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Got some tips for managing a colostomy? We want to hear them!
There are some things that are the same no matter what kind of ostomy you have - you need to find an appliance that works for you, you probably had an emotional adjustment, you need to take care of your skin.
But some things are specific to having a colostomy, where part, but not all, of your colon has been removed. What has helped you? What kind of routine have you developed?
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Here's my take on leaks: Convatec sku187957 . BX/10 Duoderm Extra Thin CGF Hydrocolloid dressing, sterile, 15 cm x15 cm (6 in x 6 in) $162.23 . I found several sheets of this in my box of supplies that I have no idea how I came by them. It's perfect for my needs. My surgeon placed my stoma 1" away from my very DEEP navel chasm which screamed out LEAK!!! (Why? I'll never know) so I was told to use stick paste to fill it in. What a major pain that was. So messy. So tiresome. I made a cardboard template of my navel, cut out the pieces from the dressing sheet, placed one over the abyss and abracadabra success!! No more leaks!!
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2 ReactionsI have tried many appliances and products till I finally found one that really worked I use a closed end coloplast mio flex appliance and completely change it 3 or 4 times a day. The barrier is attached to bag. I found that none of the rings worked for me or prevented leaking I have tried to make my routine as simple as possible When at I am staying home I clean area with contonelle wipes and wash with a warm water and facecloth I warm bag with hair dryer and dry stomach area and attach a new bag I dont use skin prep or rings Coloplast has skin prep built into their barriers. When I go out I use skin tac and add two barrier strips. The only time I have a leak is if my bowels pancake due to consistency I found if I can control my output and keep it
really soft I do not have a problem. I also love taking a hot bath and soaking my stoma I have had my surgery almost 3 years and have not had a skin rash or skin problems . This works for me but everyone has to find what works for them
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1 Reaction@pez01 isn't changing appliances 3 or 4 times a day incredibly costly? Does your insurance allow for that?
I no longer change my pouch when I change my barrier. I rinse them out after use, hang them to dry, and use them...until that tiny, thin, easily snapped or broken ring gives out...and that sure doesn't take all that long considering how Coloplast has weakened them.
Yes my insurance does allow that many but I do have a copay I would be afraid to reuse a pouch cause no matter how well you rinse them they still contain bacteria and could cause a problem but thats just how I feel It may not be a problem but I would check with your nurse or doctor if its safe .
@pez01 Already have checked with the home visiting nurse. Because I have a catheter and that is like a conduit for UTIs no matter how clean you are, I tend not to worry too much about ostomy issues.