Free Ostomy Supplies and Sample

Thomas Chacko

As a community based organization Gilgal Medical is always looking for opportunities to assist those who are in need. In this rapidly changing market, When it comes to ostomy products, plenty of options are available for patients on the market today. You can try some free samples before deciding on which brand or type you want to use. By trying out free ostomy samples you can figure out what works best for your needs.

Do not. hesitate to reach out to us . To start the sample request process, just reach out to us. Contact us and we’ll be delighted to help you try out some free samples or work together with you to build a customized order of ostomy supplies.

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Can a permanent Ostomy be reversed?

Thomas Chacko

Learning About Stoma Reversal Surgery

What is a stoma reversal?

People who go through this process have questions such as is this ostomy permanent? Is the Ostomy reversible or how long it takes to reverse the ostomy?. A stoma reversal is surgery to attach your bowel together after a colostomy or ileostomy (also called ostomies). During ostomy surgery, the bowel was separated and attached to an opening made in the skin of your belly. The opening is called a stoma. Stool passes through the stoma and out of your body.

Ostomy surgery can be permanent or temporary. It depends on the reason for the surgery. A stoma reversal can be done if there is a large enough section of healthy bowel left to be rejoined. A temporary ostomy may be used for certain health problems. These include problems such as bowel cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and bowel injuries.

How is a stoma reversal done?

A stoma reversal is done after the original surgery has healed. This most often takes at least 6 to 8 weeks. But in some cases it can take up to 12 months. Your bowel and anal muscles need to be working for the reversal to work well.

The doctor rejoins the ends of the bowel that were separated. The bowel is stitched or stapled back together. The part of the belly where the stoma was is then closed with stitches.

How the stoma reversal is done depends on what type of ostomy surgery you had. One type involves making a large cut (incision). This way takes longer to heal. The other type uses smaller cuts. It doesn't take as long to heal.

What can you expect after a stoma reversal?

It's common to have problems with how the bowel works after a stoma reversal. This is because part of the bowel has been removed. You may have symptoms such as loose stool, incontinence, sudden bowel urges, and pain. Other risks include infection in the belly and blockage or scar tissue in the bowel.

You may have the same precautions you had after your ostomy. Your doctor will want you to avoid bending, heavy lifting, and other strenuous activities. Your doctor can tell you when it's okay to return to your activities and routines, such as driving. This may take up to several weeks or months.

Caring for yourself at home

Your doctor may recommend things you can do at home to help improve how your bowel works. You may be told to:

  • Change your diet.
  • Eat small, frequent meals.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Keep a food diary. You can use it to track what you eat and how it affects you.

As your bowel heals, you may work with a dietitian to know what foods are best. Your doctor may recommend walking or doing pelvic floor exercises. They may help improve your bowel function. You also may take medicines for diarrhea or use creams to help with soreness.

Coping with bowel problems

Dealing with bowel problems can be hard. Many people feel embarrassed or frustrated at times. But your care team can help. You can talk with your doctor or other members of your care team about these issues. They can help you seek support and learn ways to cope.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

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Do I Need Prescription to Buy Ostomy Bags?

Thomas Chacko

Absolutely not !!! Ostomy bags and supplies can be purchased from Gilgal Medical without any prescription. You just call us and let us know some basic info such as the size of the stoma, type of bag you are using. Once our specialists determine the right bags and supplies, we can ship it to you immediately.  Normally supplies can be delivers in 24 hrs. Call us today at 407 484 0032.

 

 

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Emergency Ostomy Supplies

Thomas Chacko

Gilgal Medical is a global leader in the distribution of ostomy supplies. We provide ostomy supplies to patients on time and and on short notice. Supplies can be shipped from any of our 45 ware houses in North America. If you need supplies in 24 hrs. please contact us at cs@gilgalmedical.com. Supplies will be personally delivered to you door by one of our representatives.

Our experienced staff can help you determine the right products/supplies. 

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Travelling With Ostomy Bags

Thomas Chacko

Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.

In particular, remember that all airport screenings must be conducted with courtesy, dignity and respect. You may request screening in a private area at all U.S. airports and most international destinations. A few additional tips to keep you on the go:

Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for ostomy supplies. You can also download and print our discreet TSA card to show to security officers with questions.

TSA rules state that you can be screened without having to empty or expose your ostomy; however, you may need to conduct a self pat-down of the ostomy, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives1.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, bring this information written in the appropriate language. Google Translate may be helpful with translations. If you find you need additional supplies while traveling, a local pharmacy is a great starting point. The local pharmacist should be able to provide you with the necessary supplies and/or refer you to a local clinic/hospital for support.

Pre-cut all cut-to-fit barriers at home. Although current United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) rules2 allow curved point scissors with blades less than 4" in length in your carry-on luggage, keeping your ostomy scissors in your checked luggage may avoid delay and extra screening

Consider purchasing travel insurance that guarantees getting you to a hospital, if necessary.

When it comes to supplies, OVERPACK! Better safe than sorry. Pack at least three days’ worth of ostomy supplies in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked luggage is misplaced or there are delays and/or non-availability at your destination. Here are some packing tips.

Drink, drink, drink. Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration. Read more about tips on hydration.

If traveling by car, take advantage of rest areas. Stop and empty your pouch regularly; you never know how far it will be until the next one!

Pack ostomy-friendly snacks.

Keep a set of clean clothes handy whether in your carry-on luggage or in the trunk of your car.

Carry a few plastic bags and wet wipes for quick clean-up.

If you need supplies immediately call Gilgal Medical at 407 484 0032

Helpful Links: 

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Where can I get Ostomy supplies?

Thomas Chacko

Gilgal Medical Supplies is the leading supplier of ostomy products around the globe. We carry all the major manufactures, products. Gilgal Medical is the leading supplies for Convatec, Hollister and Coroplast in North America.

Armed with over 45 warehouses in North America Gilgal can get you ostomy supplies in short notice from 2 hrs. to 24hrs. Our robotic warehouse can process your order in 2 minutes and the supplies will be on your way. Gilgal Medical is the only emergency ostomy supplier in North America.

 

 

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What is Colostomy?

Thomas Chacko

 

A colostomy is created out of the end of the large intestine to divert waste from your digestive system. After you have this surgery, you will pass waste through a stoma that is located on your abdomen.

The location of your colostomy is determined by the location of the damaged portion of your colon or to divert stool from a wound in the perianal area. The pictures below demonstrate the different areas in which a colostomy can be placed. Depending on placement and reason for the ostomy, these can be permanent or temporary.1, 2

  

Ascending Colostomy

  • In the ascending (vertical section, on your right) colon
  • Uncommon type of colostomy
  • Stool is liquid to semi-liquid and very irritating to the skin2 ,3

Transverse Colostomy

  • In the transverse (horizontal section, across the abdomen) colon
  • Stool is liquid to semi-formed
  • Usually constructed as a loop
  • Usually temporary1 ,2 , 3

Descending Colostomy

  • In the descending (vertical section, on your left) colon
  • A more common type of colostomy
  • Stool is semi-formed to formed due to more water being absorbed while in the ascending and transverse colons 1 , 2, 3

Sigmoid Colostomy 

  • In the lower left portion of the large intestine on your left, just before the rectum
  • Stool is formed. All water has been absorbed in the previous areas of the intestines 1, 2 , 3

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Conditions that require Ostomy

Thomas Chacko

Conditions that may require colostomy or ileostomy

Some of the conditions that may require colostomy or ileostomy include:
  • bowel infections
  • bowel inflammation
  • diverticulitis
  • Crohn's disease
  • ulcerative colitis
  • blocked bowel
  • bowel cancer
  • familial adenomatous polyposis (a precancerous condition)
  • serious injury to the bowel.

Issues to consider with colostomy or ileostomy

Before undergoing the operation, you will need to discuss a range of issues with your doctor, including:
  • medical history
  • any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, minerals, vitamins and herbal supplements
  • possible risks and complications of the operation
  • any concerns you have regarding body image, cleanliness and sexuality.

Colostomy and ileostomy procedure

Colostomy and ileostomy share similar surgical characteristics. These include:
  • Except in cases of emergency surgery, the bowel is prepared by undergoing a liquid diet and taking special cleansing and antibiotic medications.
  • The person is given a general anaesthetic.
  • The surgeon marks the point on the abdomen for the intended stoma. A common location is the lower right hand side of the abdomen.
  • The abdomen is opened up.
  • The diseased portion of bowel is removed. The healthy portion is then pulled out through a small incision in the abdomen (stoma).
  • The healthy bowel portion is sewn to the stoma.
  • A plastic bag is attached over the stoma to collect waste.
  • The large abdominal incision is closed with stitches.

Immediately after the operation

After the operation you can expect:
  • You have an intravenous infusion into your arm for a few days.
  • You will probably have a small tube going down into your stomach. This tube is used to suck out your stomach contents so that your intestines can rest and recover after surgery.
  • For the first few days, the dressing on your wound is changed frequently to help keep the wound clean and avoid contamination.
  • Once the tube into your stomach is removed, you are started on a light diet.
  • The nurses will encourage you to get out of bed and move around.
  • You will soon start to pass faeces through your stoma. You will have had a lightweight bag placed over the stoma to collect the faeces. Initially, your bag is changed by nurses or a stomatherapist. They will show you how to do this yourself.
  • Your sutures may be removed in five to six days.
  • After a few days, you will be able to get into a bath with a bag over the stoma if the wound hasn't yet healed. If the wound has healed, you may get into a bath without covering the stoma.
  • You may spend around one week in hospital.

Complications with colostomy and ileostomy

Some of the possible complications may include:
  • excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)
  • infection
  • allergic reaction to surgical medication, such as anaesthesia
  • a portion of bowel protruding through the stoma (incisional hernia)
  • diarrhoea
  • dehydration
  • narrowing of the stoma
  • difficulties in passing faeces through the stoma and into the bag
  • blockage of the stoma caused by scar tissue
  • impacted faeces
  • skin complaints caused by contact with faeces around the stoma
  • kidney stones
  • gallstones.

Taking care of yourself at home

Be guided by your doctor or surgeon, but general suggestions include:
  • A stomatherapist will advise you about all the different types of colostomy bags, skin sealants, skin barriers and powders you need to use.
  • It is important to keep the skin surrounding the stoma scrupulously clean.
  • You may need to occasionally irrigate the stoma with water to help prevent constipation. Your stomatherapist will advise you.
  • Ways to reduce gas formation and excessive odours include eating small, frequent meals, limiting foods such as cabbage, onions, beans and fizzy drinks, and avoidance of activities that encourage air to be swallowed, such as gum chewing, drinking through a straw and smoking.
  • Charcoal tablets or anti-flatulent preparations may help to reduce odour.
  • Limit intake of foods that have strong odours, such as onions, fish, eggs, cheese and asparagus.
  • Eat a low-residue diet for the first couple of months to reduce the strain on your bowels and stoma.
  • It might be a good idea to avoid certain foods, such as popcorn or celery seeds.
  • Once you have fully recovered (usually around three months after surgery), there are no restrictions on your diet.

Long-term outlook after colostomy and ileostomy

If the stoma is only temporary, a subsequent operation will be needed to reattach the bowel so faeces can once again be passed through the anus. If permanent, the stoma is checked some three weeks later (or when the swelling has subsided) to make sure it has an appropriate diameter. The bags must be changed frequently. The person has no voluntary control over the movement of their faeces, which is also likely to be thin and watery. Many people appreciate the support and understanding offered by stoma associations. These groups can advise on important issues such as clothing concerns, body image and sexuality.

Other forms of surgery for a diseased bowel

Occasionally, it may be possible to create an internal waste reservoir. This is called a 'continent ileostomy' or Kock pouch. The faeces doesn't empty into a bag worn on the outside of the body, but pools within looped portions of healthy bowel. The person drains the reservoir by special tube a few times per day.

Alternatively, it may be possible to perform a 'pull-through' operation. This means the diseased portion of bowel is removed and an artificial rectum is created using the lowest part of the bowel (ileum). The ileum is attached directly to the anus, allowing the person to pass faeces through their anus in the regular way. These alternatives to traditional surgery are not suitable for certain patients, such as those with Crohn's disease or rectal cancer.

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3 Types of Ostomies or Stomas

Thomas Chacko

People always ask the basic questions. What are the kinds of ostomies? It may look overwhelming, but it is not that complicated.  There are mainly three types of ostomies, or stomas, that are the most common. Learn what makes them different from each other.

Understand the three types of ostomies.

To put it simply, there are different types of ostomies. The three most common ones are colostomy, ileostomy, and urostomy. Each ostomy procedure is done for different reasons due to different sickness. Although there are many similarities with these three ostomies, there are also important differences.

Colostomy

A colostomy is a surgically created opening into the colon (large intestine) through the abdomen. Its purpose is to allow the stool to bypass a diseased or damaged part of the colon. The output from a colostomy includes liquid or formed stool (or somewhere in between), gas, and odor.

Here are a few additional facts:

  • A colostomy can be made at almost any point along the colon
  • Where the colostomy is created will be dependent on the medical reason and is often defined by the portion of the colon involved
  • There are four different kinds of colostomies, and a colostomy may be temporary or permanent

Ileostomy

An ileostomy is a surgically created opening into the small intestine through the abdomen. With an ileostomy, a section of the small intestine and large intestine (colon) have been removed or bypassed. The output from an ileostomy after surgery is generally a steady liquid type of drainage. Over time though, the stool will become thicker and more paste-like.

Here are some additional facts:

  • An ileostomy is usually located on the lower right-hand side of the abdomen
  • The digestive enzymes make the output from your stoma very corrosive, so protecting the skin around your stoma, or peristomal skin, is extremely important
  • An ileostomy may be temporary or permanent

Urostomy

A urostomy is a surgically created opening to drain urine. A urostomy allows urine to flow out of the body after the bladder has been removed or bypassed. The output from a urostomy is urine and possibly some mucus.

Here are a few additional facts:

  • A urostomy is usually located on the lower right-hand side of the abdomen
  • An ileal conduit is the most common type of urostomy. It is created by removing a short segment of the small intestine (ileum) and using it as a pipeline for urine to flow out of the body.
  • Another type of urinary diversion that’s less common is a colonic conduit. The principle is the same as the construction of an ileal conduit, only the large intestine is used for the pipeline.
  • A urostomy is generally a permanent ostomy

What you should know about your ostomy type

As you work with your healthcare team, you’ll learn more about living with your type of stoma, including how to establish a skin care routine, eat healthy, exercise, travel, and other important lifestyle tips.

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