Stoma output?

Is anyone else, like me, amazed at how much liquid is produced for disposal on a typical day?

It seems to be lots more than I ever had to get rid of under the original system. I suppose it is just that it is more visible, with the transparent bag, regularly starting to bulge in my groin. The old storage being hidden from view, and presumably expanding, until full enough to make you aware that you need to have a drain off.

I have probably increased my fluid intake since having one of my kidneys removed, and also am prone to night cramps, so hydration is thus quite important. I suppose what goes in has inevitably, got to come out eventually. I also empty the bag more frequently than the bladder required, as nervous of it becoming so full it bursts or leaks! 

Hi,Yes I am.My output varies a lot.I do wonder whether my kidneys are functioning as well as they should be.I did have some abnormal kidney function blood tests a few months ago.I do find life with a stoma easier than before though.When I had Interstitial cystitis I couldn’t go far without knowing where all the loos were.I couldn’t hold on without terrible pain and sometimes had accidents when out.The only leaks I’ve had with the stoma were in the early days of having one.Best wishes Jane

I've had my stoma for about 5 months now & still get the muscus stuff. I change my bag every other day so that it doesn't get too bad, but occasionally, by day 2 the mucus can partly block the bag's tap. Make sure you are drinking well, I have an app which ensures I drink at least 2 litres per day. On the day I change my bag, I get up without having a drink, have a shower, then lay on the bed to do the change. Not drinking before the bag change stops the dribbles.

Hi KidneyBeen 

It is permanent but does decrease in time 

Love Inanna x 

Once you have got used to the pouch maybe my 8 years of using them may be helpful ?

These are all personal preferences which may not suit everyone -

Pouches with taps are my preference over push fit connectors.

Night drainage bags are sometimes recommended to be used with a plastic stand, or even cardboard boxes !-- not in my house !

I was told by an experienced Stoma Nurse that her preferred method is to use a large Cat Litter Tray (Large Tray that is - not large Cat !), these accept the night bag laid flat, are totally waterproof, easy to clean, slide out of sight  under the bed and won't fall over unexpectedly. So long as the output tube is not twisted, and the drainage is started with a cupful of urine the natural vacuum effect will keep the flow going all night , however much you move in bed.

Hi,

 I know everyone is different but  when I first had a Urostomy Pouch I was fortunate enough to be visited by a VERY experinced Stoma Nurse who strongly advised that the Urostomy Pouch is Changed every 24 hours to avoid any unpleasant build up of Mucus, etc. The pouches are FoC on the NHS, so why on earth try to make them last until the mucus becomes a problem ?

That’s interesting.I have tap pouches and keep the night bag in a an old washing up type bowl.I haven’t had any problems with leaks or drainage.Jane 

I try to drink at least two Lt. per day as I have CKD as a result of my Bladder Cancer - output varies but is usuallu 1.5Lt + overnight -- makes you wonder how you managed before the bag was used

Having CKD as a result of my Bladder Cancer, I try to drink at least two litres per day, my overnight output is usuallu between 1.5 -2 lt -- I know we are all different but it does make me wonder how I used to manage if that was the usual output pre surgery !

I would love to change the pouch daily but our health centre would have a problem with that.I suppose it depends on the GP but ours wants to know how many bags you use and are rude to deal with.Jane

Hi Jane,

Sorry to hear that - we also have a Rottweiler answering the Surgery phone, but I suppose I am fortunate in that although I have moved around the country and dealt with 4 or 5 different Surgeries over the years  --  In every case they simply set up a repeat 'scrip and the specialist supplier, whoever you may choose,( am I allowed to say which one ? ) asks the Surgery for a scrip in order to deliver the supplies directly to me.

If it were me, I would consider chatting to your Urologist Consultant or maybe a Stoma Nurse - I assume you are under one or the other - and play on the unhygenic aspect of too long between changes - it's amazing how a Consultant can get things done !

The number of bags can of course be affected by hot weather causing perspiration which causes the glue to loosen, occasional leaks, etc