Changing stoma bags

AEC

Welcome to the stoma support group.

Changing your stoma bag can be a problem when out and about and this is why we can use disabled toilets which normally have more room and facilities. Providing you have everything with you to do a change it should relatively straightforward and you won't be doing it front of other people.

Have to admit that most public toilets do not have hot water and you would probably have to make do with cold water which should not be a problem as it will be sufficient. You could carry some wet wipes unscented or many manufactures have a cleansing gel that you can use.

You should have a Radar key which you should ensure is genuine with NKS stamped on it.

You should also carry a cant wait toilet card which you can produce in shops and restaurants.

If you do a search you will find a list of pubs, restaurants and shops that I recently posted that you should have no trouble using their disabled toilets.

Hopefully you will only have to change your pouch out and about in an absolute emergency however if you could try a two piece bag which would be easier, unless you also change the base plate.

I have found that the velcro varies between pouches and if the one you are using is not satisfactory speak to your stoma nurse about changing pouch. 

Ian

Hi AEC,

It can be quite daunting when you're out and about and need to change your pouch. The standards in some toilets leave a lot to be desired at the best of times, but more and more big companies are adjusting their facilities especially to accommodate us ostomates.

You should invest in a Radar key - I have one of those but have yet to use it 7 years down the line! I carry spare supplies with me wherever I go - they're stored in a wash bag, and I know if I have to go for a pouch change, I have everything I would need (including a spare pair of knickers). Don't be afraid to use the disabled access toilets - there is currently a huge campaign that 'Not all disabilities are visible'. And don't be afraid to take as long as you need. 

I don't think anyone could say how you would change your pouch if you're out and about as we all have our own routines for changing, and toilets are so diverse that you just make do as best you can. I know that doesn't sound ideal, but that's sadly the way it is.

Over time you will find where the best toilets are, and which toilets you can use, as well as learn which ones to avoid!

I rarely have to change a pouch when out and about nowadays, but I irrigate each day and so that gives me some control over my output.

Hope some of this is of help to you, but if you've any in particular you want to ask, just ask!

Linda

Thanks Linda.

What does irrigating each day involve?

It's not anything that has been mentioned to me.

AEC

I would also like to know as I have not been told anything about this.

I would also like to know as I have not been told anything about this.

AEC and 

I hope this answers your question.

Colostomy irrigation is a way to manage bowel movements by emptying the colon at a scheduled time. The process involves putting water into the colon through the stoma. This causes the colon to empty.

By repeating this process regularly -- once a day or once every second day -- you can train your colon to empty without having poo going into a pouch between irrigation. Colostomy irrigation also can help you avoid constipation. You don't need to wear pouch just a cap over the stoma in case of leakages

This leaflet may also help.

Introduction to Colostomy Irrigation 

You can only irrigate with a COLOSTOMY and you should discuss it fully with your stoma nurse before starting.

Ian

Hi everyone,

I have had a permanent colostomy for 7 years now, and have been irrigating for the past 3 years. It was my stoma nurses who asked if I would be interested and I have never looked back. Irrigation is a procedure whereby you introduce water into the bowel and it flushes out the bowel. I'm sure you know of celebrities who have colonic irrigation, only with a stoma it's far easier! 

There are lots of irrigators, although not enough. I have a B Braun pump which makes things a lot easier for me. Some people who irrigate do it once a day, every other day and some every third day. All those days with no output. Irrigation gives you a lot of freedom and more importantly, it gives you back some control and confidence.

My routine is to irrigate first thing in the morning, and I know that I can go most, if not all, of the day with no output (and so no pouch changes). It takes me around 40 minutes all-in to irrigate, but most of that time is spent setting up and clearing away. Some people who irrigate move away from the standard pouches and wear something called a cap - it's almost like a 'plaster' over the stoma. 

If you're interested in irrigation you really must ask your stoma nurses about it - this is the way forward for those of us with a permanent colostomy. Unfortunately irrigation is not available for those with an ileostomy.

If anyone has any questions on irrigation, just ask... happy to answer any questions!

Linda :-)

Can anyone tell me if irrigation is suitable for ileostomies too - I have not heard anything about it

Thanks

Hi FostermumMandy,

Unfortunately irrigation is only suitable for folks with a colostomy.

Linda

Thanks Linda x