UOAA Discussion Board

Agree totally re adding water when empying. I carry a small plastic water bottle in my pocketbook. Also in my bathroom. And empty when 1/3 full. Forgot to mention so thank you all.

I prefer non-velcro closures on pouches only because they are harder to keep clean and I'm no clean freak. But the output can then get on clothes, etc. if not careful. Prefer the pouches without velcro and with clips to keep end of pouch clean. As I'm still using the irrigation sleeve (increasing the Immodium may help), there's no velcro on that.

Must focus on taxes. Good luck! And with that, too!

Diane C

Yes.
If you don't have water at the time you need to empty its messy.
My surgeon recommend it. So I've been doing it from the start.
I have been caught having to empty without it and Omgoodness!
It gets all over. And keeps getting all over. Lol. And I'm not a clean freak but I certainly want that cleaned up well when I'm done.
If I go out I just carry a regular bottled water. Looks like I'm just carrying water to drink.
And if I use it I just fill it from the sink in the bathroom and move on. Always ready.
Richard.

Thank you Karen and diane C. Yes, I'm trying the open ended bags, as I said, I always used the closed end, which were very easy, I'm getting the water bottle and going to practice at home, with the open ended. will follow all other suggestions.

Thanks again...................paula

I'll add another to the list of those who use water to empty pouches. When I do have output, I try to make sure to use water. At home, it's obviously easy...anything that can hold water is available. But, out in public, it's nice to have a water bottle of some sort. I keep at least 2 in all of my vehicles, and the family know not to throw them out! There are collapsible hiking cups too that might be something you are able to carry discreetly if you should so choose. But for me, away from home, the water bottle is the way to go.
When I'm out hunting, I keep a bottle of water in the back pack...along with a roll of toilet paper (in a Ziploc), and a collapsible shovel. It all fits nicely into the back pack, isn't too heavy, and I'm able to leave no trace!
Plus, for me at least, I feel like I'm wearing a fresh clean pouch after emptying, and I find that my filters work a little longer if you keep them free of output as well.

Just my $0.02.

David

Thank you, David, for your input as well. The water bottle is obviously very important, and I'll use it for sure. Glad all is working out for you.

paula

Paula:
Closed-ended pouches are the epitome of no-fuss, no-mess pouching. I can see how moving away from a closed-ended pouch with your prior colostomy to a drainable pouch with your new ileosotomy would be substantial change that seems unpleasant.

The basic nature of ileostomy output (sheer volume of output and its liquid consistency) is not conducive to a closed-ended pouch on a daily basis. You would be changing and putting on a new closed-ended pouch 6-8 times a day.

So drainable pouches are pretty much a given for an ileostomy.

I do use a closed-ended pouch with my ileosotomy on some occasions - a day trip where draining a pouch may be problematic; a clothes shopping trip where I do not want a drainable pouch to be a focus. You can certainly keep closed-ended pouches on hand to use occasionally.

Having a small personal squirt water bottle makes draining and emptying the pouch so much easier. I get my squirt bottles on Amazon (type in search word “perianal squirt water bottle”). As DaveOT mentioned, the pouch feels new and clean when using water to rinse the inside of the pouch.

It was a succession of small emotional “wins” in finding ways to better manage a drainable pouch that helped me in reclaiming my sense of dignity. Honestly, draining my pouch has become as routine as any other aspect of grooming and self-care.

But I can appreciate how transitioning from the ease of closed-ended pouches to drainable pouches would be a less than glamorous prospect.

We are all here to help you along the way, sending you smiles,
Karen

May I mention that a water or squit bottle works best.
It has a narrow opening and easier to pour in the end of the bag.
I've had to use cups before. Lol. You learn quickly to crimp. Squeeze the top.
I've made a water fall on my leg thinkin my aim was good. Lol.
You can picture that.
And make sure you don't dump too much water in as to overflow. You still want to be able to pinch the end while aiming to the toilet.
You'll figure it out. It's not perfect but it works well.
And I agree. It makes it feel cleaner after it's rinsed. Definitely.
Richard.

I found the ostomy ambassadors to be very helpful pre surgery while inpatient and than post op while inpatient. I have talked to the ambassador about 2 weeks after being home at a local monthly meeting and helpful.
I am findingout most do like 1 piece for ilesotomy and some like filters but most do not.
I am using 2 piece now and like it but still adjusting to the whole ostomy situation. I take water bottle with me and keep cold lunch box with soda to put on ice and boost so if I can't find food but need protein and "food" fast, I have it.
I find going out to be difficult as bag is right at waist with open wounds above and below requiring abdominal pads that are bulky plus bag, so can't wear my normal jeans and t shirt tucked in. I was told my days of tucking in my t shirt are over by many others with an ostomy, which is really depressing as i never dress with shirts out until now. Hides everything but annoying to say least.

Yeah.
I was the same.
Tucked my shirts in all the time.
Those days have been over but I adjusted.
I like cool days. I can just throw a sweat shirt on.
Otherwise I find shirts that look decent untucked.
They are out there.
Under armour is a good one. But I'm skinny and buy them big. As they are compression shirts. I buy them just big enough so they don't compress. And they cover well untucked.
It's all adjusting to new ways.
But as long as it gets us better. It's worth it.
Richard.

Thank you Richard as it is adjusting to alot of things at once.
Still "hate" the bag and all the changes but will get there with time. Surgeon keeps stressing how much bowel was twisted that was worked on and no obstructions, which he is thrilled about as he told me if failed, he was not sure what to do. I am grateful for ability to eat again after 3 months of TPN and no obstructions.
I have a newer issue after today's wound clinic visit after surgeon opened up 2 areas tuesday that are not healing even after leaving some staples in to see if would heal.
they are thinking have to go to OR to get top of the 2 wounds debrided as told today 80% is dead. lower one is 25% but much better looking though they are really worried about tunneling as there is mesh from hernia between the 2 and they want to not allow them to "communicate" as they said.
I am nurse and not good news in my opinion. I got the impressive will give 10 days with debridement ointment or cream and if not, wound vac as he is really leaning to surgery.

I will do whatever is necessary to get healed and get back to work.

I (like I have said) am so fortunate to just have been able to move on and adjust.
I had some really simple problems. Staple coming out. That's about it.
I wish you the best.
And isn't it a wonderful feeling to be able to simply eat what you want?
That's the best part! I have a motorcycle tire building up! Lol. I'm skinny. But I love ice cream and I don't hold back. Life is too short.
Richard

Richard,
I was told not to drink anything with pulp including lemonade like chick fila, so if I buy, bring home a gallon and strain it to make sure. I do pulp free OJ as my "oranges" and musselman's applesauce for my "apples" for last 9 years when colon removed. I am having trouble not drinking sweet tea but its better than soda (prefer from QT as more water and less carbonation).
I missed chick fila so much and Raising Canes. I am not up to much fiber yet (8 grams or less a day) though toasted ravioli is good (I am not native st louis and hate Imo's pizza with passion as grew up in NJ on NY pizza & nothing else will do).
I am eating protein first and now 2 boost high protein per day to help with wounds. We love Bravo for pork chops as very tender. I am not game for hamburgers or steak yet as I had trouble with beef post hernia repair in December, so I am very careful what I eat. I have had veal parm from Bravo and wonderful but waiting to go to our favorite place for veal piccata w/o capers.
i am glad to have more than clear liquids though I made my husband go out to eat when I couldn't as it never bothered me and my appetite is still crap like it has been for about 6 months. I make sure that not losing weight though & with so many MD visits in the same hospital system, they can see it is steady.

Karen (button)

Yes, I'm still trying to adjust to the open ended pouches, I did it, with the squirt bottle and all, and did not do a good job. I guess after so many years of just dumping the bag and putting on a new one, its going to take me sometime. I'm a little frustrated and think I won't be able to adjust, but I know it will just take time and patience. I'll get there. If everyone does it, so will I...

Thanks again for all the advice and good wishes. It means a lot.

paula

paula wrote: 2019-04-14 14:09:36
I'm a little frustrated and think I won't be able to adjust, but I know it will just take time and patience. I'll get there. If everyone does it, so will I...

Paula:
There is a learning curve in using drainable pouches.

When my ileostomy was new and foreign to me, I struggled with successfully draining the pouch directly into the toilet. My hand dexterity fumbled and the process was largely an uncoordinated mess. I was often brought to tears in frustration.

Here’s what did work for me . . .

I used a 64 oz. plastic pitcher (that had a fully removable upper lid, a pouring spout, and a sturdy hand grip) and would empty the drainable pouch into the plastic pitcher. I would place the plastic pitcher on a step stool or low counter surface in the bathroom and empty the pouch into the pitcher. Close and seal the tail of the pouch. Then carry the pitcher the few steps to the toilet and empty the contents of the pitcher into the toilet.

This method worked quite well for me and helped me gain in confidence and technique. And it might be a better starting point for you, too.
Karen

Yes
Agreed.
Nobody gets it right away.
Trial and error.
One thing to remember is to keep a tight pinch on the end at all times. It will slip out of your fingers. No doubt. Still happens at times. A tight pinch on it just before you take it to empty down into the toilet.
I know one person who couldn't do it sitting down between his legs. That takes time to learn too. I would rather sit. Standing makes more noise and a mess. (splash) But some are better doing it standing. I stretched out way too many underwear bands by now.
Just remember. Tight pinch at all times. Lol.
Have to make light of our situation.... It can't be all serious the time. Well. It can be. But I'll throw in some lol's....
Richard.