Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire IA

Hints & Tips We all have our own ways of managing our stoma, changing bags, watching what we eat etc. so why not share some of those things with other members. You may already know about some but by sharing those little things we do to make life easier, or more comfortable, we will help each other. Here's one to start us off, but if you have anything else you would like to add just fill in the form below and send your tip in. The Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire IA does not in any way endorse any products mentioned on this page.

Odour Control Adding one or two drops of peppermint essence into your bag will reduce, or even eliminate any odours that you may currently have. I use Peppermint oil from the Boots Botanics range, it costs around £4.55 a bottle and lasts up to three months. A small price to pay for the confidence it gives when out and about, or even in the comfort of your own home. Just add a couple of drops to a new bag, or to an existing drainable bag if odour occurs.

A similar product is now available through the drug tariff called Osto Mist Mint Drops (50ml dropper bottle) - code SPN5. It doesn't work as well as the peppermint but does do a good job of eliminating odour. Just don't put too much in the bag, it can cause slight leaks. Skin Management Have you ever found removing your base plate leaves your skin sore, especially if you have to do it frequently. Well for those that may not be aware, there are products available that assist in a pain free removal; products such as Niltac or Appeel come in spray or wipe form and when used in conjunction with barrier products such as Cavilon or LBF wipes, they help protect the skin form soreness. One interesting statistic from a National council lecture is that around 60% of stoma patients have skin problems, yet half of those people are unaware that it is even a 'problem'. Members are therefore encouraged to seek advice from their SCN if they feel they may have a skin issue Share your own hints and tips with members by using our feedback form.

Rehydration The St. Marks rehydration drink for ostomates is well established and the formula is as follows: Formula Glucose 20g ) Sodium Chloride 3½g ) made up to one litre with tap water Sodium Bicarbonate 2½g ) You can buy the powders from any community pharmacy and some supermarkets. Sodium Chloride is table salt which you may have in your home already. Sodium Bicarbonate is also known as Bicarbonate of Soda. They are cheaper to buy than to obtain on prescription (if you pay prescription charges). If you need to get these prescribed, please show your GP doctor this leaflet – the items will need to be prescribed as above. You will need to make up the solution fresh each day. A good alternative that is easily available can be made by adding 1 tablespoon of salt to a 500ml bottle of a sports isotonic drink makes for an excellent rehydration formula.