The OZtomy Nurse Project

Mucocutaneous Separation

"The Separation Conversation". Muco-cutaneous separation occurs when a newly formed stoma separates from the skin at the junction that has sutured the bowel to the abdominal surface. This creates a wound around the stoma that requires additional care during your pouching regime and can occasionally make the pouching process overwhelming and complex. The causes of MCJ separation vary but are often related to poor healing ability, obesity, medications, radiation and chemotherapy, amid many other factors. Today's episode explains what is muco-cutaneous separation, how and why it occurs and how stomal therapy nurses assess and treat this problem. 

The Hydration Conversation

 

Dehydration can occur when a person does not drink enough fluids to replace the fluids lost as waste moves through the body. In terms of those with a stoma, dehydration is the MOST common reason for readmission to hospital following stoma formation. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of dehydration as well as preventative measures.  These symptoms can include thirst, dry skin, abdominal cramps, rapid heart rate, confusion and low blood pressure. Dehydration can also upset your electrolyte balance (especially potassium and sodium). Diarrhea, excessive perspiration and vomiting can also increase this risk. Today's episode explores dehydration, how it happens, the signs and symptoms and how to treat and maintain hydration in those who live with a stoma.

Skin Complications

Our skin plays one of the most important roles in stoma care, as it is the surface on which the pouching system is constantly adhered. Having healthy skin and a well-fitted pouching system help to maintain security and confidence in your appliance. When skin becomes damaged however, the potential for leakage and further complications arise. Being able to recognise the source of the skin damage can be difficult, whilst understanding the relevant treatment can be even harder. This episode explains some of the unfortunate but common skin complications that can occur as a result of stoma formation and pouching, and what suggestions a stoma nurse may make to treat the problem.

Changing Your Appliance

In this 'quick change' episode we explain the basic process for setting up and changing your ostomy pouch. We also highlight some hints and tips for making the process easier and encourage you to relax and keep trying. It really is, after all... just arts and crafts.

Colostomy Irrigation

"The Irrigation Conversation". Colostomy irrigation is a method of bowel management for people who have an end colostomy in the descending or sigmoid colon. It is a process that those with a stoma perform by passing a water enema into the large bowel via the stoma, to evacuate the contents in a controlled way. This episode explains the eligibility criteria for irrigation, the process and the pro's and con's of performing this regular ritual.

Stoma's Horrible Histories- Part 2

This week we carry on from part one, by discussing the educational and technological advancements in surgery that prompted the improvement of surgical operations as a whole. From the first discovery of ether as a form of anaesthetic and sedation, to the discovery of antibiotics by Alexander Flemming, we look at how these progressions started to widen the scope of stoma formation by developing new types of stoma's, including the ileostomy and the urostomy. Finally, we look at the very first possible colostomy ever created on Australian soil, right here in Victoria.

Stoma's Horrible Histories- Part 1

What was a person to do in ancient times if they needed a stoma? In a time absent of anaesthesia, antibiotics, or even electricity, many people who suffered horrendous intestinal obstructions, hernia's or battle wounds were sure to die a painful and miserable death. Todays episode explores the ancient principles of intestinal surgery, looking back at the first surgical techniques used to repair the bowel, and the influence of several surgeons throughout the last 300 years that paved the way for modern techniques to be practiced, in order to create the types of stoma's we see and live with today.

The Resection Collection

There are many types of surgeries performed that may result in a temporary or permanent stoma. With all the medical terminology and consultation with a surgeon, some information may get lost in translation. The type of surgery performed largely depends on the area within the bladder or bowel that is diseased or affected. This weeks episode explains the different types of 'resection' that is performed for many individuals who have surgery that eventuates to living with a stoma.

The Banter About Mylanta

Many have heard on the grape vine that you can dab a small amount of Mylanta on any areas of skin irritation around the stoma to help heal the skin and assist with pouch adherence. Whilst this might work for some people, the science behind this practice is somewhat elusive. This episode explains what components of Mylanta may appear to resolve skin problems and why people might choose to follow this age old suggestion, when other more effective products are available.  

All About Accessories

In a perfect world, we would all be able to get by with a simple ostomy pouch that suited and fit every single one of us. However, our bodies... and stoma's are unique and often additional products are needed to get the adhesion, security and protection we need to live independently with an alternate exit. This episode discusses the range of accessory items that are available under the stoma appliance scheme, their functionality, plus what issues may lead to the suggestion of implementing an accessory product to your stoma regime.