Changing Pouches

• By Ridgeruner
• Reply 3373809
• September 14, 2012 at 12:43 am
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Hey
I felt the same way for the first 6 or 8 weeks after getting an Ileostomy (June 21st of this year). I was to the point that if it wasn't for God and family I swear I would have committed suicide. Then it got better. After a lot of trial and error I found a system that was more comfortable and dependable for me (marlen ultramax), and it just seemed to get a little better everyday. If I had it to do over again, I might not do the surgery, but thats hindsight now and I pray everyday that I have the strength to not look backwards. Going back to work and having things occupy my mind helped, but it was hard going when I had no confidence in the bagging system. Figuring that out will make a huge difference in the way you perceive things. I still pray often for the grace to handle the mental/emotional stress of this, I really don't know how people who don't have God in their lives do it. I'm not that strong. Anyway, I pray things will get better for you and your family.
Ridge

• By HappyS (Inactive)
• Reply 3373983
• September 14, 2012 at 4:34 am
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Holly,

The best way to measure your stoma (which will change size anyway - shrink - over the next few months is either
1. Use a plastic geometry set with circles and the size marked. These are accurate and don't cut the stoma. Card can.
2 Best method use baking paper draw a circle a bit smaller than your stoma. Make a hole in the centre then cut from the centre to
the circle so that you finish up with what looks like petals. Rub some lipstick around the base of your stoma. Push the paper
funnel down and push around the stoma. Take it off, put it on a clean sheet of paper - rub - you have the exact outline of your
stoma.

I've no idea why stomas erupt quite often when we change - maybe all the poking is like a massage. Anyway, if this happens I wrap a strip of gauze around it while I get on - works for me. I use Convatec Natura wafer and pouch and find it easy - maybe call Convatec and get some samples. I tried using a ring once and could not manage it. If you don't need it to fill dips try without.

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3374174
• September 14, 2012 at 7:56 am
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Hi Holly - I had trouble getting used to it, as well. Finally I have a routine where I prepare a gauze pad with longish strips of tape criss-crossed over it and put it on the bathroom sink while I shower. The first thing I do when getting out of the shower is patting dry as possible around the stoma, and slapping on the gauze pad. Then I can dry the rest of me, including my hair, without "Buddy" leaking all over the floor and towel. I lie down on the bed with a couple of pillows under my head so I can see my stoma, and only use skin prep and an Eakin ring which stretches to snuggle right up to the stoma, and then apply a convex Convatec barrier and pouch. All these things I gather on the bed before removing the old appliance and getting in the shower. It is important to shower with soap that has no lotion or cream in it - I use Irish Spring. I also keep a box of Kleenex on the bed in case I have some leaking while putting the barrier, etc. Then I just relax and hold my hand over the whole thing for 20 minutes, which is the amount of time stressed by my WCON, who worked with me to clear up some sores I had from frequent changing. The ring, and not using powder of any kind, now allow me to confidently change only every 3 or 4 days. I also try to do this when I notice there is no, or hardly any, output from Buddy. Last time he leaked all the while I was showering, but it just went down the drain, and by the time I got out he was all through. One more tip - if you use a 2-piece system, rub just a tiny bit of lotion around the barrier ring and your pouch will just snap on easily. I used to get so frustrated that it would take me 5 minutes to get it on right - and the WCON gave me that tip.

Hugs from Marge

• By alan41241
• Reply 3374217
• September 14, 2012 at 8:12 am
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I guess I'm just lucky. I have never had a problem with my pouch or ring. I, too, get everything ready before I begin the change. I sit on the toilet lid to change "Buster." I go through all the steps the my ostomy nurse showed me and am done in about ten minutes. Only a couple of times did Buster want to spit at me while I was changing. I scolded him, cleaned up, and went on. I usually change on Tuesdays and Saturdays, rarely have a leak, and Buster gives me no problems between changes. When I'm finished, I used a wash cloth that I have gotten wet with really hot water, wring it out, fold it into fours, and hold it on the whole area where the appliance is adhered to my body. That seems to make everything stick together as it should.
I remember when I first started I thought I would never learn all the steps of changing my pouch. It just seemed to be overwhelming. Then I realized that hundreds of thousands of people change their pouch every day and I could learn, too. I watched my nurse as she did it for several weeks then she watched me do it. Finally, she told me she wanted me to already have the pouch changed before she got here. That was my first time doing it alone. I have no problems then and none since.
Blessings,
Alan

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3374289
• September 14, 2012 at 8:36 am
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Good Morning Alan - when I worked with the WCON she handed me a rather large mirror so I could watch what she was doing. I would recommend to anyone that they look up a WCON if they have any problems with application or sores, etc. It was the best thing I did after I had problems with "Buddy". Thank goodness I am now down to 3 or 4 days wear - previously it was sometimes every day - and a couple of times twice a day! It seems like such an accomplishment to shower and change, knowing all is secure and will remain that way for several days. Hugs from Marge

• By JoePockets
• Reply 3374305
• September 14, 2012 at 8:44 am
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Hi Holly,
Everyone is different, yet similar in styles for changing. I have all the supplies for the new bag ready before the shower. This includes pre cutting the Flange's opening to size. I shower, and while in the shower, remove the old bag. I let the warm water cleanse of the stoma and anything hanging around it. I then place a 1/4 sheet paper towel around the stoma during toweling off the rest of my body.
I sit on the edge of the tub, remove the 1/4 paper towel, and apply the skin prep. I too use an Eakin seal on the flange. I stand up infront of a mirror and apply the flange to my body. I then snap on the bag. (I use a 2 piece Hollister).

I find it helps not to eat solids after 6pm when I know I am changing the next day. This has eliminated output dutring changing.
Good luck.

My stoma got bigger as the time went on and not smaller. I had to re-adapt sizing for about a year before it settled down. Most people, it shrinks. I am so lucky.

• By hrcamacho
• Reply 3374431
• September 14, 2012 at 9:33 am
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Thanks guys. I guess I just need practice. IT's been a bumpy road, and though I try to stay positive, I had to sit and cry last night. I guess I'm in mourning. I try not to do it in front of my kids, and stay strong for them. I pray that it does get easier. I want to go back to work. I want to feel normal again. I feel like crap, and can't seem to get used to this. I have more gas than I did before. My tummy makes more noises than before, I just a general feeling of garbage.

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3374582
• September 14, 2012 at 10:23 am
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Holly - I think we have all been there, done that, to various degrees. I broke down when I had to change "Buddy" 9 times in a week, resulting in weepy blisters and a poor seal. I have finally got to the point where I don't have to use any powder, my skin is clear, and with skin prep and an Eakin seal I can go 3 to 4 days before I have to change. But it has taken me 9 months and working with a WCON to get to this point. I didn't have anywhere near the medical problems you have had - my thoughts and prayers are with you to finally get to where you feel as good as I do. I will never be more than 90%, have accepted it, and try to live as normal life as I can, including playing as much golf as I feel like. It is one thing that drew my husband and me together when we met on Match.com 9 1/2 years ago. Hugs from Marge

• By alan41241
• Reply 3374601
• September 14, 2012 at 10:31 am
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Yes, Holly, you probably do just need some more time. I know how disappointing and disgusting it can get but there is light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train. I thought I would never learn all the steps of changing my pouch but I did. Now, I can almost do it in my sleep.
Blessings,
Alan

• By xxlarry47
• Reply 3374612
• September 14, 2012 at 10:37 am
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Sorry for your troubles. I've had an ileostomy for about 8 years now and I always shower when I change my pouch, usually in the morning before I have eaten anything. I am tall enough to stand at the bathroom sink and have my stoma about 6" over the edge of the sink counter. Before I shower, I put the paste in a glass of hot water to soften it and I place my one piece Cymed pouch close to a night light that is on the vanity to warm and soften the wafer. I then strip off the old and jump into the shower. If anything erupts, so be it, down the drain it goes. I dry off my head and shoulders (no product endorsement intended) and then step up to the sink. I have a plastic bag draped over the edge of the counter to catch anything that might come out and to get all the trash involved. I wipe dry with tissue, apply Sween Cream and rub in well, dry with an oriental hand fan, wipe dry with tissue, dry with fan again, apply the skin barrier wipe ( at this point I would sparingly dab on any powder where need for a sore area. I would never apply powder to the whole area because it would obviously keep the pouch from sticking.), apply paste to the wafer on the pouch, and finally using a small shaving mirror, apply the pouch over my stoma. Since the paste and the wafer are warm and soft, I get an excellent fit and don't need to hold it in place for a significant period of time. I usually get 5-7 days between changes, but lately I have been having itching problems and have had to change as often as daily : (
I empty my pouch standing when I urinate (as needed) and don't rinse the inside. The Cymed pouch allows you to turn the open end back (like rolling up your sleeves one turn) and wipe everything clean when finished. I ALWAYS repeat ALWAYS use an O-ring to keep the clip shut. I had a clip come off at really bad time ( remember, the rule is not "IF" you will have an accident but "WHEN" you will have an accident. Everyone will have one eventually, same as riding a motorcycle.), but that's another story.
It's work to keep everything running correctly but, in my case, life is better without the UC.
Take care, Larry

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3374626 · In reply to 3374612 by xxlarry47
• September 14, 2012 at 10:42 am
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Hi Larry - "when" not "if" is why I advise us ladies to wear a Depends pull-up panty to bed at night. Even when I had an accident at night, I never had to change any bed linen - just throw the messy stuff away, shower, change, and go back to sleep - with a feeling of security. I don't know if this would work for men - since I am not one! LOL Hugs from Marge

• By alan41241
• Reply 3374726
• September 14, 2012 at 11:16 am
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With that soft, pretty face, are you sure you're not one, Marge?!! lol
Blessings,
Alan

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3374813
• September 14, 2012 at 11:39 am
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I'll ask Herb to check it out when he gets home from the golf course, Alan!

• By tjane
• Reply 3375008
• September 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm
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Holly I was having trouble like Marge getting a bag to not leak. I went to the WOCN and found out I had a dip in my skin. Just a little paste in that area along with an Ekin seal does the trick. But I learned a trick from reading some post that they use a hairdryer to dry ther skin and skin prep. Also to warm the ekin seal and the flange on the bag. I don't know why the hair dryer works maybe the warm air activates the adhesive or make it more modeable but it worked for me. Like everyone else I try and get everything ready before hand. Another trick I do Is I got one of those 3 drawer platic carts on wheels to put everything in. I can roll that up to my bed where I change my bag and if I forgot to get something I have my cart right there. I too was very frustrated inthe beginning. I think we are all. It takes time to find your own routine. Try not to panic and take a deep breath You too can do this. I know this will be possible for you too. Do you have any home health care coming to see you and answer any questions. My stoma also shank and and am stuck with a 3 month supply till November that is 1/4" to large. I think I can make it work till thin with using paste to fill in the gap. I would suggest you order a month at a time till you know your stoma has finished shrinking, I learned the hard way. lol I hope you can get your troubles resolved soon. Like Marge said the WOCN realy helped alot.

• By Ridgeruner
• Reply 3375708
• September 14, 2012 at 5:29 pm
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Hey
I was wondering also if the length of time that most people are under anesthesia for removing your colon accounts for some of the depression many go through. I know my surgery was about 7 hours, and for a couple of months the least thing would make me depressed as heck. Add that on top of learning to pouch a stoma, and it makes for a miserable few months.

• By JoePockets
• Reply 3375829 · In reply to 3375708 by Ridgeruner
• September 14, 2012 at 6:18 pm
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I don't believe the anesthesia has that side effect. My surgery lasted 9 hours. It was 2 procedures. First the colo-rectal surgeon removed the colon, rectum, sewed up the anus, and added the ileostomy, that was 6 hours. Then the urologist took over to remove the prostate, taking 3 hours.

Post surgery I would call my mindset as "why the heck did this happen to me". More anger than depresion. Then, as the weeks went by, I had no more pain, no more rush to the bathroom, Life was better. Yes, there was this bag thing, but I had my legs, arms, sight, hearing, etc. - So now I have to put up with the bag. Not even close to the issues before.

At least I am above ground and living a better life than I had for the last 10 years.

• By herbsgal70
• Reply 3375901
• September 14, 2012 at 6:49 pm
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I'm with you, JoePockets!! Give me an ileostomy on one hand and years of crippling abdominal pain lasting sometimes more than 10 hours on the other, and guess which one I would choose! Even the abdominal hernia that makes me look 9 months pregnant at age 80 does not depress me - I was one of the rare ones that never suffered depression when I wound up with "Buddy" after emergency surgery last December - when I finally woke up from the medically-induced coma I was in for 2 days because I was in shock after they had to remove 5 liters of fecal matter from inside me. As far as I am concerned life is damned good and dealing with an ileostomy is the reason I thank the good Lord when I wake up next to my wonderful husband of 9 years every morning.

Hugs from Marge

• By Mare5785
• Reply 3376302
• September 14, 2012 at 10:17 pm
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Tjane.... you do not have to "live" with the supplies you have. Call your supplier and tell them what is going on. They will take your current supplies for credit and reissue you a system that is a better fit. You should not risk irritating your skin.

I just have to say.. I'm so envious of everyone being able to remove the pouch and then shower! My pouch area has not seen daylight in 26 years!!
In the very beginning when I had severe leaking due to dips and scar tissue from previous surgeries,... I would fill the bathtub with water, remove my pouch and lay in the warm water so it could be "free" for about an hour. Let the inflamed skin breathe a bit. Many tears were shed during those weeks. Afterwards I would shower and stand in front of the sink.. My Lil Buddy is never quiet.. always something there. When people see me itching from a leak around the stoma opening... they ask what it feels like. All I could come up with, years ago, that the stomach acid which is leaking and causing the skin irritation, feels like someone put caustic acid on my skin and it is eating away all 7 layers of the skin!

It is discouraging hrcamacho.. and it is healthy to cry and feel as you are. You WILL get the knack of it eventually.. I can change mine in less than 5 minutes. You will figure out a good system that works for you.. Hang in there..

God Bless

• By hrcamacho
• Reply 3376389
• September 14, 2012 at 10:54 pm
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To answer JoePockets question, Yes anesthesia can cause depression. It also can cause your hair to fall out in clumps like mine is now. My long beautiful silky hair is now dry, brittle, and I'm going to cut it. I can't stand it.
I know I just want things to be normal again. To be tolerable. I just want to feel pretty, and not broken. To feel like I did this for the right reason. I keep telling myself, I did this so I could see my kids grow up, and grow old with my husband. I just need to feel like what I did was the right thing.

• By tjane
• Reply 3376403
• September 14, 2012 at 11:04 pm
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Mare I don't think I can return my bag supply because I altered them. I put the e-z vent on them and cut off the fabric in front so I could put the e-z-vent on them. I fixed them up so in case I had a leak I didn't have to stop and put the little vent on. It lets the air out without having to un clip or velcro your bag. It was my first supply that I ordered. Live and learn. Next time I will only order a month at a time till I am sure my stoma has stopped shrinking and I am 100% sure I have the right bag. Live and learn. I think with the paste I can protect my skin till I can order the new bags.