Ostomates: The Flu And What To Do

Adapted from The Flu And What To Do, Ostomy Association of Metro Denver, Sept-Oct 2013

The flu brings with it headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains!  The advice most given:  plenty of fluids and rest in bed.  This remains sound medical advice for the general attack of the virus.  But if your case of the flu includes that "bug-a-boo" diarrhea, and you are an ostomate, you may find the following hints helpful.

For those with a colostomy, remember your intestine is really washing itself out and it is not wise to irrigate during this time.  After diarrhea has stopped, you will have a sluggish colon for a few days, so again, "leave it alone".  Start irrigation again after a few days when your colon has had a chance to return to normal. 

For the ileostomate, diarrhea is a greater hazard.  Along with the excess water discharge, there is a loss of electrolytes and vitamins that are necessary in maintaining good health.  This loss is usually referred to as a loss of fluid which in turn, brings a state of dehydration.  Ileostomates must restore electrolyte balance.  First, eliminate all solid food.  Second, obtain potassium safely and effectively from tea, bullion, and ginger ale.  Third, obtain sodium from saltine crackers or salted pretzels.  Fourth, drink a lot of water.  Cranberry juice and orange juice also contain potassium, while bullion and tomato juice are good sources of sodium. 

Vomiting also brings the threat of dehydration.  If it is severe and continuing, your doctor should be notified, or go to the ER.  You should also know that diarrhea may be symptomatic of partial obstruction or an acute attack of gastroenteritis.  Since the treatment of these two entities is entirely different, a proper diagnosis should be made as rapidly as possible if obstruction is suspected (because of localized cramping).  A physician should be sought immediatly. 

So you can see why it is so important to determine whether the diarrhea is caused by obstruction or gastroenteritis.  If you do not know and are not 100% certain of what you are doing, or what is going on, check immediately with your doctor. 

Fluids & Electrolytes for Ostomates

Electrolyte balance (especially potassium and sodium) is important for ostomates.  When the colon (large intestine is removed, a greater rist for electrolyte imbalance can occur.  Diarrhea, ixcessive perspiration and vomiting can increase this risk.  A person with short bowel syndrome is at high risk.  Their electrolytes should be monitored closely.  Your diet should include fluids and foods rich in electrolytes.  A general rule is to salt foods to taste.  Do not exclude sodium in the diet unless instructed to do so by your doctor. 

Electrolyte Balance - Electrolytes refer to the normal chemicals dissolved in body fluids needed to maintain body activity.  If electrolytes are out of balance, a person may become weak or ill and may need to take medications by mouth or intravenously. 

Fluid and Electrolyte Problems:
Problem - Dehydration
Symptoms - Increased thirst, dry mouth, dry skin, decreased urine output, fatigue, shorness of breath, headaches, dry eyes and abdominal cramping. 
Treatment - Increase fluids (any type, Gatorade/PowerAde are high in potassium and sodium).  Daily intake of fluids should be 8-10 8oz. glasses.

Problem - Sodium Depletion
Symptoms - Loss of appetite, drowsiness, headaches, abdominal and leg cramping, feelings of faintness particularly when standing, cold sensation in arms or legs.
Treatment - Increase intake of foods and beverages high in sodium, such as any regular soup, bouillon and Gatorade/PowerAde.

Problem - Potassium Depletion
Symptoms - Fatigue, muscle weakness, gas, bloating, shortness of breath, decreased sensation in arms and legs.
Treatment - Increase intake of foods high in potassium, such as orange juice, bananas, and/or Gatorade/PowerAde.

Foods high in potassium:  black-eyed peas, bananas, bouillon, chicken, fish, oranges, pinto beans, potatoes, raisins, tomato or vegetable soups, veal, watermelon and yogurt, to name a few.

Foods high in sodium:  broth, buttermilk, canned soups, canned vegetables, cheese, soy sauce, table salt, tomato juice and most commercially prepared foods. 

Source:  UOAA Diet & Nutrition Guide, UOAA Update 3/12

Ostomy? What you need to know

By definition, an ostomy is an operation to create an opening from an area inside the body to the outside. Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy are types of ostomies that either eliminate stool from the intestines or urine from the urinal tract.

Ostomies become necessary due to cancer of the digestive tract, disease such as Crohn’s or disorders such as ulcerative colitis. Sometimes the ostomy is permanent, sometimes it can be temporary and reversed.
Once an ostomy is created, the patient will use ostomy supplies suited to their needs, and typically a Wound and Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) will educate and care for the patient in the hospital during recovery.

As you can imagine, or have personal experience yourself, a new ostomy can be overwhelming! We specialize in ostomy supplies and have dealt with many customers that simply get overwhelmed once they leave the hospital and are on their own. Or, we see ostomates dealing with new issues after several years of successfully handling their ostomy.

Here are five things every ostomate needs to know.

Every ostomate should have the name and phone number of a Wound & Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) or Enterostomal Therapist (ET). If you don't have one, contact your local hospital, medical center or health agency and ask for one.

Research and learn about ostomy products. Most hospitals carry a single brand of supplies and that is what is sent home with the patient. The three major manufacturers are Hollister (Hollister.com), ConvaTec (Convatec.com) and Coloplast (Coloplast.com). Visit their websites, research all product lines and request free samples to try. Be sure to consult with your medical team before switching products.

Spend some time finding the right supplier. Compare pricing and be wary of large discounts or exorbitant prices. Do they ship to your home, or have a local presence in case you are in a pinch for supplies? Can you reach a live person for product support if you have a problem?

Verify what your insurance will cover when it comes to supplies. Most private insurers will pay 70-80% after deductible. Medicaid is state specific, and Medicare only allows a predetermined maximum each month, so call and verify your specific coverage.

Most importantly - You are NOT alone! The United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. is a wonderful resource for information and links. Go to www.uoaa.org for information, guidebooks, local support groups, discussion boards and much more!

For more information or to request a FREE “Information & Resources for New Ostomates” Booklet, contact Mountain View Medical Supply by calling 303-455-1300, or 800-873-7121, or email
customer.service@mvms.com

Source: Mountain View Medical Supply Information & Resources for New Ostomates
To order your FREE copy of this wonderful publication (if I do say so myself), call 800-873-7121, or order for FREE online HERE!

Registery For Stoma Names

I am not an ostomate personally, but being in this business has certainly made me aware of how overwhelming having one could be. I can only imagine and I give huge kudos to those living with an ostomy - you are my heros!

For those of you not aware, an ostomy is an operation to create an opening (a stoma) from an area inside of the body to the outside. Colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy are types of ostomies to eliminate bodily waste. Ostomates then use ostomy systems, barriers, pouches and various collection devices, to collect the bodily waste.

A stoma can look like this:



To help ostomates come to terms with their ostomy, it has been suggested that an ostomate name their stoma. I came across a site today that you can actually register the name of our stoma!

A few of my personal favorites are:
"Lavagirl" - cause stuff would all the sudden just come out like a volcano.
"Poopy Pete"
"Chatty Kathy" - Remember those irritating dolls call Chatty Kathy? My daughter had one. Since I seem to have a very noisy stoma that has absolutely no social manners this is an appropiate name in my opinion.
"Visuvius"
"Hamilton" - I named him Hamilton after my surgeon. He made it.

I think the above stoma could be "Rosebud". Remember the Cosby Show where his daughter sassily pronounced it like "Rosebuuuuud"?

Click HERE to register your stoma's name!

Click To Request our Information & Resources for New Ostomates (free) booklet.

Better Living Corner - Switching Ostomy Products

Jake recently called and asked about switching ostomy systems to something that works better.
We frequently have customers call that are having problems with their current ostomy systems but are apprehensive about switching.
Most ostomy patients are given a specific pouching system while in the hospital, and little do people know, some hospitals work with only one ostomy supply manufacturer. There are so many options available to ostomates, there is no reason anyone should tolerate a system that works poorly. Any long term ostomate will tell you that it is normal for your body to change as it heals and it will also change over time.
We recommend the following when considering a change:
1) Speak with your Wound & Ostomy Care Nurse (WOCN) and they can help make recommendations for your specific needs.
2) Speak with your ostomy supplier for more specific product information - they should be product experts.
3) Research manufacturer websites. If you find some products you want to try, request free samples - they are always happy to send them.
4) Once you find a new product and you need your insurance to cover the cost, you will need a new prescription from your doctor. If you are paying out of pocket, you wont need one.
5) Shop around for the best price, and also find yourself a local supplier in the event you need supplies in a pinch.

The three major manufacturers are:
Coloplast Website, 800-788-0293
ConvaTec Website, 800-844-8811
Hollister Website, 888-740-8999
Of course Mountain View offers a HUGE selection of Ostomy Supplies