Introduction
Caring for your
is an important part of maintaining your
quality of life. You will need to:
- Empty your pouch as
needed.
- Replace your pouching system every 4 to 7 days. This may
include measuring your stoma (the exposed section of intestine) and cutting the
barrier to size. For children and infants, the pouching system usually needs to
be replaced every 2 to 3 days.
- Care for your skin and stoma and
watch for skin irritation.
You may also
a colostomy, which helps you control when you
eliminate waste. Irrigation requires your doctor's approval and
guidance.
Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses (WOCNs) are
available in some medical centers to help you learn how to care for your
ostomy.
This Actionset covers care for a
only. It does not cover care
for a
.
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