Patient FAQ

Our Frequently Asked Questions are endorsed by a Healthcare Professional.

This information does not form any kind of medical advice. In the first instance you should always contact your GP or Nurse regarding prescription and usage of medical appliances.

1. How often should I change my stoma appliance?

This will depend on the type of pouch you wear:

a) A one-piece closed pouch is usually changed following a bowel movement which in most cases is twice a day. But you may need to change it three times a day.

b) A one-piece drainable pouch can be worn for up to three days.

c) A two-piece system is slightly different. The flange can be worn for upto 3 - 4 days enabling you to change your pouch as necessary.

2. How long does it take for the stoma to change its shape and size?

Normally 6-8 weeks following surgery. However, the stoma may change shape and size if you lose or gain weight, or if you get a hernia.

3. How do I measure my stoma?

Use the measuring guide supplied with the box of pouches. Select the correct fitting ring which fits comfortably and close around your stoma without cutting into it. If your stoma is an irregular shape you will need to use a template card. If you are experiencing difficulty with this contact your stoma nurse for assistance.

4. How do I dispose of my pouches?

This will depend on the area in which you live. Some areas require you to empty the contents of pouch first. Some areas offer a yellow bag collection service. Check with your local authority.

Wilkinson Healthcare provide free scented bags. Place all used contents in the bag or use newspaper to wrap your contents in.

5. Will you be able to smell the appliance whilst it is being worn?

Most modern pouches are now odour-proof but you must make sure the pouch is fitted correctly. If you wish, you can have specially designed gel or scented drops, which you can insert into your pouch. Aerosol sprays are also available for use when emptying or changing your pouch.

6. Will I be able to go away on holiday?

Yes. It is advisable to double-up the equipment you usually use. If travelling by airline, it is advisable to remove your pouches from their box and carry them as hand luggage. If you need to take scissors, they should be packed in your suitcase as they will be confiscated if carried in hand luggage.

You can also obtain travel cards that are written in several languages, which explain about your equipment. Your stoma nurse should be able to provide you with these or will tell you where they can be obtained. Facilities for changing your pouch are available whether travelling by land, sea or air, even though they can be a little cramped!

7. Can I bathe, shower or go swimming?

Yes. You can do all three because the pouches are designed to be waterproof. You wear your pouch as normal. There are smaller designed products which you may find easier to wear under your costume of swim shorts. It is advisable to cover the filter on your pouch if you have one using a filter cover (provided in your box of pouches).

8. Will I have to wear special clothes?

No, you will wear your normal clothing. But take care to avoid direct pressure onto the stoma e.g. belt, trousers, tight waistbands.

9. Will I be able to return to work?

You should be able to return to work but the period of recovery will depend on the surgery you have had. Most people return to work within three months depending on their general health. If you have a heavy-duty job, it is advisable to ask to return to light duties initially. You may prefer to start back part-time and gradually increase your hours.

10. Will you be able to see that I have a stoma?

No. The appliances today are very discreet. They lay flat, quiet and odourless and are not visible under your clothing.

11. Will I have to follow a special diet?

No.

a) Colostomy - just eat normally unless your doctor advises otherwise. As long as you follow a balanced diet (regular meals and plenty of fruit and vegetables) your stoma will work properly .

b) Ileostomy - You must keep an eye on your diet. Trial and error will show if there are any foods that particularly upset you i.e. a blockage caused by food such as sweetcorn, nuts and vegetable skins. This is usually only temporary BUT it will cause severe Colic pains. These foods are best avoided.

12. Will I be able to drink alcohol?

Alcohol in moderation will not harm you but if you drink in excessive quantities you may experience loose stools (if you have a colostomy). If you have an ileostomy you will have to empty your pouch more frequently and fizzy drinks can cause extra wind!

13. Sometimes my stoma bleeds, should I worry?

Surface bleeding from the stoma whether ileostomy or colostomy when wiping is perfectly normal. There is no need to be alarmed. However, bleeding from inside the stoma is not normal and you should contact your GP or stoma nurse.

14. Can I become constipated? And what should I do?

Yes, you can become constipated. This is due to a dietry imbalance, prescription drugs you may be taking or a lack of fluids. You may have to add a little more fibre to your diet and increase your fluid intake. You can take laxatives but it is advisable to contact your GP first

If you have and ileostomy you cannot become constipated. However, if the output appears to be too thick, increase your fluid intake slightly.

15. How many times should I be emptying my Ileostomy pouch?

An ileostomy pouch can be emptied 4-6 times in a 24hr period but should be emptied as necessary.

16. I have sore skin around my stoma. Why?

This can be due to a number of reasons. The most common are:

- Leakage

- Allergies to the pouch or accessories being used

- Inflammation of hair follicles

- Constant removal of your pouch

- Ill-fitting pouches

- Excessive sweating

- Some food allergies or medication creating a generalised rash.

17. Do I have to wear my seat belt when driving or as a passenger?

Yes you do. If you are having difficulty with the position of the belt across your stoma you can purchase a gadget from leading car acccessories suppliers which fits to your seat belt. The same type of product has been used by pregnant ladies very successfully.

Our Frequently Asked Questions are endorsed by a Healthcare Professional.

This information does not form any kind of medical advice. In the first instance you should always contact your GP or Nurse regarding prescription and usage of medical appliances.

1. Does putting a catheter in hurt?

You will feel the catheter going in but it should not be painful. Certain types of catheters have a lubricant on them making insertion easier, others require lubricants or local anaesthetics to aid insertion. If you are performing self-catheterisation and you experience unusual pain, you should contact your GP or specialist nurse as soon as possible.

2. How far do I put the catheter in?

Usually this will be as far as you need to get a flow of urine. But you should always follow the specific instructions given to you by your nurse or doctor as sometimes this may differ.

3. Why do I have to pass urine so frequently?

There are many different reasons that people have to pass urine frequently. It could be because of a problem with the bladder or with how the bladder empties. Your GP or nurse specialist should be able to tell you why after assessment of your symptoms.

4. I've got blood in my urine why?

There are many things that can cause this, including problems with the bladder and Urinary Tract Infections. Some slight bleeding may occur if you are self-catheterising. However, this symptom should always be reported to your GP or nurse specialist, as it will need assessment and possible treatment.

5. Will the sheath leak?

If the sheath is the correct size and type for you and is fitted correctly, it should last for 24 hours without any leakage.

6. Will wearing a sheath make me smell?

Nowadays sheaths are usually made of skin friendly materials that do not smell. If you use a sheath as directed and wash and dry your skin after removal or when changing them, there should be no leakage of urine causing odour.

7. How often should I empty the catheter bag?

You should only empty the catheter bag when it needs emptying. This will usually be when the bag is three quarters full or when it feels heavy on the leg. It is especially important not to empty the bag too often when it is attached to an indwelling catheter, as this may increase the risk of Urinary Tract Infection.

8. How long can I keep one sheath on for?

This will usually be for 24 hrs, although this may be different in some cases. If a sheath is left on for longer, it may cause skin soreness and may be less reliable if the adhesive seal wears off. You should always follow the instructions given by your doctor or nurse on this matter.

9. What is a resection of a Prostate Gland?

This is a surgical technique that is sometimes used to treat some types of Prostate Disease. It is usually performed when the gland makes it difficult for the bladder to empty. The middle of the gland is cored out rather than the whole gland being removed.

10. What is a Urethral Stricture?

This is a fibrotic narrowing of a portion of the Urethra or channel that leads from the bladder to the outlet world. There are many different causes and sometimes the stricture may require surgical treatment if it affects how well the bladder empties.

11. Are there any tablets or exercises that will help me to empty my bladder?

You may be taught how to press onto your bladder to help it empty, or use external vibration with a special machine. These techniques are sometimes successful and should only be done after instruction from your doctor or nurse. If you have a prostate problem, you may be prescribed a drug that will help to shrink the size of your prostate so helping the bladder to empty. This treatment will only be offered following assessment by your doctor to see if it would be appropriate.

12. How much fluid should I drink?

Recommended at least 6-8 drinks approx 1.5-2litres) per day unless on fluid restriction.

13. How do I know if I have a urine infection?

If your urine is cloudy and/or smelly drink extra fluids. See your GP if persists or have shivering or fever.

14. What if I get blood in my urine?

If you have a catheter or are self-catheterising it is normal to get small specks of blood. If you are in any doubt or symptoms persist see your GP in the first instance.

15. What if no urine drains?

If this is a urethra catheter check there are no kinks - avoid constipation. If you are doing intermittent catheterisation gently remove catheter and speak to GP or nurse.

16. Why do I need to perform Imtermittent Catheterisation?

Residual urine in the bladder can cause infection, stones and damage to the kidney.

17. What is the pelvic floor muscle and what does it do? How can they help?

A group of muscles that support the bladder, the uterus and the bowel. They are attached to the coccyx at the bottom of the spine and pelvic bone. Exercising the pelvic floor muscle can help shut the bladder valve more firmly and reduce leakage.

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