Are Pre-Cut Pouching Systems Worth It?

Some people may want to consider pre-cut pouching systems over time, especially if you get older and the ostomy supplies are ore cumbersome. It also can leave you open for mistakes too. Are there alternatives to cut-to-fit pouching systems? There are, and here, we’ll go over it. 

Pre-Cut Pouching systems 

This is a great one for those that have normal round stomas. A lot of the big companies have different systems that are for pre-cut stomas, usually in both convex and flat styles.They offer a range of different sizes, up to a 2-inch stoma. 

The thing with pre-cut systems though is that the flange needs to be about an eight of an inch bigger than the stoma base. When it’s the same size, or a little bit smaller,  can cause trauma.  This is especially important if you have a convex flange, since they’re firmer than the flatter options for this. Depending pm the needs that you have, your stoma, and the like, this may be an easier option. 

Scissors

If you’re using scissors to cut the stoma opening, switch it out for a flange cutter. They offer cutters that do round or oval shapes, and they’re pretty much cookie cutters, where you cut the indentation into the flange. This is a lot easier to work with, and usually is better if you don’t have the motor skills to handle scissors, but you can use this on surfaces which are solid to make it easier and to reduce damage to this. 

Moldable technology 

This is a newer product, but a good ne to consider for ostomy needs. It’s a barrier that doesn’t need cutting, but instead uses pliable barriers on this, making sure that you get the right shape for the flange. Roll the inner portion of it outside until it’s the size that you need, and when it touches the stoma area, it will stick on there. 

This does create a smaller, softer feeling to the stoma as well, crating a cuff that will enlarge and shrink as well. Unlike the normal barriers that you have, you never have to worry about it possibly coming in place, and it actually will prevent trauma from hitting the stoma too, so it’s better for protection. 

This is only good for those who have a protruding stoma, since it’s hard to stop the rolled outer parts of the barrier from being unraveled. It also is only good for two piece systems, so if you have to like 1 piece3 systems more, this is probably not the right option for you. But, if you’re struggling to figure out whether or not you should use one type of service or another, you should as well ask them about the  best way to handle cutting a flange. 

If you want to use pre-cut stoma flanges, it may be good for you. There are also some stories and pharmacies that offer services for cutting a flange, and these can either be free or for a tiny charge. You can check the supplier that you get all of this from to see if this is the right option for you. 

You also can ask for friends and family to possibly help with this. If you’re in an ostomy support group, don’t be afraid to ask for help there, since there are a lot of people who know how to do it, and these people usually are also good at doing this sort of thing too, offering a better, more rewarding experience for you as well, especially if you struggle with cutting them yourself. 

What’s Next After your Ostomy Surgery

You may wonder what you’ll be able to do and not do after your ostomy, and the truth is, there is a lot of unanswered parts to this. Luckily though, we’ll be able to give you everything that you need to know about after your ostomy surgery, which will help you get the most that you can out of this. 

How much Does diet Change? 

This one is dependent of course on the types of surgery that you’ll have, whether an ileostomy, a urostomy, or a colostomy. At the end of the day, you should speak to the doctor to see what kind of diet you need, and any major changes that come along with this. 

Can I take a Shower 

This is again, dependent on the different types of ostomies that are there, and what you’re able to do and not do. It’s good to give your skin a chance to not be attached to a pouch and give the stoma some air. Do understand that it may cause slight leakage though.

You also should be mindful as well of the area around there and be mindful of getting too much water, or even smoke, into the stoma itself. Your body may start to get rid of waste whenever you do have an ostomy, so do be mindful of this, and try to do it when your bowels aren’t as active as well. 

Can people Tell

The short answer for that is no. Usually, people are able to hide this, and you may find out that people don’t’ even know that you have one unless you tell them. The goal of these pouches is to protect your body, and it is pushed against the stomach, and is made with materials that are odor-resistant. Unless you’ve told someone, it’s likely they won’t have a single clue either. 

Are there Support Groups? 

There sure are! You may feel like you’re the only one dealing with this, but there are thousands of people out there going through a similar experience as well, and that of course means that you’re indeed not alone here. 

There are tons of support means out there, and different support groups that’ll help you with coping and adapting to the way you’re going through life. There are tons of ostomy support groups both online and offline for you to choose from. The forums are good if you have questions you feel like your doctor or nurse aren’t able to answer fully, or maybe you’re too embarrassed to talk to them about it, whatever the case may be. 

Of course, it may feel a little bit embarrassing, but there are people out there that can offer emotional support for times like this, and also motivate and inspire both you and others. They also have a ton of information and different resources for you to check out. A lot of ostomates feel like sometimes they’re all alone but being able to answer the questions that you have will be able to help you in even the most awkward of situations. 

With that being said, you should talk to your doctor about anything that you feel ready about, and there are so many different ways for you to definitely get the most out of this. It does take some adjustments and changes to ultimately get used to this, but remember that, with this, you’ll be able to, with this as well, get everything that you can possibly need to get the most that you can out of this, both now and into the future as well too.