Blog posts of '2016' 'December'

What is Ostomy Paste? Ostomy paste is actually not a paste at all. It is the consistency of paste that is used more like a caulk than a glue or an adhesive. The caulk like paste is used to fill in uneven skin contours to help create a flatter surface. A flatter surface is important because the ostomy wafer will adhere better if it is completely flush against your abdomen. The ostomy wafer will not stay in place if there are gaps between the wafer and your skin. If there are gaps, the ostomy wafer can become dislodged completely or it can start to leak.

Urinary catheters are thin flexible tubes used to drain urine from the body. Catheters have been around for a long time, according to URO Today Urology News: "Catheters were used as early as 3,000 B.C. to relieve painful urinary retention. In those times, many materials were used to form a hollow catheter shape, including straw, rolled up palm leaves, hollow tops of onions, as well as, gold, silver, copper, brass, and lead. Malleable catheters were developed in the 11th century. In time, silver was used as the basis of catheters as it could be bent to any desired shape and was felt to have an antiseptic function." I am relieved that no one has to cath using roll up palm leaves anymore! Over time catheters have become more comfortable and they are made of silicone or latex red rubber.

What are T.E.D. Anti-Embolism Stockings? T.E.D. stockings are an abbreviation for "thromboembolism-deterrent". They are stockings designed and worn to support the venous and lymphatic drainage of the leg, which means when you are recovering in bed these stockings will help stop blood clots from forming. If you are non-ambulatory then the gradient compression is combined with the actual muscle pump effect of your calf, these two things work together to help circulate blood and lymph fluid through your legs. T.E.D. stockings are available in knee and thigh length. As far as which you should wear, you will want to speak to your doctor about which is better for your hospital stay as well as your recovery. Blood clots can form for up to six weeks following surgery or an extended hospital stay so you will want to continue using T.E.D stockings after you leave the hospital. T.E.D. stockings are like all compression stockings and socks, in order for them to work they require accurate sizing. It is a good idea to learn how to take accurate measurements from a compression stockings and socks buyer's guide.

Condom catheters are a urinary catheter that is worn on the penis for the treatment of incontinence. Men who can no longer retain urine can use external catheters without having to wear adult incontinence briefs. External condom catheters are worn and when they are connected to a leg bag via extension tubing they funnel and collect urine away from the body. Most commonly external condom catheters are made of either silicone or latex and they are self-adhering, which means there is adhesive on the inside of the catheter that allows it to stay on the outside of the penis. External catheters are not a one-size-fits-all item. You will need to take measurements. In order to use condom catheters, you will need to gather some medical supplies, such as tubing and a leg bag. Just like using any medical device, using external male condom catheters has a learning curve. Be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to contact your medical team or an online medical supply for information on how to best use condom catheters.