If you have had to have a stoma fitted, we know that looking after it can feel a daunting task. This is why we are here to help. A stoma can feel like a life changing alteration, but with our stoma care help we will have you feeling back to normal as soon as possible.
How can I find stoma care near me?
If you find yourself asking how you can find stoma care near you, Secure Healthcare Solutions can help. We offer dedicated stoma care in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell, Cannock, South Stafford, Telford, Birmingham and other surrounding areas. Get in touch to find more information and details on all our locations.
What is a stoma?
A stoma is an opening on your abdomen that allows for urine or faeces to be diverted out of your body. It is created from an end of the intestine that is brought to the surface of your abdomen and looks like a small circular piece of flesh sewn to your body. It is connected either to your digestive or urinary tract and on the top of it you will wear a pouch to collect the waste. This pouch may have an opening in the bottom or be closed and is painless for the wearer.
Why might I need a stoma?
There are many reasons you might need a stoma and it can either be temporary or permanent. The three main types of stoma are a colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy and the type you get will depend on your situation:
Colostomy: This is where part of your colon is brought to the surface of the abdomen to form the stoma and is usually due to something such as an injury to the colon or rectum or partial or complete blockage of the large bowel. Stools in this part of the intestine are solid and will be collected using a stoma pouch.
Ileostomy: An Ileostomy connects the last part of the small intestine to the abdominal wall and is usually due to a problem with the ileum or a disease affecting that part of the colon meaning it needs to be removed. It could be it’s only needed for a short time (such as 3-6 months) while that part of the colon can heal or might be needed for the rest of your life.
Urostomy: A urostomy is when your urinary system or bladder is damaged meaning you can’t pass urine normally. It works by bringing an isolated part of the intestine to the surface of your abdomen and sewing the other end up. The ureters are then detached from the bladder and reattached to this isolated section. A urostomy pouch will be used to collect the urine.
Some of the most common reasons for needing a stoma include cancer such as pelvic cancer, colorectal cancer or bladder cancer. It can also be due to familiar adenomatous polyposis, Diverticular disease and incontinence due to an injury or illness like spina bifida, Multiple Sclerosis or Chron’s disease. If you suffer from any of these, a stoma can help manage your incontinence and ease your symptoms.
For the best stoma care, will meet with you prior to your operation to offer any information you might need and discuss a plan for when you are discharged. We will help with:
- Support you once you get home. It can take about 6-8 weeks to get back to your usual level of activity so we can help with any day to day tasks around the house if needed
- Changing your pouch
- Assistance teaching you to care for and change your own pouch
- Offer dietary advice and meal plans
- On hand to offer advice on your stoma and answer any questions or queries
- Skin care advice
- Regular stoma product reviews and advice
Our stoma care team are experience and well equipped to deal with any questions or assistance you may need. We are based in many locations in the country, providing stoma care in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall, Telford and many other locations. See the full list here.
Get in touch today and find out how we can help with your stoma care.