Ostomy Supplies: Endless Choices
As part of surgery preparation to have my colon removed, the surgical team introduced me to a number of ostomy products. My procedure would include removing my entire colon, cutting a small hole in my stomach and pulling a piece of my small intestine out and sewing it to the outside of my stomach. Then doctors attach an ostomy bag around my stoma to collect output from my small intestine.
Every stoma is different. The size and shape depends on your body and therefore many options exist for ostomy bag supplies to match the needs of your stoma.
After surgery, the hospital will attach a one or two piece bag system. You can adjust the style as you recover from surgery and become more comfortable with bag changes.
With a two piece, you cut a barrier to fit the size of your stoma. You connect the barrier to you skin with adhesive, then the bag is clicked and locked to the barrier. There is a velcro opening at the bottom, which you open to empty your bag as the bag fills.
The one piece system is essentially the same concept as the two piece, however the bag and barrier are locked and unable to be separated.
I wear a two piece system made by coloplast. I have been very happy with their products and customer support. Their team is knowledgeable and really wants to make sure you are comfortable and using correct products for your stoma and lifestyle.
Ostomy supply selection comes down to personal preference, functionally, and skin response. My two piece system works well given my activity. I like being able to change my bag without removing the adhesive barrier if the bag itself gets dirty while I’m hiking, mountain biking, or rolling around on the ground with my kids.
If you have questions, please email egadventuresmt@gmail.com or on Instagram: evergreen_adventures_mt
