowing which method might be best for you and your lifestyle before opting for a particular contraceptive. For those with an ileostomy or ileoanal pouch, oral contraception may not be the best option. That's because the medication can pass through your digestive system too fast without it being fully absorbed into your system.
Condoms have been proven to be a reliable and safe form of contraception, as long as they are used correctly. This barrier method can safely be used in addition to the contraceptive pill or as an alternative for those who want more control over their reproductive system. The general advice for men and women considering hormonal contraception is to discuss the risks with their doctor before starting. Women having surgery to treat endometriosis or ovarian cysts or at risk of uterine cancer should avoid using contraceptives containing estrogen.
When there is pain and lack of movement in the intestines, it is referred to as Ileus.
An improper movement of food and nutrients in the intestines is termed as ileus. It mostly happens after abdominal surgeries.
If it is not diagnosed timely, it can be fatal because it can block the blood supply to the intestine which can cause necrosis (death of the tissues). This may develop the risk of abdominal infection and intestinal injuries.
Continue to read to learn more facts about ileus.
Main Causes:
Normally, we use a term called peristalsis, which is the relaxation and contraction of the intestine that produce a wave motion. This movement is used by the body to travel food throughout the intestines.
In the case of ileus, this movement stops and does not allow the food particles, fluid and nutrients to pass through the intestines.
If a person continues to eat solid food over a long period, it may cause a barrier for particles to pass through the intestine, leading to the complete or partial blockage of the intestines.
It is most common for ileus to happen after pelvic or abdominal surgery. It is observed that people with ileus or any other bowel disease are more likely to readmit to the hospital after one month of the surgery.
We can justify this as following:
After surgery scars can cause coagulation
It is a slow process to regain normal peristalsis.
There might be any medicinal side effect
Medicines that can cause damage to nerves and muscles in the digestive system are:
The medicines used for heart patients, such as calcium inhibitors
Medicines that are used to treat bladder, COPD, and Parkinson’s disease such as anticholinergic.
Telescoping or intussusception in children can also be a reason for ileus.
Major Risks:
Some causes that can enhance the risks of getting ileus are:
Aging
IBD, or other digestive discomforts
Damaged or injured intestines
Radiations
Dehydration
Sepsis
Rapid Weight loss
Major Symptoms:
Some common symptoms of ileus are:
Difficulty in passing gas
Loss of hunger
Always feeling full
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Inflamed or bloated belly
Constipation
Differences between Ileus and Intestinal Obstruction
People often misunderstand the terms ileus and intestinal obstruction. These two are different things even though there are some similarities. But the major difference is that ileus occurs due to any muscle or nerve issues that stop the movement of the intestine (Peristalsis).Whereas, the physical coagulation or blockage of the digestive system is termed as intestinal obstruction.
Paralytic ileus might because physical blocking of food in the intestines.
First of all, a physician will observe the symptoms and medical records of a person and then diagnose the ileus.
The three things you might be asked, are:
Any kind of surgical history
Medication
Past and present medical history
The doctor will go for checking any kind of swallowing or bloating in the abdomen. A stethoscope may be used to catch the sound of bowel movements. If there is any kind of noise it will indicate ileus. But for confirmation imaging tests are required.
Image testing:
If there is any kind of size enlargement or abnormalities inside the stomach, they can be located by imaging tests. Tests that are in common are:
X-rays: This technique is merely used to show any kind of blockage or physical obstruction, it is very hard to locate ileus using this technique.
Ultrasound: Children with ileus are mostly diagnosed with the help of this test. Intussusception or telescope is usually located with the help of an ultrasound scan.
Barium Air: This technique involves the x-ray of the abdomen right after enforcing air or liquid barium in the colon via the rectum.
Computerized tomography (CT): This method helps to have a look at the intestine in a close and different manner. That’s why this method is more useful and accepted.
Offered Treatments:
The treatment of ileus depends upon the reasons and intensity of the ileus.
Care at the hospital:
The treatments for the paralytic and surgical ileus are different. The surgical ileus may heal in few days but the paralytic one needs to settle the changes in their medication. In both cases, individuals need to stay at the hospital until they are fully recovered.
Hospitals can assist the patient with the following:
Pain relief
Fluids intake that will help them maintain electrolytic balance
Instead of vomiting, they may introduce nasogastric decompression.
Changes in diet:
Diverticulitis and Crohn’s disease can be a reason for partial intestinal blockage. It can allow selected bowel material to pass through the intestine.
It is recommended by the doctors to eat low-fiber foods; it can help them to pass feces easily. During this period no raw vegetables, nuts, and grains are allowed.
Medication:
A patient can use medicines that can allow intestinal movements such as, metoclopramide. This will help the patients with paralytic ileus, which is caused mainly due to medication.
Another choice is to give up the medicine that you have been using, and it’s a cause of ileus. But it should be done with the guidance of the certified doctor.
If the condition gets worse, and medication or changes in diet have no satisfactory results, then it is crucial to perform surgery.
Surgery:
The surgery mainly involves recovering or removing the injured or ruptured part of the intestine, or removing any kind of coagulation in the intestines.
It is recommended to the older patients to have stents in their intestines, which will widen their intestines and will allow the digested food to pass easily. It is suggested because it may be dangerous for them to have major surgery.
In many situations, a person’s entire intestine needed to be removed from the body. In this situation, the physician will create a hole called a stoma in the bell, ostomy. This will allow waste to move outside the body through that hole into the bag placed over the stoma
There are great chances of surviving and having a normal life, after ostomy although the intestine is being removed.
More Complications
Death of cells:
Necrosis is a term used for the death of body tissues. It occurs when blood I unable to meet the intestine. Ultimately an intestinal wall without blood becomes weak. And this results in the rupturing of the intestinal wall. This will lead the bowel material to leak out in the abdomen.
Any kind of Infection:
Leakage of the bowel content in the abdomen causes infection. Bowel material has a lot of bacteria and microbes. These bacteria when entering into the abdomen they become the reason for peritonitis, an infection. This infection develops the chances of having sepsis, which can be very dangerous for life.
Healing:
Usually, the normal functioning of the intestines starts after 5 days, following the surgery. But if it takes no longer than this it is called paralytic ileus.
Conclusion:
Ileus is mostly observed in people with any pelvic or abdominal surgery. It is not so hard to treat. But it is important to have awareness and training related to ileus, to avoid any kind of complications.
If you have an ileostomy this means that your feces don’t pass through the normal intestinal pathway. This affects the absorbed minerals and passing out of feces. This is why it is recommended by doctors to have a special and conscious diet after the ileostomy.
During ileostomy, a hole is created in the abdominal wall. This gives a clue that the ileum and small intestine can pass out feces through this orifice.
As it is mentioned that the feces don’t need to pass through the rectum, this surgery can be helpful in case of inflamed or damaged intestines.
The pouch that a person wears on the stoma can be permanent or temporary.
This article is really helpful if you are looking for nutritive and dietary tips after an ileostomy.
But it must be insured to adapt these tips after consulting with your doctor.
The most reported issues after an ileostomy are diarrhea and high waste output.
It can also be harmful to be uneasy, awkward, or embarrassing. A person facing thin feces may have low levels of sodium in the body or it might be due to malnutrition.
This issue can be solved by using intravenous fluids or nutrients.
To avoid these issues a person is advised to eat food that can help him or her to thicken the feces. These food items are mentioned below:
Rice
Pasta
Cheese
Bananas
Applesauce
Smooth peanut butter
Yogurt
Marshmallows
If a person faces dehydration he must take electrolytic fluids. But, these drinks must not be taken more than 2 -3 times per day. And they should be sugar-free.
Some examples of fluids that can help you to maintain electrolytic balance are:
Sports drinks
Fruits juices
Veggies juices
Soup or broth
A patient should also notify the reason for diarrhea. It can be one of the followings:
A viral infection
Use of antibiotics
Food indigestion
Use of medicines
A bacterial infection
Radiotherapy
People with very high stool output should contact their doctor immediately.
Food items that help in thinning of feces
It is reported by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center that a patient may face constipation following an ileostomy if:
If using any specific painkiller
Taking any specific medicines for nausea
not consuming enough fibers
lack of enough exercise
not drinking enough water
It is suggested to ask your doctor about the number of fibers in the diet. Laxatives should not be used anyway.
Foods that are allowed are:
Products of bran
Oatmeal
Raisins
Well-cooked and peeled vegetables
Warm broth
The drinks that will help you loosen your feces are:
Lemon juice or water mixed with the lemon
Coffee
Prune juice
Foods that help to reduce odor
Some patients may notice that their ostomy bag gives a stinky smell when it is filled. The following food items will help you to lessen this issue of odor.
FOODS YOU SHOULD TAKE
FOODS YOU SHOULD AVOID
Yoghurt
Asparagus
Smaller but more frequent meals
Broccoli
Properly washed fruits and vegetables
Brussels sprouts
Plenty of water
Cabbage
Place air fresheners such as gel, tablet or any other product in your ostomy bag
Eggs
And fatty foods
Garlic
Food items that will help you to gain weight
Food items that are taken orally are rich in calories and can help to gain weight, following an ileostomy. Some good examples are:
Boost
Instant breakfast
Ensure
Diabetic patients can use Glucerna
Nutritional shakes
Orgain Nutrition shakes
These all shakes can help you to gain weight very easily and without taking much time. But, still, a patient should take his doctor’s advice before starting these shakes.
If a person takes small meals, 2-3 times a day it can be more beneficial and good as well for gaining weight.
Food items that will help you to lose weight
If you want to lose weight, following surgery, then you need to burn a lot of calories and should avoid calories-rich food.
Since an ileostomy patient should be careful about the minerals and nutrients in the diet, that’s why he must be very careful while cutting off the dietary intake.
You should start any diet or exercise after consulting your doctor.
You should adopt the following habits if you want to lose weight:
Avoid skipping meals
Have less filled plate
Avoid alcohol consumption
Plan your meals beforehand
Food items you must avoid
Since every person is different so they may have different stool output and gas managing problems. But some foods that should be avoided by all patients are:
High-fat milk
High proteins and fat meat for example fried chicken
Beans or legumes
High fiber veggies
Fruits with the skin
It is recommended to avoid seeds and skin of fruits and veggies after an ileostomy. The digestive system is not able to digest them and they pass through the intestine undigested and unchanged. It can be dangerous for ileostomy.
Supplements
If you have an ileostomy this means that your food doesn’t reach the colon that is why the important nutrients can’t be reabsorbed. This can cause a deficiency of important nutrients and minerals. That is why supplements are recommended by doctors for the compensation of those nutrients.
Supplements should be chewable so that they can be broken by the body and digested easily. For instance, chewing multivitamins and calcium supplements.
Nutrients deficiencies can be of the following types:
Calcium
Magnesium
Iron
B vitamins
Folic acid
Vitamin A,D,E,K
Some tips for a healthy life
Some important tips for wellbeing are:
Eating frequent but small meals: you should take small meals frequently instead of large quantity at once
Chew your food properly: This will help the food to be digested easily
No eating at night: Eating snacks or meal at night can cause your bag to fill and you would need to change it
Limit the consumption of alcohol: Alcohol can cause inflammation, gas, and dehydration.
Summary
Every person reacts differently to different food items, following surgery. But most people take initiative with light and soft food and gradually moves to any other food.
You should take plenty of fluids and nutritive food to avoid weakness and any other complication, following ileostomy. For more clear suggestions you should visit your doctor.
