Questions about managing a Stoma Pouch

During the day I use a replacable pouch, while at night I use a drainage pouch. One reason, besides I feel they are more sanitary is because I may be in a location where it inconvenient to drain the pouch.

Thanks, I'll check into those.

I quickly switched my mother to disposable pouches. No problems at all. The bags detach and are discarded, 2-3 times/day. Right after surgery we had some overnight problems because residual gas in the GI system blew up the bags but that stopped quickly. The folks at Convatec (including nurses) were incredibly helpful, and had more up to date info than our stoma nurse. The pouches we used were tan with a window, but they come without a window. I also used Ease strips which were stuck along the sides of the barrier and added additional strength and seal.

Thanks for you reply.........

At the moment I'm using a leg bag, which is drained every 4-8 hours, an easy procedure.

For overnight a much larger bag, probably holds a gallon, is suspended from the bed.

The VA recommends changing bags every week. They keep sending new supplies, I must have about 15 of each style on hand.

After the Stoma procedure, hopes are I can simply connect the Stoma pouch to the appropriate bag. Since the Stoma pouch would always be close to empty, thus weighing little, it seems the chance of seal leakage would be fairly low.

I'm scheduled for Chemo infusion #3 next Wednesday (Nov 15), and plan to discuss this with the VA folks.

A key factor before applying the stoma pouch is to be sure the area around the stoma is dry. Otherwise the pouch will probablely leak.

Thanks, I'll be careful to keep it dry.

I don’t know, for me it would be easier and more normal feeling to just empty the pouch every few hours. I would be more aware of the leg bag and it would bulge when filling and be annoying. I know how I am. I use a bedside drainage bag at night. That seems to be the best for me. I keep a black coffee cup looking container in the car for times I want to empty the pouch when not near a bathroom. Works great. Good luck! You’ll find your way. 😊

The disposable pouches are so easy and quick, no mess!

Thanks for your reply.

I only have to empty the leg bag every 6-8 hours, which is quick and easy. I wear jeans 99.9% of the time while out of bed, and leg bag bulging isn't at all obvious.

My concern is Stoma pouch seal leakage, which should be fairly low with a nearly empty pouch. A few folks here have offered advice on how to minimize the chances of leakage.

Yesterday (Nov 15) was Chemo infusion #3. I asked the nurse about the possibility of connecting the pouch to the leg bag. Her reply was to direct my questions to the urology folks.

Chemo #4 is scheduled for Dec 6. Before that I will be getting followup phone calls, with lots of questions to be asked on my part.

Before Chemo #4 plans are to schedule another CT scan, another chance to ask questions.

Thanks again to folks here for their advice and replies.