SERVICES

UROLOGICAL RESOURCES

American Urological Association (AUA)
www.auanet.org
www.urologyhealth.org

National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC)
A Service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), NIH http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov

Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA)
www.suna.org

OSTOMY/UROLOGICAL SUPPLIES

Kilgore's Medical Pharmacy offers a full line of ostomy and urological supplies and products. Our staff is a great resource for you and can help you become knowledgeable about your health issues. We can help you understand the types of products and supplies available for you. We can even special order for you!

OSTOMY SELF CARE
A key component of ostomy self care is careful attention to your ostomy diet.

For a short while after your surgery, your physician may put you on a bland, easily digested diet.
As you return to a more typical diet, add foods in one at a time in small portions; be sure to drink plenty of fluid (64 ounces daily).
Avoid excessive snacking.
Eat meals at regular times and avoid fasting; take your time in eating so as to avoid swallowing air that can lead to excessive gas.
Chew your food thoroughly; the pieces that you swallow will often be the same size when eliminated.
Maintain a healthy weight and talk to your physician about how to modify your diet to lose weight, if needed.

Different foods affect your system in different ways.

Some foods are bulk forming; it's especially important to thoroughly chew these foods. Other foods are gas forming and/or have a laxative effect. Still other foods thicken output or combat or cause odor.

Here are ostomy tips to control flatulence, constipation and odor:

In the days following surgery, you'll MOST likely experience significant flatulence. As swelling goes down, this should lessen.

After that, to control gas, you can:

Avoid swallowing air by eating slowly and not chewing gum.
Cut back on gas-producing foods.
Eat smaller meals, 4 or 5 times a day, if needed.
Avoid skipping meals.
Ask your physician about products that help reduce flatulence.

To reduce odors:

Select an odor-resistant ostomy bag.
Frequently empty and/or change your ostomy bag.
Add ostomy deodorizer liquids or tablets to your ostomy bag and consider using ostomy deodorizer sprays when changing your ostomy bag.

To avoid constipation:

Drink 64 ounces of water daily.
Ensure that your ostomy diet has plenty of high fiber foods, including whole grain bread, vegetables and cereals.

Consult with your physician for further information.