New colostomy: I'm a little lost and have questions

The one thing no one mentioned when I got a colostomy was support. I blame myself for not researching it or ever working with a patient with a colostomy. Support for the actual colostomy bag so you do not get a hernia. I did get a hernia; it isn’t that bad so they will not reduce it as it reduces when I lay down. Two options: a colostomy hernia belt, which are terrible or panties as Comfizz High Waist Ostomy Underwear for Women | Level 1 - Light Support which are great. You can get them through Amazon. I did a lot of research, and these were the favorite of many. You have support and can do away with the belt.

The best deodorizer I have found is Safe n' Simple Assure C - Clear Lubricating Ostomy Pouch Deodorant - Colostomy Bag Odor Eliminator. Also, from Amazon. I have looked to see if Byram Health Supplies has it. Forget Adapt or the other usual ones, they don’t work.
I also use the Safe n' Simple Peri-Stoma Cleanser & Adhesive Remover Wipes from Amazon or Byram.
Hope this helps.

@dgroves0430 I also like hot baths. I don't do anything special with my ostomy - just fill the tub with water and get in. I like to use bubble bath, or bath salts, but be aware that bath oil may compromise the adhesive of you appliance, so you might want to stay away from that (unless you plan to do a change right after of course!). Once you see how your appliance does in a bathtub you'll have more confidence for a hot tub. You might notice some lifting on the edges of your appliance from a prolonged soak, if you do, you can always use tape to "picture frame" the appliance.

Of course wait until your medical team clears you for sitting in water (not usually the best thing to do with new incisions).

What are you after with scented tablets or spray? Do you want to deodorize the contents of your bag, or have something pleasant smelling on the outside? There are a variety of deodorizers on the market, and you can find them at medical supply companies (which is where you would probably be ordering your appliances). Things like Holister M9 drops, Brava Lubricating Deodorant, or Adapt Lubricating Deodorant are options. Another one is to put an Altoid peppermint into your bag (WOCN suggested). If you want something to smell pleasant on the outside I think that some scented spray might work? Or scented powder.

Depending on what brand you have, there should be a stoma cap that works with your appliance, and again, you can order these where you order your appliances. There are also wraps that cover the bag, if that is a preference. Ostomysecrets have intimacy wraps, and you can find these at a variety of places (including Etsy).

What other concerns do you have?

@pez01
Thank you I hadn't heard of skin tacs. I'm allergic to adhesive. I don't use the skin barrier but need to use a ring as the area around the stoma has a couple of divots.

@pez01
Thank you I hadn't heard of skin tacs. I'm allergic to adhesive. I don't use the skin barrier but need to use a ring as the area around the stoma has a couple of divots.

@jtntd
I also have a colostoy, and dealing with skin irritation. I am curuious, how do you secure your pouch if you don't use a skin barrier.

@claudiod I think the confusion is that skin barrier is used to mean multiple different things. The part that you stick onto your abdomen, that the bag attaches to could be called a skin barrier but it's more often called a wafer, or base plate.

Skin barrier can mean a wipe that is used to put down a thin film. It can mean something like Eakin Seal, or Coloplast Brava ring or some other sticky things that are more like putty.

Has your skin irritation gotten any better? Have you been able to get into a WOCN?

@jtntd
I also have a colostoy, and dealing with skin irritation. I am curuious, how do you secure your pouch if you don't use a skin barrier.