What is an ostomy?
An ostomy is a surgically created opening on your torso designed to allow waste and urine to leave your body through this alternate route. The waste passes into a pouch/bag that is worn outside the person’s body. An ostomy is a life-saving procedure done to address a wide range of factors such as bowel disease, cancer, diverticulitis, birth defects, or pelvic trauma.
Adjusting to life with an ostomy bag
It’s not easy to learn you must use an ostomy bag. Patients have trouble adjusting to seeing their waste exiting their body, emptying the bag, and the impact it has on their mood and social life. If you or someone you know is just starting their ostomy journey, know that you are not alone. An estimated 70,000 Canadians have had this procedure.
With an ostomy, you can still eat what you like. Some foods may make you feel a little gassy, so experiment at home first to determine which foods cause gas and bloating. You absolutely can go back to work, school and even sports. Just make sure your doctor clears you for these activities first. If the thought of being in public with an ostomy bag scares you, a therapist or support group can help you work through this. It’s actually very easy to conceal the bag and there are plenty of discreet accessories to manage odors. Unless you tell people or show them the ostomy, they won’t know. Whether you disclose it or not is completely up to you.
As with any life changing event, it is possible to adapt and overcome, especially when the right products and tools are readily available.
HC Pharmacy’s ostomy products
With a focus on you living your best and most active life no matter what the circumstances, HC Pharmacy carries a range of comfortable, high-quality ostomy products that includes:
HC Pharmacy is pleased to carry products from top suppliers in the ostomy care industry, including Hollister.
Hollister is a brand whose vision is similar to HC Pharmacy – empowering people with the services and products they need to quickly and confidently get back to their active lifestyle. As a legacy brand, Hollister has been an important innovator in ostomy care since the 1960s.
Ostomy education from HC Pharmacy
HC Pharmacy welcomes your questions regarding ostomy care and products, but they understand that you may feel a little shy about reaching out. This is why there is a section on their website dedicated to ostomy education.
With information provided by Hollister, this education section is broken down into topics:
- Understanding your colostomy
- Understanding your ileostomy
- Understanding your urostomy
- Pediatric care (caring for a baby with an ostomy)
- Caring for a loved one with an ostomy
Each guide can be read online or downloaded as a PDF.
