Ostomy: Adapting to life after colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy

I received my stoma 5 years ago and what has worked for me, since my skin is sensitive to all things that stick to my body, I use "No Sting Barrier Film". A few years ago I started to have the irritation. Figuring I was not cleaning the skin under the one piece pouch, I got out the "No-Rinse Foaming Body Wash", I was given when I was in the hospital. It works, I do rinse the Body Wash off. I also noticed that the tape was not sticking, which means I was not holding the pouch in place long enough (3-5 minutes) for the tape to "mold" to my body. If you do not have "hot" hands just use the hairdryer. If that fails try the rings, 3-5 days is a normal time for a pouch change. I have also found out that how many showers you take can tell you how often the pouch needs to be changed. (Water gets under the tape.) If you have hair under the tape you may want to remove it or if you sweat a lot these can cause the tape not to stick so the pouch has to be changed more often. At one time almost all Ostomy Nurses had an ostomy, now more people are going into the field. If you can, ask for an ostomy patient/nurse. I hope this info can help. Good Luck.
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@dragonass Thanks for replying. The appliance stays on different times for each person, so I really can’t say. I would say, though, that you might want to have the skin around your ostomy looked at. You sure don’t want the skin to get bad! . Check with the United Ostomy Association for a support group in your area. They would be the best folks to know all about different appliances. The association also has a Facebook page. And let me know if your skin is OK.

Hi @becsbuddy thanks. Yes my skin around my stoma is getting red & irritated and instead of blasting 5-7 days my appliance needs to be changed every 3-4 days. I have worked with the Mayo Clinic ostomy nurse but when they attach the bag it lasts less than 3 days. I am not obese, I only weigh 135 pounds and am 5’ 7”. I am interested in hearing about new appliances, barrier strips, paste, etc. Also, what is the expected time for an appliance to last for active people?

Thank you so much for your reply, @kanaazpereira . UTI has seemingly been the issue; antibiotics helped considerably! He seems to get UTIs somewhat frequently, BTW, to answer your question, the bladder cancer diagnosis came in 10/2011. Urostomy was placed during surgery 5/2012, following multiple rounds of chemo.

Hi @pmodahl,

How is your son doing? Did he have the surgery? I thought it might help to connect with a few members – @supercalifragilistic @kitmus @beanglow @mayogirl @mjgstewart @mrigs @sandyrb – who’ve shared their insights about ileostomy.
I sincerely hope all is well, and look forward to hearing from you.

@dragonass Wow, it seems like you’ve taken care of your ostomy quite well. Has anything changed that prompted you to ask this question? Is the skin around the site good, or getting red and irritated? If there is an ostomy nurse or clinic at the local hospital, I would suggest that you have everything looked at to ensure there are no problems. Let us know their suggestions!

Hi @colleenyoung I have had an ostomy for 5 years. I play tennis 3-4 days per week and am quite active and shower most days. I use a one piece appliance and it previously lasted 5-6 days before it needed changing. Recently it needs changing after 3 days. I use a Sensura one piece convex # 15606. I have tried protective shields, barrier paste, and elastic barriers. What is the ‘normal’ time between appliance changes?

@pmodahl Hi and welcome to MayoClinicConnect. I’m sorry I just saw your request for information. @colleenyoung likes this blog that you might follow. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/living-with-an-ostomy/. This must be such a difficult time for your family. How is your son doing? You should be able to get lots of help on MayoClinicConnect

Thank you SO much for the information!!
Im definitely educating myself and sending to them! Its a change in life so its good to know the facts! And 1st hand experience from others even better! So grateful for this place! 🥰

@formydad, Here's some information about bladder removal and urostomy:
- Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cystectomy/about/pac-20385108
- About Your Bladder Surgery With an Ileal Conduit (Urostomy) https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/about-your-bladder-surgery-ileal-conduit-urostomy
- Managing Your Life After Bladder Removal https://www.webmd.com/cancer/bladder-cancer/life-after-bladder-removal#1

I also suggest following the Living with an Ostomy blog here on Connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/living-with-an-ostomy/

@nickkarenl @jimmy2248 and @hodagwi can provide first-hand experience about living with an urostomy. @formydad, you are so wise to gather information to help your dad prepare for surgery, as well as for your mom who will be by his side as he adjust to life after bladder removal.