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Ostomy Basics: Your Essential Guide to Ostomy Care

Your guide to understanding

and gaining confidence with your ostomy

Free Video Library

Colostomy Surgery and Digestion 

Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear and approachable explanation of colostomy surgery and how the digestive system works.

 

by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC

and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit

Ileostomy Surgery and Digestion 

Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear, approachable explanation of Ileostomy surgery and its effects on the digestive system.

 

by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC

and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit

Stoma Construction

What is an End Stoma & Loop Stoma

Using an anatomical apron, this video provides a clear and approachable explanation of different stoma types and how they are created

 

by Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC

and Ostomy 101 Nonprofit

Ostomy Surgery: Emotional Journey

What to expect right after ostomy surgery

This video brings together an ostomy nurse’s expertise and a patient’s real-life experience to explore what to expect after ostomy surgery

 

By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit

What does a normal stoma look like?

A normal stoma is pink or red and moist. It has properties similar to those of the inside of the mouth.  It may have a slight amount of mucus or minor bleeding initially after surgery, but it should not be excessively painful or have a foul odor.

By Corstrata, Telemedicine WOC Nurses​

Is this Normal? -  Healthy Stoma & Skin

This video explains what a healthy stoma and surrounding skin should look and feel like, and when to contact an ostomy nurse.

 

By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit

Healthy skin around the stoma

Peristomal skin is the abdominal skin around your stoma.  It should look like the skin on the rest of the abdomen. It should be free of redness, irritation, or rashes.  

By Corstrata, Telemedicine WOC Nurses

Need Help?  
Certified Ostomy Nurses (WOCN) are available 
Ostomy Nurse
Virtual WOCN Appointments Available!
 
Compassionate, convenient, expert ostomy care.

What is a WOCN, and when to call one?

A WOCN (Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse) is a specialized nurse trained and certified to provide care and support for individuals with ostomies.

Call a WOCN if you experience persistent skin irritation, leakage, or if you're having trouble managing your stoma care. They can offer guidance on proper techniques and product use.

VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Learn more about Corstrata Telemedicine WOC Nurses

Corstrata Virtual Ostomy Support Services

Pouching Systems and Ongoing Supplies

What are the different types of ostomy pouching systems, how each one functions, how to request free ostomy product samples, and guidance on accessing ostomy supplies in the U.S.

 

By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit

What is all this extra stuff?

Learn about ostomy accessories. What they do and how they can help prevent leaks, protect your skin, and improve comfort. Barrier rings, paste, barrier strips, tapes

 

By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy 101 Inc. Nonprofit

Leaks & Troubleshooting

A do-it-yourself guide to managing leaks and sore skin at home.

MORE Ostomy Accessories & Problem Solvers

Pouch covers, stoma protectors, liners, and other helpful tools designed to make ostomy life easier.

How to Measure Your Stoma

Sizing your stoma

by Convatec

Hernias: This video explains why people with ostomies are at higher risk, shares four practical ways to help prevent them, and offers guidance on when to use a support belt, how to spot warning signs, and when it’s important to see your doctor.

By Star Harrison, RN, BSN, WOCN, and Ostomy101 Inc. Nonprofit

Ostomy Surgery

Navigating the Emotional Journey

Battling Fear & gaining confidence​

Surgeries Explained
Ostomy Skills Education from the American College of Surgeons

Welcome

What is an Ostomy?

Your Colostomy/Ileostomy Operation

Emptying a Colsotmy or Ileostomy Pouch

Colostomy/Ileostomy Pouching Systems

Changing a Colostomy or Ileostomy Pouch

Your Urostomy Operation

Urostomy Pouching Systems

Emptying a Urostomy Pouch

Ostomy Nutrition

Amalia Karlin Ostomate and Registered Dietitian 

Changing a Urostomy Pouch

Ostomy Nutrition Video Time Stamps

03:00 Speaker Introductions

05:20 Amalia's story (Ostomate)

06:30 Ostomy nutrition and reintroducing foods

09:08 Managing expectations

11:21 Hydration needs

14:00 Hydration and kidney health

20:13 Fiber

24:06 Food blockages

27:37 Quality of life considerations

33:54 Speaker ends

34:00 Audience questions and answers

1:35:00 End

Thank you to our sponsors who help make this comprehensive resource possible.

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Ostomy 101 Inc. 501c3 Nonprofit

A heartfelt thank you to Star Harrison, RN, BSN, CWOCN, the Ostomy Support Group of North San Diego County, the WOCN Society Pacific Coast Region, and the many dedicated clinicians who have generously volunteered their time and expertise. We are also deeply grateful to our supporters, whose contributions make it possible for Ostomy 101 to serve and empower ostomates worldwide.

Copyright 5/2018
All rights reserved.

Empowering Patients & Supporting Clinicians

​Ostomy 101 Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit and does not offer medical advice, nor does it endorse or recommend products, services, or companies.

It is intended solely as an informational resource.

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