Questions about managing a Stoma Pouch

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.

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. 😊

Thanks for the hug...

My latest is a "Deep Vein Thrombosis" on my right arm.

How it could be "Deep Vein" is a mystery. It's on the surface from my shoulder to my wrist, no pain, but it feels like pressing on a thin rope.

Anyway, I'm now on a blood thinner, with hopes that the clot will safely un-clot.

Thanks for your encouragement....

I'll keep the Hollister two-piece system in mind.

It should be interesting to see if the VA gives me any choice in the matter.

Although the leg bag seems practical at the moment, it may not even be possible to connect it to whatever pouch the VA might insist upon.

Hope your upcoming CT is good news.

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.

The VA will likely make you first try the Convatec moldables, since that's what they carry under contract. They didn't work for me, so the VA now supplies me with the Hollister cut to fit. Just like everything else government; you have to go through the channels but it can be done. I rely heavily on the VA for my ostomy supplies and they do a good job of filling those needs. Good luck, feel free to ask me anything! 🙂

I use Convatec as well. Is Ease Strip a product of theirs?