The Link between Anxiety and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease IBD describes two kinds of bowel disorders ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The symptom of the two diseases includes diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and severe abdominal pain. In ulcerative, inflammation occurs only in the inner mucosa and starts from the anus and extends to the colon.

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can occur at any place in the digestive tract. The symptom of the disease includes fatigue, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition and weight loss. Crohn's disease inflammation occurs in a different part of the digestive tract. The inflammation spread further to the layers of the bowel.

Studies show that there is a link between anxiety and IBD. Besides the physical symptoms, patients also experience psychological comorbidities. Most people with inflammatory bowel diseases are more likely to get depression or anxiety. Research shows that IBD patients were more likely to get depression and anxiety than the general public. The occurrence of anxiety was higher, especially for patients with Crohn's disease. IBD patients who get proper treatment are less likely to get anxiety.

Some factors can cause patients with IBD to develop psychological stress, anxiety disorder, surgery, poor socioeconomic status, active disease, and increasing age. Patients that are more likely to develop anxiety are those with an Ostomy. Patients with Ostomy have increased psychological problems and reduced quality of life. The disorder requires adequate treatment.

Depression and anxiety are linked to adverse clinical effects such as reduced quality of life, recurrent flares, and reduced adherence to treatment. Most IBD patients undergo surgery which may cause psychological stressors. Surgical-related stress may occur; this includes high caregiver burden, lost work time, financial security, and transforming body image.

What's Ostomy? 

Ostomy is a surgery that leaves a permanent or temporal opening in the skin to remove body wastes. The surgical opening is created if the digestive system stops functioning due to an injury or disease.

The Effect of GI Disorders

IBD is a bowel disease and causes physiological effects on the body. The IBD patients also experience irritable bowel syndrome. Psychological symptoms mainly occur in individuals with functional GI disorders.

A patient can have both symptoms. Studies show that IBD patients were more likely to have at least one GI disorder, a common condition for patients with anxiety and IBD.

Treating Anxiety and IBD

Studies recommend physicians consider if the IBD patients also have a functional disorder. Physicians are advised to check the symptoms of the two conditions. They can also look for any symptoms or signs of inflammations and offer treatments.

If symptoms remain, it's an indication of a functional disorder, and the doctor should provide treatment for the condition. Most patients often avoid bringing up their psychological symptoms because of social stigma, and they end up untreated and undiagnosed for a long time.

Gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other medical practitioners take care of IBD patients. If IBD patients are not attended to at the right time, the illness may lead to more disability. Individuals with IBD need to notify a physician to diagnose and treat the disease together with the existing anxiety disorder. The study recommends medical practitioners to use formal screening questionnaires to identify anxiety patients with IBD. Treatment of IBD patients should include therapy, medication for IBD, and anxiety.

Gearing up for beach season with your stoma

It is 2021 and most of us are ready to get back to being in the sun and enjoying the beach.  For the most part of the country the beaches just opened up across the majority of the country and I am so excited to get myself down to one.  Yes, the covid-19 pandemic has pretty much ended and people are actually getting back to normal.  But I am not a Debby downer and know that it is really not harmful to anyone under 65.  Welcome to the truth of 2021.  Now let's not talk about all the riots, I think that is going to be a done deal here soon as well.  The weather is simply too nice to stay inside and let me tell you if you have a stoma you shouldn't want to not go to the beach because of that!  It is really silly that some people think so little of themselves that a stoma does not make them beautiful.  That is something you should just stop, just stop.  You are beautiful and can not only look and feel good about yourself with a stoma but should! There is no room for people to be judgy at the beach.  Instead, enjoy the best part of your life.  Body shaming is lame no matter what you look like!  It is 2020 so get your ostomy care on and get yourself to the beach. 

Now because you have a stoma you need to think about all the things that actually matter and you will need to make a few plans.  Some things I do like to keep on me when I go to the beach are the regular things.  One if I am going to be getting in my swimsuit I do like to either use a smaller bag or a stoma cap for the water and beach.  This is 100% personal preference and you need to do what works best for your body and your look.  Now when I way 60 pounds over what I should most likely I am not going shirtless with a stoma cap, but you do you.  It also helps to know your own personal schedule if you know what I mean.  This can allow you to rock out with less gear on and show your body off instead of your bag!  But in all seriousness ostomy care is important and also keeping your skin protected is also important.  So for goodness sake wear sunscreen!  It really is a big deal and should be a big part of your routine.  You really, really and I mean really do now want a sunburn around your stoma.  That will flat out make your life not fun for a few days.  Cancer is a big deal and a sunburn on your stoma is really something you should call your doctor on to make sure no damage is done too much.  

Carry your gear safely too. That means that I want to keep all of my gear in a waterproof bag or pouch.  This is pretty easy to do and it also helps to make sure sand stays out of it as well.  So if you bring a backpack or a beach bag, I prefer to have a plastic container inside of it with my ostomy gear. And I like to put my gear in a ziplock bag inside of the container.  Double up and keep your stuff water and sand proof so no health issues happen. 

Understanding The Process Of Bowel Irrigation

A process known as irrigation is used specifically for the management of bowels in patients who currently have colostomy. Its main purpose is to clean out a bowel in order to promote regular movement of the bowel. Eventually, the bowel will adapt to this process so you will not “go” shortly after performing bowel irrigation.

Some cases have been documented where individuals have not had a bowel movement for three days once irrigation had been performed regularly. For most people, the longest is two days and during this time individuals with colostomy are able to provide better stoma management. Another benefit of irrigation involves the ability to downsize your colostomy bag from the size that you normally use.

Who is irrigation right for?

In order to irrigate your bowel properly you must have the following:

• Authorization from your healthcare provider

• Tolerance that allows the process to be performed

• Great eye-hand coordination

• A colostomy located in the lower colon and able to turn out bowel that is mostly solid

 

You need to realize that irrigation will not be appropriate for everybody. There will also be factors that determine your ability to perform the irrigation such as certain existing health issues like Crohn’s disease or undergoing cancer treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.

 

Beginning the Irrigation Process

 

As you begin the irrigation process you should consult with your healthcare provider first to make certain that irrigation would be appropriate for your situation.

 

Most of the time irrigation can be performed if you have fully healed from your colostomy surgery, no current treatments are needed, and no other treatment types are needed afterwards. The soonest that an irrigation can be begun is no sooner than two months after your procedure.

 

Being Shown how to Irrigate

 

Your healthcare provider will provide education on how to self-irrigate and which method would be the best for your situation. Being able to carry out irrigation exactly as instructed will make the difference between being able to handle it or not. If you have any doubt, you need to make sure to consult your healthcare provider for clarification.

 

Advantages Associated with Irrigating

 

Irrigating bowels has many advantages associated with it such as the following:

 

• Can decrease the issues that are related to ostomy bag leaks including “pancaking” issues.

• Enables the patient to save money on ostomy supplies by allowing them to wear bags that are not as big as before. This will increase self-confidence in a major way.

• Enables you to choose your own schedule to irrigate so that you will be able to maintain continence.

• Patients are able to manage their own bowel movements

 

Things to keep in mind

 

• In order for irrigation to be beneficial, it needs to be carried out regularly at the same time and duration. If any break occurs in the schedule, then a sudden bowel movement could occur.

• Having diarrhea can still commonly occur when you have completed an irrigation session. Make sure that you have supplies ready just in case.

• The amount of time required for the irrigation can be consuming and last at least 30 minutes from start to finish.

 

 

 

Dentist with an ostomy

As a dentist with an ostomy bag, life has been relatively simple, all things being considered. I’m glad that having this pouch has not prevented me from doing the things I love as well as my job. I’m an orthodontist and work at a fantastic office surrounded by so many great people. About five years ago now I developed colon cancer that required me to get a permanent ostomy bag. It rocked my world, but I overcame the struggles, and I continue to push forward. 

About five years ago now, I had some odd pains when I would need to have bowel movements. Every time I went to the bathroom, it was painful for me. After about a week of this, I scheduled an appointment with my doctor. When I had my appointment, I was never thinking of what the cause of my pains was. The doctor wanted to get a scan of me to see if he could see anything. When the scan came back, the doctor had a look of shock on his face. That is not something you want to see on a doctor’s face. He told me I had a large mass of cancer in my colon. The choices I had were not the best, but I get it. It was all they could really do. The doctor told me I could do radiation therapy, surgery to remove the mass, or surgery to remove my colon all together and get an ostomy. I went with having my colon removed as I know many people who have had both of the other treatments and no change in their situation. I got the surgery scheduled. 

When I came back for my procedure, it was relatively quick. I only remember going into the operating room and the doctors getting situated. The next thing I know, I’m in my own room resting. I looked down to see the scars that would remain as well as the new addition being my stoma and ostomy bag. After a few days, I was able to go home and get back to work. I did not have any problems my first few days before. It was really just trying to get back into the swing of things. 

I was glad to be back at work as it helped me forget my new situation. I was open with my coworkers and boss about it. I told them how I had developed cancer and chose to have my colon removed and get an ostomy bag. They asked me so many questions I was glad to educate them. Putting braces on people’s teeth does not really affect my ostomy bag. I can not easily reach to my right as that is where my ostomy bag is located. It more or less restricts my movement. To combat this, I just move my tools close to me, but I need to be careful and not accidentally hit them as that would leave a big mess and be annoying to clean. 

As a dentist with an ostomy bag, life is not much different than it was before. I’m glad to have caught the cancer before it spread anymore. It has been five years since my diagnosis, and I’m still cancer free! I believe that I made the right choice to remove my colon entirely as the cancer may have spread to other vital organs, thus doing more damage. 

Don't Let Lockdowns or Your Stoma Keep You trapped

The weather is always changing and it brings great joy to most people.  The ability to be out in nature is a true gift and one that those in the United States love.  It is getting to be the time of year when the temperature starts to lower and my heart begins to long to be outside.  Many people get this feeling in summer, but I like to hike and be in the woods and that is very hard to do happily in the summer.  So when fall hits my heart jumps.  Some may find this a little controversial because I have a stoma.  Yes, I had ostomy surgery for a big reason and it saved me.  I now do have an extra thing to worry about and to prepare for when I go outside.  It can be made to sound really complicated and even dangerous.  The reality is that having a stoma is not that complicated.  It takes a learning curve.  Learning how to deal with your stoma is not fun at first but it is a quick learn.  

Since we are all special and not all stomas are the same plan accordingly. What works for me may not work for you and your medical provider is the best place to start for information.  We all have different issues and some need more specific answers.  So when I learn a new piece of information I know that it may not work for me.  I like to use specific ostomy bags and different sizes and materials for different occasions.  My skin is rather sensitive and it has made me do a lot of research on how I can live a safe and clean life.  It is important to put health first so I can then enjoy the outdoors. It does take some learning to be safe, but it is a learning curve.  Once you have it down the learning doesn't need to be so steep. Keep searching for the best gear for you.

 Don't live with old knowledge.  Take the time to ask a new major online manufacturer up once in a while and see what is new or what they would suggest for say a hard hike.  If you are in higher elevation see if they have any new materials that help the bag deal with changing pressure.  If they don't have an answer, maybe your question will lead to some more research and new development being made.  It is a win for everyone because we all benefit from it.  I find that when these companies give advice they also back it up with samples for you to try.  If it works well then you may have found a better way of being outside and for me that all comes down to trust.  I learn a lot of new things and have found my life has been better for it.

Going hiking is fun and even it I do a very complicated and maybe even dangerous trail, the last thing I want to worry about is my ostomy bag and belt set up.  I want to be focused on not falling off a mountain or slipping down the side of a cliff.  I have been close to all of those scenarios and my ostomy gear was the last thing on my mind due to trust. Use what works for you and enjoy your hobbies. 

Why Travelling With Ostomy 04 Is Not Stressful Nowadays

Having an ostomy condition may limit your movement, especially traveling to foreign places. Such countries may not have Ostomy supplies in case yours deplete. Moreover, fewer stoma supplies inconvenience your health status. However, here is the guide that medics provide to a traveling Ostomy individual.

Ensure That the Ostomy Materials Are Enough

By considering supplies like pouches, these items need to be changed frequently. With the consultation of a doctor, you require proper planning for the number of materials to carry. That situation is further worsened with the change of climate and diet in some places. On the warm temperature, the pouches become unstuck hence unable to hold the waste appropriately. Some diet you feed triggers constipation. For that situation, it is worthwhile to carry more waste bags. Therefore, it is wise for the patient to make a prior arrangement with the stoma supplier to have the items delivered in time before traveling.

Pack your stoma materials in hand luggage

These items are sensitive and must be present at all times. Situations may arise that the suitcase you packed the supplies disappears. That would be hurting especially that the supplies are unavailable in most countries. Use hand luggage instead, which is portable, and you are allowed to carry it to carry on board. If you do not have one, the airline offers hand luggage for urgent medical situations. In this case, adhesive removal wipes are preferable to sprays. Bulk sprays cannot fit the hand luggage, but if they are 100ml or less, they are compatible with the luggage. Moreover, the use of the clear plastic container is valid with the sprays. With the scissors restricted from the plane, you can snip the bag before boarding.

Access a RADAR key card

It is embarrassing if your pouch leaks because you have no access to toilet facilities. For those traveling in the UK, the use of the RADAR key helps you to access any toilet facilities and change your ostomy pouch. This key is a large, silver-coated tool that opens more than ten thousand toilets in the UK. The government designs these objects for disabled and people with health complications. Furthermore, using the key alarms other toilet users that you need to use the facility urgently. There is also a digital way of accessing lavatories. That is by the use of a ‘just can't wait ‘card application in the phone, the app comes with google maps showing the location of the nearest lavatory.

Carry with you travel insurance and EHIC cards.

The risk of an ostomy person having a medical failure is high. That is because of the change in atmospheric pressure when a plane flies at a higher altitude. Having an EHIC card and travel policy is right for you. The insurance company will cover any medical fees if your health falters. Therefore it is significant to disclose your medical history to the company, especially a stroma condition. That helps them even arrange for ostomy supplies if they are inadequate.

Always carry bottled water when onboard

Severe cases like diarrhea and stomach upset inconvenience your comfort traveling. That is not to mention the number of times you change the pouch. Using bottled water relives such conditions. The water also prevents constipation in a patient. Carrying a travel kettle is also significant in warming the bottled water.

 

 

What are incisional Hernias

Incisional hernias are usually results of surgeries involving ostomies. In this, a portion of the intestine does end up inside your incision, and then the intestine comes through the incision that wasn’t totally closed up, or that wasn’t fully sealed, which leads to an opening or defect. Ostomy patients who develop this may have this happen anytime years after surgery, or right after. 

After Laparotomy 

While there are new and new advances in techniques involving surgeries and stomas, there is still a risk for incisional hernias, and it is pretty high. This is because the long-term results of these usually are not optimal, and there is more and more emphasis on how to prevent this more than treatment. Hernia prevention is usually done through suture techniques when you’re closing, and of course understanding the incidence of these hernias during laparotomy. 

Because there is a chance that the abdominal cavity will be incised in order to get to the contents, during this there is a chance that the edges of the sound and the abdominal wall will be sutured together, closing off the skin there. The defect usually creates a scar in your abdominal wall, pressure in the abdominal cavity, and of course, if you defecate, vomit, or cough, this also may facilitate this as well. 

Incisional hernias do affect the life of the patient, and it results in issues with discomfort and self-esteem. This can account for up to 20% of complications in terms of surgery, and results in patients needing to further restrict the work and other activities. There is also the cosmetic concerns which go with this, and the quality of life is affected greatly. This also can cause bowel obstruction, strangulation, or incarceration, which means you may need to have surgery once again. 

Risk Factors 

The risk factors usually involve different actions that impact the wound healing, issues with pulmonary function, and of course higher pressure of the in abdominal area. If you have a BMI greater than 25, are male over the age of 60., have diabetes, jaundice, immunosuppression, lung problems which are chronic, are an organ transplant patient, have experienced steroid therapy or chemo, you are more at risk for an incisional hernia. 

There is also the fact that if the wound does get infected, or if you have a problem with the sutures, this may occur too. Lifestyle factors also play a part in it. Those who smoke or have nutritional deficiencies typically deal with incisional hernias a whole lot more than others may do so, and it can put you at risk for those. 

Symptoms 

The biggest symptom is a large bulge near the abdominal cavity. It can look disturbing, but not every instance is painless. It may not be painful if you’re resting or not dealing with movement. However, once you start to move, it can actually cause you some pain. Vomiting, your ostomy being blocked so you’re not seeing secretions and the like also may come with this, which means you should contact the healthcare provider right away. 

Sometimes, you have no symptoms, other times you may have some major symptoms, which in that case, you will definitely want to go in and check with a doctor if that’s the case. Planning for surgical approaches to fix this may involve talking to the patient about this, and if there is a history of this happening, you may need a CT scan and the like to help with this, since it can actually help to figure out the problems at hand. It is serious and should be treated as such.