Convatec filters

[steiconi]

I've used the Convatec drainable pouches for years and the filters last for several days. (I irrigate, so only occasional output, and I alternate two pouches, so can rinse one and let it dry.)

I'd like to switch to disposables, but the filters don't seem to work. Even when brand new, gas builds up in the pouch, and I get a balloon on my belly.

Is there a trick to make them work better?

I'm thinking about stabbing the filter with a pin, or removing part of the plastic liner...

[sassie]

I have poked it with a pin but then i smell the gas...i use a few diff. bags and seems all the filters stop working after a bit .
like you, i have also rinsed and reused, these things are costly..I think there designed to do this so we have to buy more, more often...So i just crack the top and let the air out..

Good luck finding the fix..sassie

[Mysticobra]

Filters just flat out don't work.
I've never had em work.
How can they with the plastic over them?
I just leave em be. Deal with the Ballon.
Although about 5 in the morning and you have a Ballon and really really don't want to but have to get up is a pain..... Lol.

[sassie]

Filters just flat out don't work.
I've never had em work.
How can they with the plastic over them?
I just leave em be. Deal with the Ballon.
Although about 5 in the morning and you have a Ballon and really really don't want to but have to get up is a pain..... Lol.

LOL, just roll over and you'll have a tummy pillow..

[Mysticobra]

I would but it would EXPLODE!
It has been so big some times one more little stoma fart and I'd be like a balloon flying around the bedroom. Lol. PFFFTTTT! HAHAHA.

P. S.
Gotta make light of it. Cause it's what it is.

[Bklynbabe]

I thought that getting a filter wet means it won’t work any more. Maybe your washing and reusing is the problem. I’ve read this and found it to be true. Since you irrigate and say there’s not much output, maybe you can use closed, disposable bags and just toss them when they have output. I guess it depends on your insurance, but the Medicare regs are 60 a month which would probably work. I used closed pouches when I started irrigating and found the filters worked for the day or half day I used them unless I went swimming or took a bath. If they were submerged, I’d have odor for sure.

[Rock_Robster]

Same for me - I get about 12 hours out of a filter before they clog and ballooning is a thing. Still on balance I’d rather have to burp some gas when I empty the pouch than have issues with odour.

[NEskier]

@Mysticobra - absolutely have to have a sense of humor about these alterations we enjoy daily!!

@Rock-Robster - LOVE the name! I have a B-52s moment every time I see your name on a post!!!

[steiconi]

I have good luck with the filters on the Convatec drainable pouches. Those are the ones I wash. Once they're dry, the filter works again. I live in the desert (Tucson) so things get truly dry.

I have problems with the Convatec stoma cap filters (they leak) and the disposable filters (they don't work even when first applied).

[Mysticobra]

@Mysticobra - absolutely have to have a sense of humor about these alterations we enjoy daily!!

@Rock-Robster - LOVE the name! I have a B-52s moment every time I see your name on a post!!!

It took awhile. But a sense of humor over it helps.
I never thought I would have funnies about it.
"The dreaded bag" But it has made my life so much better.
I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have an ileo.
And then finding out that was where I was going to end up.
Omgoodness the things that go through the head. All for naugt.
Because the only one who cares is me. And even as I accepted it I was not embarrassed by it. And I didn't care who knew or didn't know. Reason being is it was my life made better.
And now it's sorta of a badge of what hell I went through. And I think we all go through that hell. And getting out is a wonderful feeling. Cause you think the pain and everything else is Neverending.
It took awhile to accept. But once I did it felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders. I swear it was like a high. I could do this and do it well. I am so fortunate.
And to be able to show humor here and have people understand. Bonus.
Now.
I know some have problems with some aspect of having an appliance.
I don't want to insult or make light of their situation. I'm just lucky all my problems stopped as soon as I got it.
Sure. It gets itchy. That's about it. I have a leak every now and then. But never anything serious. Balloon bags at night. The reason I don't like those is because if you put it off because you don't want to get up.... And I usually don't.... It will cause a seal leak. It has no where to go but out... The side. And it's happened. Easier to get up and take care of it otherwise you'll be in the shower taking care of a blowout.
If I ever insult or disturb anyone with my humor I would hope you just tell me.
I don't come in here to do that. No way. Besides. I'm not much help with some of the things that pop up here. I can only give little advice. But I can be an inspiration. Because if you knew me and knew how much I went through to avoid this thing I'm good with it.
But (for the men and women. Women shave more than men... Legs) its like shaving when It comes to change day. Something ya just gotta do. When it comes to the days I shave. I gotta do it or it takes longer putting it off.
But I still say the filters are useless. I do not wash the bags and reuse. I'm sticking up for the end of the world. Insurance runs out when I turn 65 in two years and I get them with work insurance now. I have hundreds of bags. With filters. Lol. I only use 8 a month and get 20 a month through insurance. I'm running out of room to store them.
Sorry. I'm rambling. I do that sometimes. I'm doin it now. So those of you who stuck with me thank you. Talking here to people who understand is great. My wife just says be quiet.
She's good though. She brought me back from hell and I couldn't have done it without her..
Rambling....... Ok. I'm done.
Richard.

[Rock_Robster]

@Rock-Robster - LOVE the name! I have a B-52s moment every time I see your name on a post!!!

Haha thanks - I think it’s impossible to hear that song and NOT be cheered up!

[steiconi]

Well, I'm having good luck this week.
I put a tiny slit in the plastic lining an inch or so below the filter.
That's letting gas escape, but if there's a small amount of output (rare in my case), it won't clog the filter.

[Mysticobra]

Well, I'm having good luck this week.
I put a tiny slit in the plastic lining an inch or so below the filter.
That's letting gas escape, but if there's a small amount of output (rare in my case), it won't clog the filter.

I'd be afraid to do that to the mine.
I'd have a squirt gun at my waist. Lol.
I have just liquid output. And wear snug jeans.
I'll just empty it.
(sarcasm)
I couldn't put a hole in it. No way.

[sassie]

Mysticobra, I love your rambling, it makes it easier when you have fun with it"just maybe my feelings" but i do have fun with it as well, Things i can;t say come outta my mouth, Once a guy from convatec called about the samples they had sent and i chatted with him awhile and used my fun side while chatting, He said i'm laughing so hard, you need to take this on the rode and never give up your sense of humor.. It is what it is and some of us need to do what we do to get through.. As far as having a stoma its fine "Ain't they supposed to poop"lol.....
Mine don't i call her Alice and she is LAZY, have to babysit her to get results..

The 25th of this month she is going to get to the backside again and Dr. is hoping she will do what she was made to do "So am I" and her name will still start with a "A".... I have learned so much here and read here daily and will still come to read all the posts, I thank everyone of you for being here..

hugs, sassie

[Mysticobra]

Ya. I get quite talkative.
Not today. Or right now.
I have to go swap it out for clean one today.
Take a "neked" shower.
Can't shower with a bag and wafer.
I can and do but cover it with cling wrap in between changes
I can actually say this cause this is where my butt it.
It's a pain in the butt to get it all wet. Especially the wafer. Just gets crispy.
Convetec has the tape. It'll lose its soft feeling.
I know some don't mind. But I do.
And yes. I've gotten carried away on the phone with supplies.
They like it. It lifts their spirits a little on a boring job I suppose.
Richard.