Videos

There are countless helpful ostomy videos available on YouTube and other sites. The following are a few of the ones I think are great. To find even more, just Google “ostomy videos” or use specific search terms that fit your needs, like “changing an ostomy pouch.”

A Quick Explanation: Colostomy, Ileostomy, Urostomy (6:42 mins)

This was produced by an organization that no longer exists, Ostomy Lifestyle, but thankfully their videos remain on YouTube. This one is a wonderful visual explanation of ostomies – very clear, understandable, and informative.

Colectomy and Colostomy (3:13 mins)

This is one of a series of “Playdough surgery” videos put out by a mother in California (a doctor) to explain surgical procedures to her young son, but it’s a fabulous demonstration for people of all ages.

Core exercises with an Ostomy by Elaine O’Rourke (25:25 mins)

Presented by an expert yoga teacher who has an ileostomy. Elaine carefully explains the benefit of each exercise, and how to do it. It’s like taking a class in your own home.

Living with an Ostomy (16:59 mins)

A production of the United Ostomy Associations of America, Inc. (UOAA). This is a great overview, featuring ostomates of different ages discussing their experiences.

Ostomy: Care at Home (19:35 mins)

Produced by the Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, this video contains guidelines for patients and families of children with ostomies. It provides good information on how ostomies work, daily care tips, and dealing with complications.

Ostomy Youth Camp (3:10 mins)

A partnership between Ostomy Canada Society and Nurses Specialized in Wound, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC), this is a unique and exciting summer opportunity for young people, between the ages of 9 and 18, with an ostomy or related special needs. The camp is located southwest of Calgary, Alberta, and attracts young ostomates from across Canada and beyond. To download a camp brochure, click here.

Parastomal hernia prevention – core exercise techniques (9:05 mins)

Presented by a personal fitness trainer who’s had a colostomy. She demonstrates exercises that are recommended for both pre- and post- ostomy surgery.

Peristomal Skin Complications (51 mins – plus about another 13 mins of questions answered on the original webinar)

A long but very thorough overview, presented by a wound care nurse. Teaches recognition, management, treatment, and prevention of all types of peristomal skin complications. Warning: Many graphic images, but if you may be dealing with one of these complications, that’s the best way to recognize it. For some reason I can’t explain, it seems to open midway through the film, but it’s easy to grab the red line at the bottom of the screen and move it back to the beginning.