An ostomy is a surgically created opening for bodily fluids to be collected outside the body.
Specialized nurses are important to those living with an ostomy or having wound and continence issues. They instruct you how to care for your wound and adapt to life changes after your surgery. They address digestive concerns and explain when you need to contact your doctor.
Common concerns for ostomy patients involve the pouch. Modern pouches are made of odor-proof plastic, alleviating concerns for patients smelling like the fluids collected. Regular activity is possible post ostomy. You can dress normally while wearing the pouch. Most patients wear a 10"-12" drainable pouch that gets emptied in the bathroom. There are 3" mini pouches designed for swimming and sex.
Listen in as ostomy nurse Mary Gloeckner shares what you need to know about living with a pouch.
Post-Ostomy Continuing Care
Ostomy surgery requires some life adjustments. Specialized nurses can help you return to an active lifestyle.
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 2
- Audio File: health_radio/1620ml4b.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Mary Gloeckner, RN
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Guest Bio:
Mary Gloeckner has been a Certified Ostomy/Wound Nurse Specialist for 40 years, completing her Enterostomal Therapy education at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1976. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 1975 and her Master’s in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin in 1979. She was the 1st Certified Ostomy Nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics pioneering in 1976. She lives in Moline, IL where she has been the Ostomy/Wound Specialist at a 500-bed community hospital for 33 years. She has been a member of the WOCN, World Council of Enterostomal Therapists, and Friends of Ostomates for 40 years. She served on the WOCN Certification Board from 2010-2014, and has been a member of the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel since 2011. She is Proud of her 3 children, who are all professionals in the medical field. Mary was chosen as the 2016 “Ostomy Nurse of the Year for the US” and will receive her Award at the WOCN Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada in June.
- Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: No
- Internal Notes: No website
- Host: Melanie Cole, MS
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