I'm sure that in an emergency all are well looked during this present situation.
It a bit strange having telephone consultations when the consultant can only ask questions.
With regard to the stoma clinic being cancelled I take it you have the contact numbers for the nurses should you need help, you are very welcome to pop over to the Ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy and any other stoma support group and use the members for help, we don't have problems we have solution solving and I'm here 7 days a week from early till late to help with pouching, skin or accessory problems that need solving. I'm only a click away if you need me.
Hello Inanna, I guess this was your first visit since your op? I'm sure you'd prefer to see your consultant face to face but risky for you to go into hospital while you are still recovering. Hope you are able to get support from the phone call. What a weird world we are inhabiting. x
Yes to both the Stoma Clinic and Consultant. I would like to see them face to face. The Stoma nurses are fantastic and I have contact numbers, sorry Ian I did not answer your question about that.
My Consultant is so approachable but as you say H, it is all so weird. Clinics are being cancelled left, right and centre
If you have any trouble contacting the stoma nurses, just ask me - my Bill is now 3 & 1\4 years old so I've become a bit of an expert with mine - curious the knowledge we gain that we'd rather not know about.
Things I've learnt:
It's pink, it's wet, it's wrinkly, it does bleed a little if wiped sometimes, it oozes mucus, sometimes quite lumpy, that makes your wee cloudy, it pulses and spurts when it's extended. The immediate skin around it (peristomal skin) is fragile and can become irritated by being constantly wet but that can be cured using special powder or by using adaptor rings that make a better seal.
My stoma was attached to my abdomen wall using tiny metal staples - over time, a couple of them have worked their way out but I can't remove them as they are hooked in. I did cut the ends off with wire snippers so they don't snag anything.
I change my pouch every day now as that reduces the chances of adhesive failure. My stoma settled down at a 25mm diameter so I have my pouches pre-cut to size by the supplier.
When I go out (hmm, can't remember what that is) I take a small shoulder bag with spare pouches, adaptor rings, adhesive remover, wipes, spare boxers and disposal bags in it. I still get the odd leak but they are rare now and nearly always when I'm out somewhere. I've become quite adept at changing my pouch in the most ridiculous situations including vile public loos and the back of the car while out in the sticks.
CB
I may appear to be listening but in my head I'm all at sea.
Thank you for your most informative response x it has answered a lot of questions for me. Basil has been with me since 4 March this year so it is very early days for me. How does an adapter ring work and is it a good protector against leaks
The ring is a sticky circle of adhesive, a bit like soft toffee, that can be moulded to shape. If pulled to the correct diameter, it will make a good seal around your stoma and stop any mositure from touching the peristomal skin. In my case, it also guides my stoma out into the pouch as it pulses and squirts.
