Stoma

Hi Mo,Once you have the correct bag for you I don’t imagine there will be too many problems getting it to stick.I have trouble getting mine off it adheres so well.We are all different shapes and sizes so you may have to try out a few different bags and see which one is best for you.The stoma nurses will advise you.Do you have a date for the surgery yet ? 
There are a few of us here who have had bladder removal and can support you through it so feel free to ask any questions.We are here to help.Jane 

Thank you. My name is Kath! I hit too many buttons. Provisional date is 25th of this month. I am 77 so a bit anxious about the surgery but I don’t think I have another option other than palliative care. 

Hi Kath,Will you have someone to look after you for the first few days when you come home ? It’s advisable to have someone on hand as you will feel very tired.I could wash and dress unaided but my sister fetched food and drink and made sure I could get up the stairs ok.It’s natural to feel anxious facing a big op.I didn’t find it as bad as I expected.When you get home it’s best to eat little but often and build up your walking distances gradually.It can take a few months to fully recover.Your energy levels should pick up over time.Pack loose fitting clothes and shoes,slippers you can slide into if possible to save bending.Love Jane 

Hi dake 

The bags are very mouldable to your body so try not to worry yet about how they will attach to your skin. Jane is right-we are all different shapes and sizes and there will be a suitable bag for your type of stoma, although you may have to try a few to get the one which is just right for you. 

I had my bladder removed and also my colon so I have 2 bags, one on either side of my belly button and they stick to my skin just fine, despite the lumps and bumps! I have a long scar from the surgery I had to remove my cancer and also small scars from keyhole surgery to remove my gallbladder but they don’t affect my stoma bags at all.

It is a big surgery, so I hope you’ll have some help at home as you recover. You are likely to be tired, and need to be careful about lifting and bending, so some help will be very useful for you. 

I hope your surgery goes well, and please keep in touch with us if you have any questions. There are lots of us who have been through this and we will be able to help support you.

Sarah xx

Yes I am lucky to have a supportive husband and my son and daughter live close by and are with me all the way . Thanks for advice and help Kath

Thank you for your very helpful comments. You have certainly been through it. I hope I can be as brave. Kath

Oh that’s good to hear.I was able to manage alone after the first week or so.My sister left out all the non perishable food on the work surface so I could reach it easily.I developed a sliding technique to get down to the larder fridge.The recovery can seem slow but if you have some interests to pass the time that helps.x

Hi Dake, I was 70 when I had my bladder removed and coped fine so I hope you will too.

The short answer to how the bags stay on is glue. If you are allergic to anything eg perfume tell your stoma nurses and they usually do a patch test with different types of bags to see if there is any brand your skin can't tolerate. I use some where the bit that sticks contains Manuka honey. That works quite well.

Keeping the bag on and stopping leaks is important. I use stoma pants - a bag full of urine is heavy but the pocket in the pants supports it until you can empty it. You will no longer feel any urgency to urinate so checking it becomes second nature. These days M&S sells stoma pants  and I use those, but your nurse will tell you what other companies sell them.

I also have lumps and bumps and overhang, having lost a lot of weight years ago. My stoma nurse worked in my hospital and the day before my op marked the site for the stoma on my stomach-right side (left side is usually for colostomies). Though every hospital does things their way it seems.

Once at home my local stoma nurse prescribed a narrow elasticated belt that threads through loops each side of the bag which keeps it tight and that has built my confidence using the bags. Each stoma is different in size and shape as well as how far the end protrudes into the bag. There are various types of fittings for those and your stoma nurse will help you get a good fit.

I always say that since my op I have become an expert in adhesives and hydraulics - getting the urine out of you, into your bag, into the night bag and out in the morning. It's easy, but  many friends are scientists and this makes people smile. 

People are often worried about what is involved and it can help if you explain eg if you do have a leak that it's not your body's fault, just an adhesive fail

If you would like more information the Urostomy Association has a useful website, telephone helpline and support groups meeting via Zoom where you can learn a lot from people just ahead of you on the road.

And of course we are here to help as well.  Well done for finding us so early - it took me well over a year (hence my name).

All the best 

Latestart

Thank you. Very helpful. Kath

Don’t worry Kath you will find the right product to suit your shape.The important thing to remember post op is that your stoma will shrink down until it settles.You need to make sure the hole in the bag is cut to the correct size and measure the stoma to begin with to avoid leaks.Once your stoma has settled then you can order pre cut bags if you prefer.It’s a good idea to not let the bag get too full as this is a bit uncomfy and you could get a leak from the weight affecting the adhesion.The bonus of a stoma is having a larger night bag to plug into to save getting up at night.It probably sounds overwhelming but it’s relatively straightforward once you are shown how to care for it.I had to be able to change the bag unaided before being allowed home and did that with no problems.Love Jane