Page 6 - OASC January 2021 Newsletter 2

Managing Ostomy Accidents – Leaks, Sleeping, Odours & Blowouts...
Ostomy accidents can happen — leaks, blowouts, strong odours; you name it, if it’s prone to causing embarrassing situations, it’s probably going to happen at some point. But with some help (and a lot of experience), you’ll soon know how to manage any potential disasters.
Maintain a good outlook on things; learning to laugh through life’s hardships can ensure that you’ll live longer and happier. All time-honoured optimism aside, here are some tips that can help you to best prevent and manage accidents with your ostomy in day-to-day life.
Leaks...
Leaks happen, and they happen at the point of least resistance. Nobody wants a leaky stoma.With some prep and care, you can manage leaky stomas effectively.
• Change to New Products — Stomas come in all shapes and sizes, so maybe the particular product you’re using isn’t the best for your stoma. Some stomas are retracted in the skin, so they’re more prone to leaking when attaching an appliance. A convex-shaped wafer/barrier or flange adds extra protection for these types of stomas. There are also moldable seals, powders, adhesives, and wipes all designed to help prevent leaks and manage stoma issues. Knowing the options available, discover what best suits your individual needs. It never hurts to ask a manufacturer for samples of specific products you think may help, or to ask NSWOC nurses about the types of products available. Ostomy supply companies have an ostomy expert on staff that you can call and discuss your situation with. These companies will be more than willing to suppy you with samples until you find what is right for you.
• Drain or Change Regularly — Take the opportunities you have to empty or change your pouches when available. As a good practice, empty a drainable pouch when it’s 1/3 full. However, if you’re an active person, it is always best to drain when you have the chance to do so.
• Pack and Carry a Kit — A suggested kit would contain the wafer/barrier (ideally pre-cut if traveling since you can’t take scissors on a plane), replacement pouches, barrier wipes, an odour-eliminator spray and airtight waste bags for discreet disposal. Keep your kit with you if you’re out and keep it nearby if you’re at home, work, school, etc. (do not leave your kit in a cold or hot car.)
• Patch it up — If you’re in a bind and your ostomy pouch is leaking, find out exactly where the leak
is coming from and see if you can patch it or clog it with something. Most commonly, leaks form underneath the barrier because the adhesive comes loose. Strapping this down with a strong tape like duct tape (yes, it does fix everything!), or stuffing a napkin in there can buy you enough extra time to get to a bathroom to minimize leaks and manage your ostomy. You can also get ‘extenders’ made by Coloplast or Hollister. They can, in most cases, prolong the wear of your flange until its time to change it on your regular schedule.
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