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Questions about managing a Stoma Pouch
During the past several months I've had an indwelling Foley catheter and leg bag....
Apparently external stoma pouches have to be frequently drained, every 2-4 hours from what I gather.
It should be easy to simply connect the stoma pouch to a leg bag with a short length of tubing.... perhaps extending drain intervals to 6-8 hours.
Would this be a practical solution?
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Thank you. I’m hopeful. Just had a Signatera blood test for cancer DNA and it was negative so that was good news.
I believe there are adaptors to connect just about any appliance to a leg bag. You will find the perfect fit for you and then it’s almost a non issue. Just different 😊
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1 ReactionThe leg bag is practically a non issue, simply drain it every 6-8 hours.....
To prevent possible plugging of the in-dwelling Foley catheter, it's flushed with saline solution every day or two. Flushing must be done carefully to prevent bacterial infection, a common problem.
Antibiotics to combat urine infection are available. According to docs at the VA, if overused, immunity to antibiotics can eventually develope. Which can paint a grim outcome, even death.
I'm scheduled for Chemo #4 on December 6, with possible CT scan before that. Where we go from there will probably depend on scan results.
Hopefully, after a Stoma has been created, my main concern will be seal leakage. Hopefully, connection to a leg bag will minimize that possibility.
I may be a bit late to the party, but are you concerned about having a pouch because you think you’ll have to empty it too often?
I don’t personally find this to be a problem. I simply empty my pouch when I need a pee - I’m on the toilet anyway.
The pouch is nice and secure under my jeans or tights, and how full it gets depends on how much and what you eat anyway - and you’ll learn to manage that over time.
If you’d like more info on my experience with life and a pouch, feel free to message me 🙂
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1 ReactionThanks for your reply....
I'm seldom at home, usually out with friends or relatives. Having to run to a restroom every few hours would be a bummer.
Also, by using a leg bag the pouch will be close to empty, which should lessen the chance of leakage.
Good luck moving forward. You will do fine and you will find the right appliance. Like I said, I have no leaks and i only change it every four days. The leg bag will be super easy so you’ll do well. Hang in there.
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1 ReactionThanks for the encouragement....
Hopefully the VA will go along with use of a leg bag.
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1 ReactionI need help! My pouches will not stay on.
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1 ReactionI would love to help you as I wore a pouch for over two years. What are you wearing a pouch for? Colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy?
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1 ReactionWe used a disposable colostomy bag system, two piece, with bags that snap off and on. I bought adhesive Ease Strips that go along the sides of the wafer and keep it more secure. Not sure if that helps! The manufacturer was very helpful with problems (they have a nurse) and we also had a stoma nurse.
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3 ReactionsI'm still in chemo with the VA in Madison, WI, with infusion #6 scheduled for January 17.
Yesterday (Jan 5) they did a new PET radiation scan at the nearby U of W research center.
In discussions with the VA docs, my options will likely be with urostomy vs radiation.
In the meantime, I'm doing my best to learn all I can about both options, and recovery procedures.
I have a gut feeling that a decision will be made, or recommended, soon after the January 17 Chemo #6 infusion.