New stoma and leaking bags

Lots of supermarkets have toilets so it's possible to change your bag and clothes.

Like many of us I have a small crossbody bag that goes everywhere with me with stuff to change the stoma bag plus underwear, leggings, a thin T shirt and a small waterproof bag to put the wet things into (it all fits into the bottom of the bag and is light to carry).

As I only need it rarely these days it's more for reassurance (& I make sure to replace the stoma stuff regularly - imagine if the new bag didn't stick? - I always have 2).

Most embarrassing leak? At someone's house during book group in a heatwave after I'd walked too fast to get there and as she was a new member had been embarrassed to ask where the toilet was so I could empty it. It was a very full bag too by the time it leaked!

Fortunately I managed not to get her armchair wet and carried it all off fairly well I thought. But they all thought there was something badly  wrong with my stoma and got terribly worried about me.

I only realised this at the next meeting when I explained how it all works and that it was the fault of an adhesive failure not my plumbing. Great relief all round and end of embarrasment. 

Nowadays if it happens I find a place to change and explain if necessary. Because I drink a lot of water my urine doesn't seem to smell a lot, fortunately although as I age my sense of smell may be lessening.

Thing have improved a lot for adhesion and leaks and now, nearly 3 years post op, most leaks happen at home - last one watching TV late at night with feet up and dozing - I never realised how full the bag was until the leak woke me up. 

Best tip warm the bag inder your arm to get the adhesive working then as you apply it (on dry skin) hold it in place for a while 'cup it' so the warmth completes the seal. I do a 2 minute breathing exercise on my Fitbit while it sticks, you could sing a song, anything to get it all stuck firmly. Nurses always just dab the bag on and it stays  I must have colder hands.

Since I started this, leaks usually only happen when the bag gets too full before I realise. 

All the best,

Latestart

Love the idea the guitar covered it up, wish I could play. And dead right re later post, so what indeed!

All the best,

Latestart