So You Got an Ostomy. Now What?
Adjusting to life with an ostomy can feel overwhelming at first, but learning common ostomy-related terms and the products associated with them can make things much easier. This post will introduce you to essential ostomy vocabulary and help you understand the products designed to make your new normal more comfortable.
Common Ostomy Terms and Related Products
1. Stoma
Your stoma is the surgically created opening on your abdomen where waste exits the body. It may look red and moist and lacks nerve endings, meaning you won’t feel pain directly on the stoma.
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Related Products: Stoma powder, barrier rings, stoma caps, adhesive remover.
2. Ostomy Pouch
This is the bag that collects waste from your stoma. Pouches come in different styles, such as one-piece or two-piece systems, and can be either drainable or closed.
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Related Products: Drainable pouches, closed-end pouches, odor-neutralizing drops, colostomy bags.
3. Skin Barrier (Wafer or Baseplate)
A skin barrier is the adhesive part of your ostomy system that sticks to your skin and secures the pouch in place. It helps protect your skin from irritation.
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Related Products: Moldable wafers, pre-cut wafers, extended-wear barriers, adhesive remover.
4. Barrier Ring
A barrier ring is a flexible ring placed around the stoma to help prevent leaks and protect the skin.
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Related Products: Hydrocolloid barrier rings, convex barrier rings.
5. Convexity
Convexity refers to a specially designed wafer that curves outward to help the stoma protrude, improving the seal and reducing leaks.
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Related Products: Convex wafers, convex barrier rings.
6. Ostomy Belt
An adjustable belt that attaches to the pouch system to provide extra support and security.
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Related Products: Elastic ostomy belts, adjustable support belts, hernia belt.
7. Flange
The flange is the plastic ring on a two-piece ostomy system that connects the pouch to the wafer, allowing for easy pouch changes without removing the adhesive base.
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Related Products: Two-piece pouch systems, adhesive coupling technology.
8. Peristomal Skin
The skin surrounding your stoma, which needs special care to prevent irritation and breakdown.
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Related Products: Peristomal skin wipes, skin barrier sprays, stoma powder, adhesive remover.
9. Ostomy Deodorant
A liquid or tablet placed in the pouch to help neutralize odors.
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Related Products: Odor-eliminating drops, deodorizing tablets.
10. Filtered Pouch
Some pouches contain a built-in charcoal filter to release gas while controlling odor, preventing the pouch from ballooning.
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Related Products: Filtered drainable pouches, filtered closed pouches.
By familiarizing yourself with these terms and products, you’ll feel more confident navigating life with an ostomy. Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we’ll cover practical tips for everyday ostomy care!