Have you ever stopped to think how much your life depends on rhythm? Almost everything we do requires at least some regard for timing. When I was a kicker in the NFL there was a definite rhythm for a successful kick dependent on when the ball was snapped, how fast it was snapped, and how accurately my holder could place the ball in front of me. At the same time, I had to navigate perfectly the direction of the kick, when to begin my step cadence and how hard to kick — all before the opposing team ran me over! While you are not facing imminent attack from giant, padded football linemen you probably understand the importance of rhythm in your own life. And let’s face it — your rhythm has been severely disrupted by your operation! Finding a balance of rest, how and when to exercise, when to eat, and especially a regular rhythm of sleep right now can be difficult. Many factors impact our sleep rhythms like our diet, our screen-time late at night, how active we are throughout the day, and our stress levels. Especially because of your recent surgery, it is very helpful to find a healthy rhythm that promotes healing and good health. Think through your normal rhythm of each day. Can you schedule the rhythms you know will make you feel your best? Maybe it means setting a time each night to turn off screens or scheduling your meals at the best time of the day? Or perhaps it’s a break each afternoon to nap or pause from what you are doing and go outside for a short walk.
If you haven’t quite found the “rhythm” of your appliance and are having problems with leaking or comfort, I encourage you to speak to a WOCN and be willing to explore different appliances until you find one that you really like. There are so many options, there’s absolutely no reason to “settle” for something you aren’t comfortable and confident wearing.
All these tips are learned from personal experience and shared with us from other ostomates. You will be amazed at how quickly you “get your life back” and this all becomes part of your routine.
Former NFL Kicker
Former NFL Kicker, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Grateful Ostomy Patient
Story of the Day
Lynn
Meet grateful ostomate, Lynn, who has had EIGHT ostomies! Her enthusiasm who shares how she is “living life to the fullest.”
Potential Complications
Be vigilant so you can stay out of the hospital
These potential complications may be preventable if you recognize the warning signs early and take the appropriate action.
1. Dehydration. One out of three ileostomy patients will be readmitted to the hospital for dehydration within 30 days of their operation. Learn how to stay hydrated here.
Learn more about hydration from our dietitian, Danielle.
2. Skin problems. Peristomal skin is the skin surrounding your stoma and should look and feel just like the skin on the rest of your abdomen (not irritated or red). Learn more about how to care for your peristomal skin and catch any problems early so they can be addressed.
3. Hernia. This happens when an organ or other tissue pushes through your abdominal muscles and creates a bulge. Since having ostomy surgery increases your risk of developing a hernia, you will want to follow these guidelines:
• Limit your lifting to 5-10 lbs. for the first 4-6 weeks post-surgery (or as directed by your surgeon) and always use proper lifting technique.
• Support the area around your stoma if you sneeze, cough, or laugh by squeezing a folded blanket or pillow.
Learn more about hernias and how to protect yourself here.
Hear Nurse Melody talk about hernias and how to prevent them here.
4. Problem Solving. You may encounter problems like skin irritation, leaks, no output and others. Click here for more details.
5. Medical Emergencies.Review this list so you will know when to call your surgeon/nurse or go to the nearest emergency room.
Ostomy Life
How to get your supplies
Here are some tips on the easiest/most cost-effective way to order your ostomy supplies:
• Consult your WOCN or ostomy supply company for advice if having trouble with your ostomy system. You may have to try several different products to find the one that fits you the best. Many ostomy supply distributors have an ostomy nurse help line that can also assist you. Find a WOC nurse HERE or HERE
• Call your insurance company for a list of ostomy supply distributors they accept. Most health insurance policies will cover all or most of your ostomy supplies.
• You will need a prescription from your doctor to order supplies with Medicare and insurance. Medicare will cover up to a three-month supply of ostomy products at one time.
• Take advantage of free samples from ostomy manufacturers. Click here for a list of manufacturers, distributors and organizations that offer free supplies to those in need.
• Write down and use the item numbers (product codes found on the packaging) assigned to each of your ostomy supplies to help ensure you get the correct supply when ordering.
• Avoid ordering ostomy supplies from online shopping and delivery companies that don’t specialize in ostomy care, who may not have stored them properly, and who may require that you pay out of pocket.
• If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask your WOCN about available local resources. UOAA has affiliated support groups that operate donation or supply closets. Click here to find a list of some organizations that offer free ostomy supplies.
Getting to know your ostomy – What could go wrong?
Finding the appliance that is the best fit for you
Hear tips from WOC nurses, Melody and Joy to find the best fitting appliance
Embracing Ostomy Life Goals
Goals for Today
• It can be a bit scary to think about using a different appliance but if you are not 100% satisfied with the way your appliance fits you might want to consider making a change.
• Contact your appliance distributor and ask what other options they might recommend.
• Learn about the different types of appliances and contact the manufacturers for free samples here.
We offer our sincerest thanks to Joan Scott — a kind ostomate and brilliant writer — for allowing us to include excerpts of, her book, “The Ostomy Raft”, in Alive & Kicking. To purchase a copy filled with tons of practical tips for living with an ileostomy or colostomy, click the button below.
Rolf Benirschke is a former NFL Man of the Year and All-Pro placekicker who played 10 seasons in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers. His career was briefly interrupted when he was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease that required ileostomy surgery in his third season. Remarkably, Rolf returned to play seven more years with the Chargers, becoming the first ever professional athlete to play with an ostomy appliance. He has been an outspoken champion of the ostomy community for the past 40 years and created Embracing Ostomy Life™ to provide the hope, education and encouragement to ensure that no one goes through ostomy surgery alone.
Join Team HOPE
Do you wish you could connect with someone like you who has an ostomy and similar life goals? You can! Our Team HOPE (Helping Ostomates through Peer Encouragement) program can pair you with a volunteer who has an ostomy that will listen, empathize and suggest resources to help you along your journey.
