When to Contact Your Stoma Nurse
Your stoma care nurse can be a valuable resource when you need help. Learn about the common issues and symptoms that warrant a call for assistance.
Learn when to contact your stoma nurse
Your stoma care nurse has the specialized training to help you care for your ostomy and address any issues that arise. These professionals are also known as “WOC” (wound, ostomy, and continence) or “ET” (enterostomal therapy) nurses. Stoma care nurses are there to help you make a smooth transition after surgery, and can give you the training you need to care for your ostomy at home. You should consider them your “go-to” resource for ostomy care education, consultation, and troubleshooting.
When to contact your stoma nurse
Not every ostomy care challenge warrants contacting your stoma care nurse, but certain issues are causes for concern and should be assessed by a trained professional. Connect with your stoma care nurse if you notice any of the following problems:
Potential Issue
|
With This Type of Ostomy
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Skin irritation
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Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
|
A bulge in the skin around your stoma
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Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
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Recurrent pouching system leaks
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Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
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Excessive stoma bleeding
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Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy
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Blood in your stool
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Colostomy, Ileostomy
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Blood in your urine
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Urostomy
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Persistent diarrhea
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Colostomy, Ileostomy
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Diarrhea with pain or vomiting
|
Colostomy, Ileostomy
|
For more information on stoma care nurses, visit the
Nurses Specializing in Wound, Ostomy and Continence Canada website.
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