UOAA Discussion Board

I know that I have been very fortunate so far. I have been irrigating for 4 months now. The first 3 with no unexpected output at all. This last month it's happened to me twice. The first time I was at home so not such a big deal. I was wearing a stoma cap at the time. Changed it twice then opted for a wafer and pouch because we were going out for the day. Of course there was no further output, making me feel like the wafer and pouch was overkill. It happened again yesterday, this time I was out shopping with my daughter. I was able to get to a bathroom, replaced the ampatch I was wearing with a stoma cap, needed to Change my undies but outer clothes were ok. Good thing because I didn't have a change of clothes just the undies. We continued shopping and I changed the cap again before we left and then no further output the rest of the day. No one including my daughter knew what happened so I guess I can say I handled it successfully.
I guess my question is what do you all do in this situation ? I know some of you opt to wear a pouch all the time just for these scenarios which seems prudent but for those who don't do you just keep changing your cap until it stops ? Or apply a pouch at that point just in case, again that seems overkill and rough on my skin for the short time I'd need it. Truth is I've gotten spoiled by my success. I do realize that I can't expect 100% results all the time. Just looking for the best way to deal with these situations when they come up. I'll be traveling for the first time next week so this is front and center on my mind. I feel like a spoiled child saying I don't want to wear a wafer and pouch all the time. I know there are many that don't have that choice. Are my choices basically wear the pouch or accept the risk?

Yes Yes and Yes

That is why I always wear the Mini Pouch it is basically the same size as the Ampatch.

Thanks Jimbob. Which mini bag do you use?

I use the Hollister New Image Two Piece Drainable with a filter and tapeless flange. Ironically I hardly ever have to drain and the filter seldom works but it is small, about 4 to five inches in diameter and the tapeless flange is gentle for my skin and it is very low profile. for irrigating I just remove the pouch and irrigate through the hole. I fold up the lock and roll and tuck it inside the pouch cover and sometimes put a piece of tape to hold it up. I tried the kind with the tape but after several years I became allergic to the tape.

Pretty convenient actually and it gives me piece of mind for the rare times that I do get a little output. I think OTDave uses the same product.

Also as an aside I am in a singing group where we wear White Trousers and the low profile of the pouch renders it undetectable.

Jimbob

Lisa,

I like the Hollister one pc. Mini Pouch. It is 82100. You get 30 pouches/box.

Mark

Thanks again Jimbob. I think I'll get some samples and give them a try.

Thanks Mark. I'll try those as well.

I am now a very veteran irrigator. In the early days I had lots of early returns. I still do on occasion. I just accepted that I have to wear a mini bag and live with it. At least if you do have an accident you will not likely ruin your clothing.

Lately I've been having problems with leaking filters. The cap may have only a teaspoon of poo in it, but the liquid part gets out the filter.

So I've been attaching light day feminine pads to the inside of my clothing opposite the stoma cap filter (I usually wear trousers; high-top undies or pantyhose would work, too. Very loose clothes might not work so well).
The pads absorb fluid and have a waterproof backing so I don't get stains. 95% of the time, they aren't needed, and I leave them on the clothes for next wearing. Remove when stained or before washing clothes!

steiconi wrote:Lately I've been having problems with leaking filters. The cap may have only a teaspoon of poo in it, but the liquid part gets out the filter.

So I've been attaching light day feminine pads to the inside of my clothing opposite the stoma cap filter (I usually wear trousers; high-top undies or pantyhose would work, too. Very loose clothes might not work so well).
The pads absorb fluid and have a waterproof backing so I don't get stains. 95% of the time, they aren't needed, and I leave them on the clothes for next wearing. Remove when stained or before washing clothes!

That's very resourceful! Thanks for the idea.