has anyone any tips about how i can safeguard against a leak from my stoma bag staining the duvet /cover and sheet . i have just had the ileostomy and about to go home but i am concerned that even tho i will empty bag before bed and make sure i change it regularly so the glue doesn't lose its tack there may be a morning i awake in a mess . i have seen waterproof duvet covers and i have a waterproof matress cover are these the only answer
I have a matress cover but luckily have never had a leak.I do wear a pair of cotton well fitting knickers under my pyjamas which seems to keep the bag nice and flat and safe from any movement(iI am quite a wriggly sleeper(
The stoma nurse did suggest that if I was worried initially I could place a puppy pad under me,however some on this forum seem to be against using them .
With an lleostomy I do find I need to empty it during the night but soon got used to doing it in the dark and half asleep so that I can get back to sleep more easily
I am sure you will find your own way of doing things that suits you and your lifestyle.remember everyone is different and what suits one person may not suit another.
All the best and remember to go with the flow.its a learning curve and curves can vary.
thank you for the tip. I am lucky enough to be able to stay with a friend whilst i recover. She uses a feather duvet and excellent cotton covers which i am concerned if bag leaks will really make a mess which would require an expensive / labourous washing operation to clean I can see about getting a polythene mattress cover that i can slip over the feather duvet the type that cover new mattresses .then over that a teflon poly cotton duvet cover. the fitted sheet will have to sort itself out but under a waterproof mattress cover. Most other ideas involve puppy pads that would move around whilst sleeping. That seems to be the best solution augmented with bag empty/ checking late at night and changing on the 3rd day. at a later date as i have only had the bag for a week perhaps a cheap cover and duvet so it's not such a drama if the worst happens . there are gasket rings that you can get to reinforce the opening underneath but first things first .Iam due out today. although competent to change bag i still need to perfect getting the perfect seal. sitting down ? or lying down using a mirror to check As a man if i had known in hindsight i would of shaved the area prior to them doing the op so bag adhesive has a better chance
I change my bag alternate days standing up over the bathroom sink(just in case )yes I have seen gentlemen on here talk about shaving and the safest methods.if you put it into search Im sure something will come up
It happened to me a couple of times after surgery. A few tips to help allay your concerns:
1. Use elastic strips (flange extenders) whenever you change the pouch. These greatly increase the area of adhesive and make a remarkable difference.
2. As a male, shave the area around your stoma to form a wide margin of smooth skin. I use a good quality lubricating disposable wet razor with warm water (no soap) and as a protective measure I made a simple guard by cutting off the neck of a tonic water bottle to suit the size of my stoma and just press it against my skin whilst shaving. It is cheap, transparent, washable and re-usable - and it works.
3 When changing the pouch use a dry wipe dipped in plain water to clean your stoma and skin and pat dry with a fresh dry wipe. Then clean the area with an adhesive remover wet wipe (they dry in seconds).
4. Treat your skin where the pouch and extenders will be placed with a Fusion stick and this will prime the area and act as a barrier against irritation.
5. Apply the pouch (after running your thumb around the inside of the aperture to make the cut edge stand a little proud) starting with the hard ring around the aperture and working outwards from the centre to remove creases and air bubbles, then apply the elastic strips, again to remove wrinkles.
6. Don't use soaps or moisturisers on your skin as this will ruin the adhesive.
I always do this standing up in the bathroom every other morning when potential output is slight. At night time I wear an oversize, long T shirt in bed and this allows me to move around when asleep without the pouch snagging on the sheets. I have stuck with this routine for nearly four years without a problem, but still wake once during the night to use the bathroom to keep the pouch drained.
It sounds complicated but it isn't once you develop a routine. Peace of mind - priceless!
thank you so much Dulac that is most welcome and i very much appreciate your advice and tips and the time you took to write it they are fantastic for a Newbie after reading it i feel more confident when i use those tips in practice
