Keeping stoma bag dry in shower

AEC, once I’d fully recovered from my stoma op, I’ve showered without a bag a few times with no problems. I find it really liberating! 

Hi, 

I always shower with my bag off. That way my stoma gets a good clean. It used to bleed in the shower when It was new but doesn't anymore. It always feels fresher and better after a shower.

One thing I did do once was bath with the bag off, and I won't be doing that again, as I spend too much time in the bath and it became really tender. So now I only bath with it on. 

You could try using a two part bag, then you would be able to leave the baseplate on and just change the bag, much easier and quicker. I use the Coloplast SenSura Mio Flex, and usually leave a baseplate on for two days and change the bag everyday.

Hi Mbun

I think I will try showering without a bag when my stoma is more settled.  At the moment I’m going with Annamouse’s suggestion of a good wash every other day and just hand showering my lower half. 

Thanks

Camelializ

After reading my suggestion back I feel I should have elaborated, first time here and don't usually join or reply on forums but I felt I had to after your post.

When I have the time, I shower au natural, nothing like having a nice long relaxing hot shower.

When I just need a quick wash and brush up I shower with my bag on.

As I use a two piece system, I am then able to replace the wet bag for a nice clean new one :-), my stoma also gets a little wash. This process is very quick and I also get a chance to check my stoma.

The bags I use have a baseplate that you attach around your stoma exactly as you would a one piece bag, and then the bag is stuck to a flange on the base plate. You can get a two part system where the bag clicks in place, you can unclick the bag, do what you need to do, then click the bag back in place, but I find these bulky.

The two part system also works well when away from home, not having the hassle of changing a one piece bag makes my life so much easier.

I have found no difference in the amount of leaks, leaks tend to creep under the baseplate anyway as they would a one piece bag. I have been told that for some people they can be a bit fiddly to stick together though and you do have to ensure the two parts are stuck together well.

I hope this helps

Hi Bellybutt

Oh, that's interesting about the two piece system.  It sounds good. However as my ileostomy should only be temporary and I'm hoping to get it reversed in the autumn I will then have the colostomy working so that will be a new system to get used to.  i don't know if the two piece system also works for colostomies.

it's all a big learning curve and thank goodness for this forum and everyone's suggestions!

Best wishes

Camelializ

The two piece appliances are available for colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Flat, convex and even concave (for bulges and hernias). 

There is no real learning curve if you stick with Coloplast, the part that you stick around your stoma is identical and in my opinion they are easier to use as you can see what you are doing.

I know it can be difficult to change when you are just getting used to something especially if what you are already using is working for you. I always ask my stoma nurse for her opinion before making any big changes as getting the wrong bag can lead to problems, for example, changing to a convex bag if you don't need one.

All the best

Hi

My husband has had an ileostomy since January. He always showers with his bag on because his stoma becomes active quite quickly after getting up and he doesn’t fancy the consequences of an active stoma in the shower. If he is changing his bag that day he tends to shower before changing it but has also showered with  one that has been on a day with no ill effects- so far at least. If he is in a hurry he might dry it with a hair dryer on a low setting.  It is all a huge learning curve and eventually you find what suits you best. Good luck everyone. 

Caroline xx

Hope it is working out ok for you. I think the whole showering with or without a bag might depend on the individual stoma. I’ve had mine over 6 months and it is settled in every other way, but properly didn’t like the water pressure from the shower. All a voyage of discovery! Anna x

My stoma (Stan) is quite happy in my morning shower. I cover my convatec pouch with a plastic shower cap that snugly elasticates around its edge and seems fine 

i change the pouch every third day and shower without the bag first thing in the morning so that Stan is not spouting after a night’s rest.  No leaking problems albeit Stan is now around 10 month’s old (after lymphoma perforated ileum requiring the Ileostomy) and I am seeking reversal shortly- although nhs in Somerset suggest I’ll have to wait until new year for a slot in the surgery!!

having a chat with my chemo consultant next week for a private recommendation - insurance will cover

Any feedback as to nhs or private welcomed

cheers