FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answers to many frequently asked questions are below. We hope it will serve as a good starting point. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. A large portion of what we do is geared towards providing information and options, and reducing the fear of the unknown. You are not alone. We are here to help.

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What is an Ostomy?

An ostomy is a surgically created opening on the abdomen for the discharge of body wastes (due to diseases, trauma or birth defects of the intestines or urinary tract). This new ostomy opening is called a stoma, which is a bypass route for excretion. There are three ostomy types- a colostomy (opening in the large bowel), an ileostomy (opening in the small bowel) and a urostomy (a bypass of the urinary tract). Ostomies may be permanent or temporary.

People with an ostomy wear an appliance or pouch over their stoma to collect body wastes (stool or urine).

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What is an ET Nurse?

An Enterostomal Therapy (ET) Nurse, or Wound Ostomy Continence (WOCN) Nurse specializes in the care of people with ostomies, wounds, or with continence problems (control of the bladder or bowel).

Pre-operatively, the ET nurse explains the surgical procedure, the impact an ostomy has on a person’s life, and explains the basics of ostomy management, sexual counseling and stoma site selection.

Postoperatively, the ET nurse instructs the patient and family in ostomy care, diet, travel, intimacy, and any other information, which will help the person to incorporate the ostomy into the person’s life.

For long term care, ET nurses provide follow up care for as long as the person has an ostomy. This care includes, ongoing counseling, education, updating appliances, and skin problem awareness.

Your stoma is as individual as you are. The ET nurses at the Ostomy Care and Supply Centre will help you to sort through the information you get from the internet, friends, family and other ostomates to ensure you are provided with accurate information specific for you and your needs.

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When to see an ET nurse?

We provide follow up care for as long as you have your ostomy.

We recommend you see us:

  • for an annual checkup,
  • any weight gain or loss of ten pounds,
  • for the latest appliances and accessories,
  • if you have appliance leakage,
  • if you have skin irritation, sores, wounds or rashs in the stoma area,
  • if you have a hernia or bulge in the stoma area,
  • or just to talk and get information about intimacy, diet, or lifestyle.

Our ET Nurses are available to assist you to know more about:

  • skin problems,
  • skin care,
  • ostomy products,
  • appliance fittings,
  • solutions to leakage,
  • odour and gas management,
  • hernia belts,
  • custom belt fittings,
  • dietary questions,
  • intimacy concerns,
  • life style management,
  • emotional counseling,
  • tips to make life with an ostomy easier.

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I have an ostomy and am gay. Is there anyone out who would understand my concerns?

Your ET or WOCN nurse like myself, Muriel and Lisa, deal with people from varying backgrounds, beliefs, sexual orientation and cultures. Each one of us is unique.

There is an excellent website that maybe a good resource for you. www.glo-uoaa.org.

The GLO website can be used by individuals seeking information, chapters looking for a trained visitor or for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of the Gay or Lesbian ostomate.