Question 1

What is an ostomy pouching system?

Accepted Answer

An ostomy pouching system is the set of supplies used to collect output from your stoma. It typically includes an ostomy pouch or bag and a skin barrier (also called a wafer or a flange).

Question 2

What is the difference between a one-piece and a two-piece ostomy pouching system?

Accepted Answer

Some pouching systems come in one-piece systems, where the pouch and skin barrier are attached. Some people may prefer two-piece systems, where the pouch and skin barrier are supplied separately and connect. Your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse can help you determine which pouching system best suits your needs. 180 Medical is here to work with your prescribing provider and insurance plan to get you the high-quality supplies and ostomy accessories you need delivered to your door. Contact 180 Medical

Question 3

What should my stoma look like?

Accepted Answer

Right after ostomy surgery, your stoma may look red and swollen. However, as it heals, the swelling should go down. The appearance usually transitions to a pink color and appears moist, like the inside of your cheek. If you notice any stoma problems such as unusual color changes, bleeding, irritation, pain, or swelling, contact your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse.

Question 4

Will my stoma change sizes after healing?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you may go through several size changes as your stoma heals over time. This means that you may need a different ostomy pouching system or wafer (skin barrier) as your body heals and changes. Stay in contact with your ostomy nurse if you have any concerns. Plus, 180 Medical's team of Ostomy Specialists is here to help you every step of the way with getting you the right ostomy supplies in the right sizes as your needs change. We can also provide handy stoma-measuring guides to help you determine which size will work best for your needs.

Question 5

How often should I change my ostomy pouching system?

Accepted Answer

How often you change your ostomy pouching system depends on your type of ostomy, your output, your supplies, and your healthcare provider’s instructions. Many people change their skin barrier every few days, but your schedule may be different. You may need to change your pouching system sooner if you notice leaking, itching, burning, loosening, or odor that does not go away after emptying or changing your pouch.

Question 6

How often should I empty my ostomy pouch?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your type of ostomy, your output consistency, and the amount of output. In general, a good rule of thumb is to empty your pouch when it's around 1/3 to 1/2 full. A pouch that becomes too full can become heavy, increasing the risk of leakage. Your ostomy nurse can help you understand which emptying schedule may work best for your body, as well as which pouching system may be right for your needs.

Question 7

What ostomy supplies will I need after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your surgeon or ostomy nurse to determine what beginner supplies you may need after you return home from surgery. They may have specific recommendations for surgical aftercare. Ostomy supply needs depend on the type of ostomy you have (urostomy, ileostomy, or colostomy), your stoma, your peristomal skin, your output, and your lifestyle/daily routine. Common ostomy supplies people use may include: Ostomy bags (pouches) Skin barriers (wafers or flanges Barrier rings or barrier seals Ostomy paste Adhesive remover wipes or sprays Skin prep wipes An ostomy belt Pouch deodorizers 180 Medical carries a wide range of high-quality ostomy products and accessories. Our specialists are here to walk you through your covered options, including how many products you may receive every 30 days based on your insurance plan and prescription. View Ostomy Supplies

Question 8

Are there specialized pouch covers or ostomy swimwear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While regular clothes often do a great job of keeping an ostomy pouch concealed, some people like the additional security and comfort of specialized ostomy pouch wraps, full-coverage ostomy underwear, ostomy swimwear, and other options. At Ostomysecrets® , you can find all this and more. Plus, if you’re a 180 Medical customer, you can get a discount code for your first purchase at Ostomysecrets®. Contact our specialists to learn more!

Question 9

How do I care for the skin around my stoma?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the skin around your stoma (peristomal skin) clean, dry, and healthy is an important part of ostomy care. Gently clean the skin around your stoma using warm water and a clean towel, or use the ostomy products recommended by your healthcare provider. Always make sure your skin is dry before applying your pouching system.

Question 10

What do I do if my ostomy bag leaks?

Accepted Answer

Ostomy pouch leaks can occur for several reasons, such as an improper fit, a skin barrier that's not fully sealing to the skin due to folds or irritation, or allowing the pouch to become too full. Check out our guide to troubleshooting pouch leaks . If you continue to experience leakage, your ostomy nurse is the right person to contact. They can help you determine what may be causing the leak and whether you need a different size or type of product.

Question 11

What can cause skin irritation around a stoma?

Accepted Answer

Skin irritation around a stoma may occur when output leaks beneath the skin barrier and comes into contact with the skin. It may also happen due to skin stripping if pouching system changes are too frequent, or if you have a sensitivity to the adhesive in your current pouching system or ostomy wafer. If you're experiencing peristomal skin irritation , talk to your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse, especially if the skin is painful, bleeding, weeping, or causing issues with proper attachment of your skin barrier.

Question 12

Will my ostomy pouch smell?

Accepted Answer

No, aside from the normal output odor you may smell when emptying or changing your pouch, your ostomy pouch should not smell when properly attached to your stoma. Many modern ostomy pouches are designed to stay discreet and help contain odor while filtering out any gases. If you're experiencing ostomy odor issues , you may want to try a pouch deodorizer, such as ESENTA™ Lubricating Pouch Deodorant . It's not made with overpowering artificial fragrances, and it's also designed to help stop common issues like pancaking for ileostomy and colostomy bags.

Question 13

Will I have to change what I eat after ostomy surgery?

Accepted Answer

It's possible, depending on the type of surgery and your unique needs. However, many people find that their diet doesn't have to change once they've healed from surgery. The best go-to for advice on what to avoid or include in your diet after surgery is your ostomy nurse or prescribing healthcare provider.

Question 14

Can I still be active with an ostomy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many ostomates enjoy exercise and physical activity with an ostomy. However, it's important to get your healthcare provider's approval on when it's okay to start easing back into physical activity after your surgery and which types of exercise may be approved. Some people in the 180 Medical Community have shared how they like to stay active with their ostomy, like Debra , who still loves to go hiking after her ileostomy surgery, and Linda , who still regularly swims at her community pool while wearing her colostomy pouch.

Question 15

Can I travel with ostomy supplies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can travel and even fly with ostomy supplies. 180 Medical offers a helpful guide for traveling with an ostomy , including tips for packing, preparing for TSA security, and more. Get Tips in Our Travel Guide

Question 16

Does insurance cover ostomy supplies?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. Medicare and many private insurance plans cover ostomy products when they are prescribed and medically necessary. Coverage varies based on your specific insurance plan, diagnosis, documentation, and allowable monthly quantities. Learn more in this quick ostomy insurance guide or get started by securely submitting your insurance info to be verified. 180 Medical's Insurance Specialists will work quickly to verify your benefits, then we'll reach out to go over your options and help you understand what may or may not be covered under your plan. Verify My Insurance

Question 17

Does Medicare cover ostomy supplies?

Accepted Answer

Medicare may cover ostomy supplies when they are prescribed as medically necessary and meet guidelines. Your exact coverage and allowed product quantities may depend on your prescription and documentation. Learn more in this quick guide about Medicare and ostomy supplies .

Question 18

Where can I buy ostomy supplies online?

Accepted Answer

180 Medical provides high-quality ostomy supplies with friendly, reliable service and support. We work hard to make ordering the insurance-covered supplies you need easier. Our team of Ostomy Specialists can help verify your insurance , coordinate obtaining any required documentation, review your product options, and request free samples when available. Once we've customized your order to your needs, prescription, and insurance, we'll ship your supplies quickly and discreetly to your home. Get Started with 180 Medical

Question 19

How do I reorder my ostomy supplies?

Accepted Answer

180 Medical customers have a variety of easy ways to reorder their ostomy supplies, including online through the My 180 Medical customer portal and the My 180 Medical App, as well as options by phone, text message, or email, depending on your account needs and preferences. The My 180 Medical App makes it easier to confirm your orders, request updates, track shipments, and manage your supplies from your phone or tablet.

Question 20

What if I need to change my ostomy supplies or sizes?

Accepted Answer

Our ostomy specialists are here to help. Reach out to us to let us know how your needs have changed, and we'll do our best to update your orders. If you need more products per month or another change that requires an update to your prescription, you may also need to schedule an appointment with your prescribing healthcare provider.

Question 21

Can I get free ostomy samples?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your prescription, insurance, and product request, 180 Medical may be able to help you get free ostomy samples. We can also help you explore your ostomy product options. Trying out samples may help you determine which product type works for your body and pouching routine. Request Ostomy Samples

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