Thank you Eric for these videos. I am 2 weeks into having a colostomy! You are a life saver. I’m still trying to process ‘it’ all! And get well. Thank You for all your knowledge, I always learn something with every video I watch.
@@clclc7931 thank you so much! My surgery was 1 year ago last week. I have learned so much this past year and happy to say I’m now comfortable with the appliance that works well for me. These videos have helped and such sweet compassionate people have helped me get this far. Thank you for reaching out to me. God bless you ✝️😎😘
I just want to thank you for your amazing videos. They have been a balm to my stressed out soul. I got my ileostomy two months ago and it has been a difficult and lonely journey even with all the support of the medical people they just don't have the time to answer all your millions of questions and give you all the tips that you do. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing this service to all of us people out here. It is incredibly giving and gracious for you to do this. I am an RN and a lot of people assume that I should know, but I'm a patient now, and no Ostomy expert. No one has the time to sit with you for as long as you need and it's great in the morning to wake up and watch a few of your videos and take them in. I am very visual too... and it's really cool when you put in the little pictures within the video or for example when you showed the different kinds of bags. Even without the visuals, I appreciate learning from you way more than reading a pamphlet they throw at you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nancy. Having surgery any time can be stressful enough and having it in a pandemic must be even harder! But you're learning and you will continue to get better and better at this. Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks again.
Thank you so much for these videos. My grandfather is a new ostonomy patient and nurses have given me very little training and info and don’t really have answers to my questions. Like “what about showering?” Getting an education on ostomy through your videos.
I thank God for people like you who are willing to share your experiences with the rest of us. I am caring for my father who just got a temporary ileostomy. The learning curve has been challenging, but your videos have given me so much good information.
Ahh it's so refreshing to hear others' experiences. I thought I might be nuts trying to protect my ostomy bag while showering. Oh, the happy dance when I was finally brave enough to 'naked shower' as you call it. Nice to know I'm not alone :) Thanks for sharing all your tips :)
I use Press & Seal with a bit of pink tape around edges and it seems to work pretty well.. just a tip .. thx for all your great suggestions Eric 👍 I’ve learned more online than anywhere about my ostomy care.. 😊👍❤️
I have had an ileostomy for 39 years. Showering with an appliance is not a problem. I have used convatec products for all this time and water, in no way affects the performance. I can swim in a pool or lake for hours without causing leaks or any other problems. I would suggest blow drying your pouch and barrier (takes one to two minutes) when you can else you may experience a moldy smell during warmer months.
I have a new ileostomy and have been watching your videos since I have had several leaks. My skin is red and on fire. You videos are great and I learn something from each one. Thank you
My friend uses disposable overshoes over her bag when showering. They're those plastic covers that health workers or carpet fitters wear over their shoes. You can also wear in the bath if you don't have the water too high, and they can be used over and over.
Wow. Dont I feel dumb. I have had my ilyeostomy for 6 years. I never knew it was waterproof. I was only taking showers on the day we change my bag. Now I can have a shower everyday :). We never stop learning with these things.
Have had my ile. for more than thirty three years. It was set up to be reversed if I so desired. After the surgeon explained that I would still have diarrhea five to six times each day, I have chosen to simply live with my ostomy. I seldom thing about the ostomy but can go about my life just as I have for the past thirty years or so. Recently tho, I have had to start dialysis’s for CKD and my ostomy has misbehaved since I have begun those treatments. I am having to change my ostomy several times each day or night. It is not always convenient time or place either when my plaque releases from my skin. I am wondering if the treatment itself is affecting the plaques or just a coincident that I’m experiencing now. I am using a three piece unit which is a pouch, a bag and a skin barrier which seems to be much safer.
So helpful, thank you. I have a temporary colostomy and have had it for almost two months now and it's been challenging for me. I have two stomas one both sides of my abdomen. The one on the left side of my abdomen fluctuates alot in size, it doesn't really has any output which is a blessing but it is weird looking, more oval in size and large- it looks like a sausage. The other one I have is pretty small and looks more like a normal stoma but it's recessed in my skin and gives out all the out put which usually is alot. I had alot of work and trouble with that one, with the high out put and the skin irritations around the stoma! I watched a bunch of your videos and it really educated me on what bag to use that would better suit my little troubled stoma. Thank you so much. It was really easy to follow your videos. You have helped me more than the stoma nurse that I had. God bless you
I have two ostomies too! Colostomy outputs mostly a little mucus but my ileostomy is active often. I'm going to try the press n seal method for showering and see how it goes. These ostomy bags cover a lot of my abdomen though.
Kermit (my ileostomy) and I really enjoy our naked showers! I am very fortunate in that he tends to be asleep during the middle part of the day, so on bag changing days, in we plunge! It is bliss. It’s great if my skin has been a bit itchy as well because it gives me the opportunity to give it a bit of a scratch. I use regular scented shower gel followed by an in-shower rinse-off moisturiser and I’ve never had any problems with the bag sticking on afterwards. I always make sure everything is nice and dry. It’s a wonderful fresh feeling, and beats dealing with a damp bag any day. Occasionally Kermit will wake up and misbehave in the shower but it washes away with no problem.
Awesome explanation about your showering experience with "kermit" the Stoma. Do you create your own videos or have a specific Stoma channel? If they're as quirky as your message, I'd love to watch.
Stomanner Thanks for your great comment! Really encouraging. I’ve got a blog thegutlessbaglady.blogspot.com about life with an ileostomy but along with my old general blog, I had a lot of trouble with Google/Blogger and all my photos disappeared. I haven’t updated the Gutless Bag Lady for ages, but I now have a new blog, shoshiplatypus.com/blog on the Wordpress platform and a lot of the material has been transferred over. The tab “My Cancer Diary” has been updated to Oct. 2016 and I still have further work to do on this. Otherwise, there are some references to Kermit in the main part of the blog. I do have a TH-cam channel (Shoshiplatypus) but it’s not stoma-related - mostly art stuff and our 2 cats! Maybe I should start a stoma-related TH-cam channel?
Thanks for providing these videos. We received little help at the hospital. So, it is great to have this information. I agree w/a previous comment, it would be good to have visuals and demonstrations. A new ostomate needs to see how things are done. Thank you again for your work!
I use a microfiber washcloth right out of the shower to soak up as much water as possible, dry the surrounding skin, then use a hairdryer on low to finish drying. It works great!
I remember the night I came home from my surgery. The nurse told me I could shower with my new colostomy bag. So I did and I was careful and only stood with my front under the water for a second. At midnight I wake up with poo poo on my belly, my sheets….aaaggghhhh! I get up all grossed out (I’m a female who chose not to have kids so I’ve never changed a diaper or had to play with “stuff” like most parents), I’m hopping around my room like Daffy Duck. I got to change out this two piece and I barely have an idea how. My hospital bag wasn’t even unpacked yet so I’m trying to dig out all this ostomy stuff I barely know anything about. I get my mess of an old one off and about tripped over the rug when this little brown guy sticks his head out of my belly and tries to jump onto my bathroom floor and it’s all I can do to get over the commode. I slept without sheets and just rolled up in a throw blanket for easy changing and washing for two weeks. I just use waterproof medical tape around all sides of my wafer now. I shower, soak in the tub but most importantly, I sleep confident with sheets now. I’ve had my ostomy for six months now. I may try not using tape come fall or winter but swimming season is about to start so I’m keeping my tape lol!
As terrible as that situation sounds, trust me I've been there, the way you described it is pretty funny. I'm glad that after all this time it hasn't been a problem anymore. Best of luck.
May I suggest: 1) Changing your appliance after a shower. This will be best for cleaning and drying the area and avoid fungal infections. 2) When you have just had surgery and your wound is fresh, for a period of a month, drip wash at the sink. When you have a fresh wound from surgery and you get it wet it can prevent healing.
Great vid. Thanks. I've been an homecare therapist for 20 years actually not had to do any teaching on Showers with Colostomy's. Just got a referral today..and evidently the RN is not teaching this. No problem,.. I can do it. Thanks for the info. You rock!
I find the VERY Best time to shower if you have an Ileostomy (almost constant liquidy output) is FIRST THING in the morning. I don't dare to have even have a SIP of water!! I can take a nice long shower with my appliance off. If I have even a tiny sip of water, my stoma WILL start working. It seems to "wake it up" and get that peristaltic intestinal movement going. Give it a go....you may be a bit dry mouthed in the shower and be dying for a cup of coffee or tea - but it's worth it to have a great shower without an "active" stoma!! ALSO.....you can put your appliance on with ease and more speed after the shower - as your stoma buddy will still be "asleep". I do shower at other times - and just deal with the consequences if they arise....no big deal with the running shower water though!! Don't make a big deal out of it, just get on with it.
Yes, showering first thing in the morning works for many ileostomates, but not me! My stoma is the most active between 6am and 11am, but that's likely due to the fact that I eat late into the night! haha
I so agree! However, Kermit is always very active first thing in the morning (and during the night too) and I have to empty his bag when I first wake up, and then after breakfast. By mid-morning he’s gone to sleep and we can have our naked shower then. I am fortunate that I can plan my day like this and don’t have to shower before going to work, for instance. He wakes up again around tea time and I do 2 or 3 emptying before bed. His daily habit suits me very well. I love naked showers!
Great advice, Thank you very much. My stoma often seems to behave when I shower without my bag on naked. I use Johnson's baby soap and products but no other scented type things on or around my stoma, plus I keep spare stoma wipes handy just in case.
It will be ok. I am 6 1/2 weeks post op and it has gotten better. I have a Loop ileostomy and I have had major skin issues so don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon for a referral to the wound clinic. Said a prayer for you.
I hope by now things will have settled down for you. I got Kermit 4 1/2 years ago. I remember the early days so well - it was pretty awful and my hubby would often find me sobbing in the bathroom saying I couldn’t do this any more! But we did get through it and I was fortunate to have his support, and our excellent stoma nurse team at the hospital. There’s lots of help online too, and I’ve found that the ostomy community is very friendly and helpful, and fun too. All the best on your journey!
I'm 6 weeks out myself and I've learned to get things under control so I can live somewhat normally now. These TH-cam videos by other ostomates are a godsend. Hang in there and may God bless. 🙏 P.S. If you are having problems with leakage, Adapt stoma paste by Hollister is a game-changer. 😉
The wound vac makes a big difference in healing, i loved it but hated when it needed to be changed. I used to always change the wafer in the mornings an hour after i got up and i used to wash the stoma area with plain Ivory soap. Ivory soap has no lotions or chemicals in it so it kept the area dry with no residue. Also Hy Tape Pink Tape is really good and water resistent.
freddie lugo Yes, wound vacs are great IF they work. Unfortunately, my unit was defective and it wasn't replaced until a month later, days before I was taken off it because of a complication :( I'm sure my ongoing issues in that area wouldn't be happening if things worked as expected.
Vegan Ostomy the ones i had cause i was on them like 3 times all worked well, never had issues. Only bad issue was when i got a fistula on my large intestine right by the incision and all my waste was being sucked out by the wound vac. There would be days that they changed the wound vac dressing 3/4 times a day. That sure wasnt fun lol!!!
freddie lugo Oh wow! That sounds pretty terrible! My vac would always scream "blocked" even if nothing was attached to it! It was incredibly frustrating to have, but I'm sure it did some good for a few days at least! haha
I ordered one of the aprons since I don't shower at home, but at Planet Fitness, my gym. I also camp and I shower at the campground facility's restroom. In each case, there's apt to be people in the shower area so absoluely need to have the appliance covered. It also, as you can well imagine, not be practical to shower sans ostomy bag!
You bring up a good point, Nancy. Those shower aprons aren't only to keep your appliance dry, but they also help to keep it covered when you're showering in public! Let me know how it works out for you!
I use a 1 quart storage bag. I turn it up side down and cut the bottom open. Use it to wrap around my appliance and use “Hy-Tape” to keep the water out.the reason I use the bottom of the bag is because it is more flexible than the ziplock top. You can zip up the 1 quart bag at the bottom tole ave it open in case any water gets in it will flow out. I know the bag will be ok wet but it’s like taking a shower with your socks on. I don’t want to have to try and dry it off hope that helps
A simple way to cover your bag, skin prep around the bag and then press and seal we stick to your body. This does work better if you have no body hair. I have used this for years with wounds when I need to shower.
I find taking a shower after I'm done but before I get out to rewash around my stoma with a bar of soap. Most bar will dry out skin to get any oils and moisture off. For example I wash and condition my hair and use liquid body scrub and when I got out my bag wouldn't stay long. So once I used a bar of soap it worked great (the cheapest bars are usually work the best)
I use Dove shampoo 🧴 I use 2 different soaps ( depends on supply at home): Tilley soap bars or Dettol Soap bars. I also use a PH balanced feminine soap called “Femfresh” (the deodorised kind). NONE of which affect my Urostomy appliance staying adhered!
I actually use hypafix tape around my wafer. then when I get into the shower its sticks well. Although my bag will be wet I stuff a washcloth into my pants so my pants don't get wet and so the bag has time to dry
I'm proud of myself for recently overcoming my anxiety when it comes to showering and *even taking baths* with my pouch on but I was wondering if there were any tips to stop the pouch, and by association *the output inside if it happens* from floating to the surface.
It would be nice if all hospitals gave patients all the details, but much of it comes from experience (and learning from other patients 😁). Best to you.
Sorry you're going through that. You'd have to find the cause before you can work on a solution. Are you able to get yourself to a doctors? If this has just started recently it could be bacterial or viral. Good luck.
My husband has a step in tub and when he wants to take a nice long bath he usually puts the water jets on to get the massage of the water.Will he still be able to do this after his surgery?
Hi Janet, once he's healed up, he should be fine. I'd follow up with his surgeon, since there may be wounds that still need to mend after surgery, and those will be delicate. As for the appliance, most people find that it will hold up, but it can depend on the product. Some wafers may peel on the edges, and there are ways to mitigate that, but I'd take it slow at first and see how things hold up before extended time in the tub.
Jimmy, I use a bathroom mirror that can be set on my sink counter and rotated to get a good view of my stoma (including under it). It allows for two-handed appliance changes!
How difficult was the surgery for Ken butt.. Or barbie for women. Can't find many videos on this? Appreciate a vid if you have time/think you could share... As seems scary. Thanks Eric :):) take care
I don't have a video, but I did write a multipart "diary" that starts here www.veganostomy.ca/perianal-disease-a-timeline-part-1/ Please be warned that some of the content is graphic. I had some complications, so it was a rough month after surgery, but I'm very glad that I did it.
The filters are activated by liquid. So if you have an ileostomy you could tilt the bag from the inside to get the filter wet. That's when it will start working to help deodorize and get ride of gas
+Skybound Ulysses That's not true, actually. Once a filter gets wet, it becomes useless and may even leak. Some brands are better than others for preventing liquid from entering the filter (usually by having a special membrane over the filter), but most will still clog if they get wet from the inside or out.
Vegan Ostomy im not too sure at the moment. i have to ask my ostomy nurse shes the one thats been trying to sell me on them. I have A "Colostomy" i say it with "" because it acts more as an Iliostomy
Hi Dawn, this discusstion came up on my support forums, which you might have some interest in checking out: www.veganostomy.ca/community/ostomy-tips-tricks/swimming-with-an-ostomy/
Thank you for this video. I had a problem with the appliance not adhering and was shocked to find out that antibacterial soap contained moisturizers which prevented adhering. Took hoe baths for a month until I figured it out.
I'm glad you eventually did find out! It can be really frustrating when things are going well, and then your appliance starts to fail over and over, and then later realizing it was your shampoo or body wash! Take care!
Hello all I'm all new to this I had my stamo a week ago on the 16th of march . Please can you tell me if anyone have gone in the bath not. A shower because I haven't got one I have got a bath can the bath come off in the bath please .. thankyou all
@@zoerees8157 Hi Zoe, You can purchase a shower head attachment. Basically it's a hose with a shower head on it. It attaches to the faucet in your tub and you can shower. Make sure to change your bag before showering or bathing because the adhesive won't adhere if there's any kind of moisturizer in the soap and most do. You can also cover the bag so that it doesn't get wet. They can be a pain to dry. Hope this helps.
If having a very hot shower don't get water on bag, as glue will melt. Make sure shoulder chest and stomach, lastly around bag is dried first when exiting shower.
Hi Herman. I have the opposite experience - hot showers tend to make my wafer stick much better. But my experience is only good when using Hollister tape border products. Other types of wafers or different brands tend to have more problems with the wafer edges peeling.
Hello, it would be best to inquire with the company who makes the shower guard to see what options they offer for international shipping. Their website is: www.empoweryourchange.net/
Yes, it's absolutely fine and totally safe. I love it. I will caution on the use of certain shampoo, conditioner, or body wash that contains added moisture. These products might leave a film on your skin, which will make it hard for the wafer to stick. But if you wash the skin well and avoid or minimize the use of those specific products, you should be fine. I even have hot showers and it's not an issue, just don't blast water at your stoma at full strength 😁
It's common enough that convex appliances are often a big part of any ostomy brand's product line. Convex wafers are often the solution to flush or recessed stomas. 👍
I had emergency surgery and the resulting stoma was flush with my skin. My reversal surgery failed. Now I am a permanent ostomate and my stoma protrudes about 1 centimetre. I miss my flat stoma...
what about washing your butt crack after surgery,, how long does it usually take 2 heal,, im in 4 surgery in 2 weeks, and getting the hole ractum removed,,
andrew barrington This depends on a lot on how you were closed up. Wound VACS vs. stitches, for example, will result in different healing times. Your doc/nurse would be able to tell you what kind of healing you should expect and whether you need to avoid getting the wound wet. Good luck with the surgery!
andrew barrington I know people who've been stitched up and the healing is really quick - like a month or so. Once you're healed, you'll have the cleanest ass crack on the block! :)
hope they do it the way it heals fastest,, sure iv not even had the surgery yet, and iv been joking with family and friends about having the cleanest ass out of all of them haha,, cant wait till its all over and im back 2 having a life again, and i can say it and im right haha,, after 20 years of colitis i hope it works well,, being a prisoner sucks,,
Are you referring to pouch covers or the actual ostomy pouch? The ostomy pouches themselves should be 100% waterproof, but you may need to cover your filer. Where are they failing on you?
Aha!! Vegan Ostomy....naughty boy, late eating!! Did you know that late eating CAN cause blockages? You are supine at night, the ideal circumstance for a blockage. In the day, you're moving around. Also, the body needs to REST at night. The body undertakes skin and soft tissue repair during the night. Late eating is REAL bad for you. I often fancy a late curry take away...but resist - lol. On the odd occasion, an evening meal out, is the only time I eat after 8pm. Not lecturing here hunni bunch.....just giving a bit of advice. I've had my Ileostomy for 45 years!! I studied medicine for 2 years - was GOING to be a Doctor - but I had to give up College due to Crohns.
+Teddy Burr Late eating is the pattern I got into after surgery to go along with my late nights up! It's never caused issues with blockages, but I know it's not ideal. I tend to avoid breakfast and lunch, so my meals are skewed later towards the evening. I'm sure I'll grow out of that, but it's most convenient for me right now.
Vegan Ostomy I know what you mean about eating late. I hadn’t heard what Teddy Burr said, that eating late could cause blockages. I have ME (Chronic Fatigue) which disrupts my diurnal rhythm and I can be wide awake at 4 a.m.! Not so good in the morning when my hubby is getting up, though! I’m better than I was about scheduling meals but sometimes the meals would “slip” and we’d end up having a very late evening meal. We often eat around 9 p.m. and sometimes later, but since I stay up till the small hours, Teddy Burr’s words of wisdom probably don’t apply so much to me. I suppose whether you’ve got an ostomy or not, eating a big meal just before bed is a pretty bad idea.
+MRSABSOLUTELY61 Many bags have filters on the top of them. Some don't. You'll notice it usually looking like a patch and most will have black charcoal in them.
Vegan Ostomy does this sound at all right to you and what do you think i can do about this.. I have a pelvic infection from ripping out bad J Pouch. They threw me out after the first 10 days with me saying the entire time i smell infectionwhen i pull pants down and pee they leid and said it was a hermiod. Yet ive never had one in mu life so why would i get when i sealed off the back door completely? Made no sense to me..few days out the infection popped at least so I thought it did. And to the ER.. Was told my blood count was the same as when they had released me despite filling the toilet several times with mostly blood and some puss. Then i saw surgeon and he said thats no hemeriod without looking at it.. Said pelvic infection i think theres more than 1 too.. If i sit and do not move or do anything its pretty quiet as soon as i stand and start to do things like launfry and showers.. The thing explods again. It has a small wound area as far as i know close to balls and it comes in from almost my lower back where the butt crack starts.. From the outside.. I cant see it but told the area looks fine.. Then why is it pushing 2 mounths later and going through 200 4X4 gauze pads a week i think ive used 50 or more depends throw away underwear, a staggering amount of tape which gave me bad rash that required yet more products to help me try to take control of the rash.. I feel like im losing my mind with all this BS happening to me.. Are ther any tricks or tips you know of or someplace that may listen to my isues and address them unlike the sergeon and hosiptal staff.. Ive never ever felt so abused by Drs in my like and yet this isn't the first or last time ive not agreed to their plan of treatment.. God forbid if you question one of these Drs that think they are above all others.. I figured you may know something i dont as it sounds like you had this done long ago.. And i did have that stupid instrument of torture the wound vac. I was supposed to have it on a minimum of 1 week and most likely on two weeks in the hospital changed out every other day however after the third day it was on they ripped it out and threw me out of the hospital a day later and it had to do a lot with the fact that they completely denied the medication that me the surgeon my pain doctor had all agreed on long ago back in January. That I would need after this surgery. At the time it wasn't a problem when the surgery came it's a huge problem all of a sudden. And I was not allowed to heal at all in the hospital because my pain level never came off of a 10. They had and they know they have the medication to make me feel somewhat comfortable not out of Pain by any means but comfortable enough to deal with the pain and yet they refuse to do that. Meaning no healing got done at the hospital it didn't happen till I got home and the infection was raising the entire time so I'm not able to move or do much of anything. And of course I'm all alone in my house too. That doesn't help me at all.
Thank you Eric for these videos. I am 2 weeks into having a colostomy! You are a life saver. I’m still trying to process ‘it’ all! And get well. Thank You for all your knowledge, I always learn something with every video I watch.
I wish you a quick recovery! You'll be a pro in no time =)
Hi Sharon,
I have had my ileostomy for about 6 years. If I can help with anything please let me know. God bless you 💓🙏.
@@clclc7931 thank you so much! My surgery was 1 year ago last week. I have learned so much this past year and happy to say I’m now comfortable with the appliance that works well for me. These videos have helped and such sweet compassionate people have helped me get this far. Thank you for reaching out to me. God bless you ✝️😎😘
I just want to thank you for your amazing videos. They have been a balm to my stressed out soul. I got my ileostomy two months ago and it has been a difficult and lonely journey even with all the support of the medical people they just don't have the time to answer all your millions of questions and give you all the tips that you do. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing this service to all of us people out here. It is incredibly giving and gracious for you to do this. I am an RN and a lot of people assume that I should know, but I'm a patient now, and no Ostomy expert. No one has the time to sit with you for as long as you need and it's great in the morning to wake up and watch a few of your videos and take them in. I am very visual too... and it's really cool when you put in the little pictures within the video or for example when you showed the different kinds of bags. Even without the visuals, I appreciate learning from you way more than reading a pamphlet they throw at you. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nancy. Having surgery any time can be stressful enough and having it in a pandemic must be even harder! But you're learning and you will continue to get better and better at this. Have a wonderful weekend! Thanks again.
Thank you so much for these videos. My grandfather is a new ostonomy patient and nurses have given me very little training and info and don’t really have answers to my questions. Like “what about showering?” Getting an education on ostomy through your videos.
I'm glad the videos help, Ann! I wish you and your grandfather all the best.
I thank God for people like you who are willing to share your experiences with the rest of us. I am caring for my father who just got a temporary ileostomy. The learning curve has been challenging, but your videos have given me so much good information.
Glad you found this video :) Your father is lucky to have you! I wish you both all the best.
Ahh it's so refreshing to hear others' experiences. I thought I might be nuts trying to protect my ostomy bag while showering. Oh, the happy dance when I was finally brave enough to 'naked shower' as you call it. Nice to know I'm not alone :) Thanks for sharing all your tips :)
I use Press & Seal with a bit of pink tape around edges and it seems to work pretty well.. just a tip .. thx for all your great suggestions Eric 👍 I’ve learned more online than anywhere about my ostomy care.. 😊👍❤️
I love the pink tape! :) Glad that works for you.
I have had an ileostomy for 39 years. Showering with an appliance is not a problem. I have used convatec products for all this time and water, in no way affects the performance. I can swim in a pool or lake for hours without causing leaks or any other problems. I would suggest blow drying your pouch and barrier (takes one to two minutes) when you can else you may experience a moldy smell during warmer months.
I have a new ileostomy and have been watching your videos since I have had several leaks. My skin is red and on fire. You videos are great and I learn something from each one. Thank you
I appreciate that. Thank you. I hope that things get easier for you, especially the skin problem. 👍
My friend uses disposable overshoes over her bag when showering. They're those plastic covers that health workers or carpet fitters wear over their shoes. You can also wear in the bath if you don't have the water too high, and they can be used over and over.
I've heard of those being used, but I've never tried them myself. Good tip 👌
Wow. Dont I feel dumb. I have had my ilyeostomy for 6 years. I never knew it was waterproof. I was only taking showers on the day we change my bag. Now I can have a shower everyday :). We never stop learning with these things.
nancy kelly well no one told me that either 😀
Big fan, here, Eric! Thank you so much for taking the terror out of ostomies for my ostomate patients!
You're welcome! 😊😊😊😊
Definitely great to see the how things can still be done as normal even with an ostomy.
Have had my ile. for more than thirty three years. It was set up to be reversed if I so desired. After the surgeon explained that I would still have diarrhea five to six times each day, I have chosen to simply live with my ostomy. I seldom thing about the ostomy but can go about my life just as I have for the past thirty years or so.
Recently tho, I have had to start dialysis’s for CKD and my ostomy has misbehaved since I have begun those treatments. I am having to change my ostomy several times each day or night. It is not always convenient time or place either when my plaque releases from my skin.
I am wondering if the treatment itself is affecting the plaques or just a coincident that I’m experiencing now.
I am using a three piece unit which is a pouch, a bag and a skin barrier which seems to be much safer.
Once again Eric you have all the answers I just wish you was still doing new vids, I see a lot are from 3 or 4 years ago. We need you Eric.
I'm nursing a broken shoulder at the moment, but do plan to make new videos this year 😉
I appreciate your videos, but SHOWING examples would help a newbie like me a LOT. Thanks!
Thanks for the feedback. I'm trying to make more recent videos more useful by adding more visuals and video demonstrations. Stay tuned!
Thank you,this will be my first trying to shower and even listening to you,I’m still Leary …… but I gotta do this!!
Good luck 😃😃
So helpful, thank you. I have a temporary colostomy and have had it for almost two months now and it's been challenging for me. I have two stomas one both sides of my abdomen. The one on the left side of my abdomen fluctuates alot in size, it doesn't really has any output which is a blessing but it is weird looking, more oval in size and large- it looks like a sausage. The other one I have is pretty small and looks more like a normal stoma but it's recessed in my skin and gives out all the out put which usually is alot. I had alot of work and trouble with that one, with the high out put and the skin irritations around the stoma! I watched a bunch of your videos and it really educated me on what bag to use that would better suit my little troubled stoma. Thank you so much. It was really easy to follow your videos. You have helped me more than the stoma nurse that I had. God bless you
Thanks for watching! I'm glad that the videos have helped you.
I have two ostomies too! Colostomy outputs mostly a little mucus but my ileostomy is active often. I'm going to try the press n seal method for showering and see how it goes. These ostomy bags cover a lot of my abdomen though.
Kermit (my ileostomy) and I really enjoy our naked showers! I am very fortunate in that he tends to be asleep during the middle part of the day, so on bag changing days, in we plunge! It is bliss. It’s great if my skin has been a bit itchy as well because it gives me the opportunity to give it a bit of a scratch. I use regular scented shower gel followed by an in-shower rinse-off moisturiser and I’ve never had any problems with the bag sticking on afterwards. I always make sure everything is nice and dry. It’s a wonderful fresh feeling, and beats dealing with a damp bag any day. Occasionally Kermit will wake up and misbehave in the shower but it washes away with no problem.
Awesome explanation about your showering experience with "kermit" the Stoma.
Do you create your own videos or have a specific Stoma channel?
If they're as quirky as your message, I'd love to watch.
Stomanner Thanks for your great comment! Really encouraging. I’ve got a blog thegutlessbaglady.blogspot.com about life with an ileostomy but along with my old general blog, I had a lot of trouble with Google/Blogger and all my photos disappeared. I haven’t updated the Gutless Bag Lady for ages, but I now have a new blog, shoshiplatypus.com/blog on the Wordpress platform and a lot of the material has been transferred over. The tab “My Cancer Diary” has been updated to Oct. 2016 and I still have further work to do on this. Otherwise, there are some references to Kermit in the main part of the blog. I do have a TH-cam channel (Shoshiplatypus) but it’s not stoma-related - mostly art stuff and our 2 cats! Maybe I should start a stoma-related TH-cam channel?
Thanks for providing these videos. We received little help at the hospital. So, it is great to have this information. I agree w/a previous comment, it would be good to have visuals and demonstrations. A new ostomate needs to see how things are done. Thank you again for your work!
+roswytube Thanks for the feedback! Be sure to check out the accompanying article for visuals 😊www.veganostomy.ca/showering-ostomy-w-video/
I use a microfiber washcloth right out of the shower to soak up as much water as possible, dry the surrounding skin, then use a hairdryer on low to finish drying. It works great!
Microfiber towels are awesome! I've been using them for about a year now and they are much better at drying after a shower than cotton 😊
Love showering without anything!!! Such a clean refreshing feeling around stoma ! 👍
I remember the night I came home from my surgery. The nurse told me I could shower with my new colostomy bag. So I did and I was careful and only stood with my front under the water for a second. At midnight I wake up with poo poo on my belly, my sheets….aaaggghhhh! I get up all grossed out (I’m a female who chose not to have kids so I’ve never changed a diaper or had to play with “stuff” like most parents), I’m hopping around my room like Daffy Duck. I got to change out this two piece and I barely have an idea how. My hospital bag wasn’t even unpacked yet so I’m trying to dig out all this ostomy stuff I barely know anything about. I get my mess of an old one off and about tripped over the rug when this little brown guy sticks his head out of my belly and tries to jump onto my bathroom floor and it’s all I can do to get over the commode. I slept without sheets and just rolled up in a throw blanket for easy changing and washing for two weeks. I just use waterproof medical tape around all sides of my wafer now. I shower, soak in the tub but most importantly, I sleep confident with sheets now. I’ve had my ostomy for six months now. I may try not using tape come fall or winter but swimming season is about to start so I’m keeping my tape lol!
As terrible as that situation sounds, trust me I've been there, the way you described it is pretty funny. I'm glad that after all this time it hasn't been a problem anymore. Best of luck.
May I suggest:
1) Changing your appliance after a shower. This will be best for cleaning and drying the area and avoid fungal infections.
2) When you have just had surgery and your wound is fresh, for a period of a month, drip wash at the sink. When you have a fresh wound from surgery and you get it wet it can prevent healing.
Great advice!
Great vid. Thanks. I've been an homecare therapist for 20 years actually not had to do any teaching on Showers with Colostomy's. Just got a referral today..and evidently the RN is not teaching this. No problem,.. I can do it. Thanks for the info. You rock!
Good luck!! =)
I find the VERY Best time to shower if you have an Ileostomy (almost constant liquidy output) is FIRST THING in the morning. I don't dare to have even have a SIP of water!! I can take a nice long shower with my appliance off. If I have even a tiny sip of water, my stoma WILL start working. It seems to "wake it up" and get that peristaltic intestinal movement going. Give it a go....you may be a bit dry mouthed in the shower and be dying for a cup of coffee or tea - but it's worth it to have a great shower without an "active" stoma!! ALSO.....you can put your appliance on with ease and more speed after the shower - as your stoma buddy will still be "asleep". I do shower at other times - and just deal with the consequences if they arise....no big deal with the running shower water though!! Don't make a big deal out of it, just get on with it.
Yes, showering first thing in the morning works for many ileostomates, but not me! My stoma is the most active between 6am and 11am, but that's likely due to the fact that I eat late into the night! haha
What time would you say the OP eats their last meal to be able to shower first thing in the morning?
I so agree! However, Kermit is always very active first thing in the morning (and during the night too) and I have to empty his bag when I first wake up, and then after breakfast. By mid-morning he’s gone to sleep and we can have our naked shower then. I am fortunate that I can plan my day like this and don’t have to shower before going to work, for instance. He wakes up again around tea time and I do 2 or 3 emptying before bed. His daily habit suits me very well. I love naked showers!
@@VeganOstomy pimples
Eric, they say there is power in sharing experience, strength and hope. I may get more out of this just for that reason.
Thanks for watching, Cora 😀
Great advice, Thank you very much. My stoma often seems to behave when I shower without my bag on naked.
I use Johnson's baby soap and products but no other scented type things on or around my stoma, plus I keep spare stoma wipes handy just in case.
You're welcome, Jan :)
Thank you
Pray for me I just got my bag. I’m struggling. 😞❤️ thank u for ur videos!
It gets easier, trust me! Continue to learn more and speak to a stoma nurse if you can. A few tips and some practice can go a long way!
It will be ok. I am 6 1/2 weeks post op and it has gotten better. I have a Loop ileostomy and I have had major skin issues so don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon for a referral to the wound clinic. Said a prayer for you.
I hope by now things will have settled down for you. I got Kermit 4 1/2 years ago. I remember the early days so well - it was pretty awful and my hubby would often find me sobbing in the bathroom saying I couldn’t do this any more! But we did get through it and I was fortunate to have his support, and our excellent stoma nurse team at the hospital. There’s lots of help online too, and I’ve found that the ostomy community is very friendly and helpful, and fun too. All the best on your journey!
leungbabe hang in there it gets better
I'm 6 weeks out myself and I've learned to get things under control so I can live somewhat normally now. These TH-cam videos by other ostomates are a godsend. Hang in there and may God bless. 🙏 P.S. If you are having problems with leakage, Adapt stoma paste by Hollister is a game-changer. 😉
The wound vac makes a big difference in healing, i loved it but hated when it needed to be changed. I used to always change the wafer in the mornings an hour after i got up and i used to wash the stoma area with plain Ivory soap. Ivory soap has no lotions or chemicals in it so it kept the area dry with no residue. Also Hy Tape Pink Tape is really good and water resistent.
freddie lugo Yes, wound vacs are great IF they work. Unfortunately, my unit was defective and it wasn't replaced until a month later, days before I was taken off it because of a complication :( I'm sure my ongoing issues in that area wouldn't be happening if things worked as expected.
Vegan Ostomy the ones i had cause i was on them like 3 times all worked well, never had issues. Only bad issue was when i got a fistula on my large intestine right by the incision and all my waste was being sucked out by the wound vac. There would be days that they changed the wound vac dressing 3/4 times a day. That sure wasnt fun lol!!!
freddie lugo Oh wow! That sounds pretty terrible! My vac would always scream "blocked" even if nothing was attached to it! It was incredibly frustrating to have, but I'm sure it did some good for a few days at least! haha
thank you for your suggestions and your tips for a newbie like myself especially with taking off my pouch and showering must try that next thank you
I ordered one of the aprons since I don't shower at home, but at Planet Fitness, my gym. I also camp and I shower at the campground facility's restroom. In each case, there's apt to be people in the shower area so absoluely need to have the appliance covered. It also, as you can well imagine, not be practical to shower sans ostomy bag!
You bring up a good point, Nancy. Those shower aprons aren't only to keep your appliance dry, but they also help to keep it covered when you're showering in public! Let me know how it works out for you!
thank you for the tips for showering either with plastic wrapped or apron,now i am trying to find the apron
Here is the company website for that shower apron: www.empoweryourchange.net/products/ostomy-shower-guard
I use a 1 quart storage bag. I turn it up side down and cut the bottom open. Use it to wrap around my appliance and use “Hy-Tape” to keep the water out.the reason I use the bottom of the bag is because it is more flexible than the ziplock top. You can zip up the 1 quart bag at the bottom tole ave it open in case any water gets in it will flow out. I know the bag will be ok wet but it’s like taking a shower with your socks on. I don’t want to have to try and dry it off hope that helps
Thank you
A simple way to cover your bag, skin prep around the bag and then press and seal we stick to your body. This does work better if you have no body hair. I have used this for years with wounds when I need to shower.
Yes, press and seal can be incredibly helpful!
I find taking a shower after I'm done but before I get out to rewash around my stoma with a bar of soap. Most bar will dry out skin to get any oils and moisture off. For example I wash and condition my hair and use liquid body scrub and when I got out my bag wouldn't stay long. So once I used a bar of soap it worked great (the cheapest bars are usually work the best)
Yes, sometimes it's necessary to wash off any residue left by shampoo, conditioner or body wash! Glad that the bar soap works for you.
Wow, I took a naked shower mindlessly 2 weeks after surgery and then was sweating out whether I should have so this is great to hear.
I use Dove shampoo 🧴
I use 2 different soaps ( depends on supply at home): Tilley soap bars or Dettol Soap bars.
I also use a PH balanced feminine soap called “Femfresh” (the deodorised kind).
NONE of which affect my Urostomy appliance staying adhered!
thank u for the info! u r so appreciated!
+Barry Smith Many thanks, Barry!
Good, practical advice as always, thankyou Eric.
I actually use hypafix tape around my wafer. then when I get into the shower its sticks well. Although my bag will be wet I stuff a washcloth into my pants so my pants don't get wet and so the bag has time to dry
You might just use a blow dryer to dry the pouch and barrier rather quickly.
Thanks so much
You're welcome 😊
I'm proud of myself for recently overcoming my anxiety when it comes to showering and *even taking baths* with my pouch on but I was wondering if there were any tips to stop the pouch, and by association *the output inside if it happens* from floating to the surface.
Short of maybe some kind of support wrap, you may need to be creative 😁
Maybe wearing my belt would fix it?
Very helpful. Thank you. It gives me relief to know that I have options. Why don’t they tell you these things before you leave the hospital? LOL
It would be nice if all hospitals gave patients all the details, but much of it comes from experience (and learning from other patients 😁). Best to you.
I am having trouble with diarrhea and it's happening so many times at least 3 or 4 times a week I wonder if you have any ideas on how to stop that
Sorry you're going through that. You'd have to find the cause before you can work on a solution. Are you able to get yourself to a doctors? If this has just started recently it could be bacterial or viral.
Good luck.
Press and seal works better than Saran Wrap
+Allen Baum Yes, it does! But I found it more difficult to find around here, and it may not be available all over the world.
Those early weeks after the op were quite awkward, sometimes it was a case of trial and error.
+David L They certainly were. Thanks for watching.
My husband has a step in tub and when he wants to take a nice long bath he usually puts the water jets on to get the massage of the water.Will he still be able to do this after his surgery?
Hi Janet, once he's healed up, he should be fine. I'd follow up with his surgeon, since there may be wounds that still need to mend after surgery, and those will be delicate.
As for the appliance, most people find that it will hold up, but it can depend on the product. Some wafers may peel on the edges, and there are ways to mitigate that, but I'd take it slow at first and see how things hold up before extended time in the tub.
I use the shower to remove my bag. It becomes a problem doing everything one handed when holding a mirror
Jimmy, I use a bathroom mirror that can be set on my sink counter and rotated to get a good view of my stoma (including under it). It allows for two-handed appliance changes!
How difficult was the surgery for Ken butt.. Or barbie for women. Can't find many videos on this? Appreciate a vid if you have time/think you could share... As seems scary. Thanks Eric :):) take care
I don't have a video, but I did write a multipart "diary" that starts here www.veganostomy.ca/perianal-disease-a-timeline-part-1/ Please be warned that some of the content is graphic. I had some complications, so it was a rough month after surgery, but I'm very glad that I did it.
The filters are activated by liquid. So if you have an ileostomy you could tilt the bag from the inside to get the filter wet. That's when it will start working to help deodorize and get ride of gas
+Skybound Ulysses That's not true, actually. Once a filter gets wet, it becomes useless and may even leak. Some brands are better than others for preventing liquid from entering the filter (usually by having a special membrane over the filter), but most will still clog if they get wet from the inside or out.
Vegan Ostomy supposedly they might be the new carbon filters that come in the new bags im thinking of
+Skybound Ulysses Which bags? I'd be very interested in trying them!
Vegan Ostomy im not too sure at the moment. i have to ask my ostomy nurse shes the one thats been trying to sell me on them. I have A "Colostomy" i say it with "" because it acts more as an Iliostomy
+Skybound Ulysses If you can remember to ask, I'd appreciate it. That type of filter might be far more useful than the current ones!
What about swimming, any suggestions?
Hi Dawn, this discusstion came up on my support forums, which you might have some interest in checking out: www.veganostomy.ca/community/ostomy-tips-tricks/swimming-with-an-ostomy/
Thank you for this video. I had a problem with the appliance not adhering and was shocked to find out that antibacterial soap contained moisturizers which prevented adhering.
Took hoe baths for a month until I figured it out.
I'm glad you eventually did find out! It can be really frustrating when things are going well, and then your appliance starts to fail over and over, and then later realizing it was your shampoo or body wash! Take care!
Hello all I'm all new to this I had my stamo a week ago on the 16th of march . Please can you tell me if anyone have gone in the bath not. A shower because I haven't got one I have got a bath can the bath come off in the bath please .. thankyou all
@@zoerees8157
Hi Zoe,
You can purchase a shower head attachment.
Basically it's a hose with a shower head on it. It attaches to the faucet in your tub and you can shower.
Make sure to change your bag before showering or bathing because the adhesive won't adhere if there's any kind of moisturizer in the soap and most do.
You can also cover the bag so that it doesn't get wet. They can be a pain to dry.
Hope this helps.
Is there an osteomyelitis to release heavy gas? My husband’s bag fills with air too fast, and can only release by main drain.
Is he using a bag with a filter? How long since his surgery?
If having a very hot shower don't get water on bag, as glue will melt. Make sure shoulder chest and stomach, lastly around bag is dried first when exiting shower.
Hi Herman. I have the opposite experience - hot showers tend to make my wafer stick much better. But my experience is only good when using Hollister tape border products. Other types of wafers or different brands tend to have more problems with the wafer edges peeling.
Sir i have online order how to do Pakistan Hollister 102mm size and ostomy please tell me 😢😢
Hello, it would be best to inquire with the company who makes the shower guard to see what options they offer for international shipping. Their website is: www.empoweryourchange.net/
Can you shower without a bag? Just letting the stoma be in the water? (Yes I know it will leak out)
Yes, it's absolutely fine and totally safe. I love it. I will caution on the use of certain shampoo, conditioner, or body wash that contains added moisture. These products might leave a film on your skin, which will make it hard for the wafer to stick. But if you wash the skin well and avoid or minimize the use of those specific products, you should be fine. I even have hot showers and it's not an issue, just don't blast water at your stoma at full strength 😁
Eric I am a one month newbie and terrified. My stoma is not one that sticks out. It is flush with my skin. Is that common?
It's common enough that convex appliances are often a big part of any ostomy brand's product line. Convex wafers are often the solution to flush or recessed stomas. 👍
@@VeganOstomy Thanks! I do not talk to my Specialist until mid February. Your videos help alot! Linda from Canada xo
@@lindaw.6274 Good luck with your appointment! I had my surgery in Toronto ;)
I had emergency surgery and the resulting stoma was flush with my skin. My reversal surgery failed. Now I am a permanent ostomate and my stoma protrudes about 1 centimetre.
I miss my flat stoma...
what about washing your butt crack after surgery,, how long does it usually take 2 heal,, im in 4 surgery in 2 weeks, and getting the hole ractum removed,,
andrew barrington This depends on a lot on how you were closed up. Wound VACS vs. stitches, for example, will result in different healing times. Your doc/nurse would be able to tell you what kind of healing you should expect and whether you need to avoid getting the wound wet.
Good luck with the surgery!
thanks 4 responding,, i just hope i heal fast,, i do love my showers and being clean,, thanks 4 the good luck man,,
andrew barrington I know people who've been stitched up and the healing is really quick - like a month or so. Once you're healed, you'll have the cleanest ass crack on the block! :)
hope they do it the way it heals fastest,, sure iv not even had the surgery yet, and iv been joking with family and friends about having the cleanest ass out of all of them haha,, cant wait till its all over and im back 2 having a life again, and i can say it and im right haha,, after 20 years of colitis i hope it works well,, being a prisoner sucks,,
andrew barrington 20 years! That's brutal. I hope you're back on track soon!
I've tried many pouches and none of them are water proof
Are you referring to pouch covers or the actual ostomy pouch? The ostomy pouches themselves should be 100% waterproof, but you may need to cover your filer. Where are they failing on you?
Aha!! Vegan Ostomy....naughty boy, late eating!! Did you know that late eating CAN cause blockages? You are supine at night, the ideal circumstance for a blockage. In the day, you're moving around. Also, the body needs to REST at night. The body undertakes skin and soft tissue repair during the night. Late eating is REAL bad for you. I often fancy a late curry take away...but resist - lol. On the odd occasion, an evening meal out, is the only time I eat after 8pm. Not lecturing here hunni bunch.....just giving a bit of advice. I've had my Ileostomy for 45 years!! I studied medicine for 2 years - was GOING to be a Doctor - but I had to give up College due to Crohns.
+Teddy Burr Late eating is the pattern I got into after surgery to go along with my late nights up! It's never caused issues with blockages, but I know it's not ideal.
I tend to avoid breakfast and lunch, so my meals are skewed later towards the evening.
I'm sure I'll grow out of that, but it's most convenient for me right now.
Vegan Ostomy I know what you mean about eating late. I hadn’t heard what Teddy Burr said, that eating late could cause blockages. I have ME (Chronic Fatigue) which disrupts my diurnal rhythm and I can be wide awake at 4 a.m.! Not so good in the morning when my hubby is getting up, though! I’m better than I was about scheduling meals but sometimes the meals would “slip” and we’d end up having a very late evening meal. We often eat around 9 p.m. and sometimes later, but since I stay up till the small hours, Teddy Burr’s words of wisdom probably don’t apply so much to me. I suppose whether you’ve got an ostomy or not, eating a big meal just before bed is a pretty bad idea.
what is the filter u talk about?
+MRSABSOLUTELY61 Many bags have filters on the top of them. Some don't. You'll notice it usually looking like a patch and most will have black charcoal in them.
That wound vac sucks
I don't disagree with that! haha
Vegan Ostomy does this sound at all right to you and what do you think i can do about this.. I have a pelvic infection from ripping out bad J Pouch. They threw me out after the first 10 days with me saying the entire time i smell infectionwhen i pull pants down and pee they leid and said it was a hermiod. Yet ive never had one in mu life so why would i get when i sealed off the back door completely? Made no sense to me..few days out the infection popped at least so I thought it did. And to the ER.. Was told my blood count was the same as when they had released me despite filling the toilet several times with mostly blood and some puss. Then i saw surgeon and he said thats no hemeriod without looking at it.. Said pelvic infection i think theres more than 1 too.. If i sit and do not move or do anything its pretty quiet as soon as i stand and start to do things like launfry and showers.. The thing explods again. It has a small wound area as far as i know close to balls and it comes in from almost my lower back where the butt crack starts.. From the outside.. I cant see it but told the area looks fine.. Then why is it pushing 2 mounths later and going through 200 4X4 gauze pads a week i think ive used 50 or more depends throw away underwear, a staggering amount of tape which gave me bad rash that required yet more products to help me try to take control of the rash.. I feel like im losing my mind with all this BS happening to me.. Are ther any tricks or tips you know of or someplace that may listen to my isues and address them unlike the sergeon and hosiptal staff.. Ive never ever felt so abused by Drs in my like and yet this isn't the first or last time ive not agreed to their plan of treatment.. God forbid if you question one of these Drs that think they are above all others.. I figured you may know something i dont as it sounds like you had this done long ago.. And i did have that stupid instrument of torture the wound vac. I was supposed to have it on a minimum of 1 week and most likely on two weeks in the hospital changed out every other day however after the third day it was on they ripped it out and threw me out of the hospital a day later and it had to do a lot with the fact that they completely denied the medication that me the surgeon my pain doctor had all agreed on long ago back in January. That I would need after this surgery. At the time it wasn't a problem when the surgery came it's a huge problem all of a sudden. And I was not allowed to heal at all in the hospital because my pain level never came off of a 10. They had and they know they have the medication to make me feel somewhat comfortable not out of Pain by any means but comfortable enough to deal with the pain and yet they refuse to do that. Meaning no healing got done at the hospital it didn't happen till I got home and the infection was raising the entire time so I'm not able to move or do much of anything. And of course I'm all alone in my house too. That doesn't help me at all.
jeff wolf I'm sorry to hear your traumatic story. May God give you ease after these hardships.