UOAA Discussion Board

So first the laugh of the day, mind you I'm on day 2 of gatoring, day 1 on my own. <siren, siren> code brown stroy.

When I was done with my second infusion waiting for returns I decided to flush the bag with water from a graduated cylinder. Good in theory until the natural curve in the sleeve right before the area that the sleeve sits in the bowl gets too full and heavy and flips the end out of the bowl. Being unclamoed allowed for all the "poop water" to drain onto the bathroom floor. Blah!!! I composed myself enough to remember to clamp the bag when I went to clean up the mess. Mostly water. I must have had some instinct because I had moved the toilet carpet thingy prior to procedure... just in case. Lesson #1 learned. LOL

***Question: How do I shower? I typically would shower with my appliance on, except for the glorious 2 change days then I would shower naked ( don't tell anyone) LOL. Can I shower with just the wafer on? Does the water getting under the wafer change the durability? Today, I opted to shower with the sleeve on. It made me more confident I was done and it cleaned the outside of the sleeve. Dual purpose.

Last night I had about 3 tablespoons of mushy stool and this morning a very small amount of mucus/stool at the stoma site. Needless to say, I was estatic with the day 1 results. Didn't think about poop most of the day and a clean empty pouch gets to be a girls best friend rather quickly.

Thanks for listening.

Sue

Hi Sue
Glad to hear things went so well, despite the code brown! I know I've read on here that people shower with the flange on and no appliance without a problem. I was always afraid to do that so I had requested samples of a mini pouch and I would snap that on for showering so that my pouch for the day would be dry. I also had some pouches without filters left over from the hospital that I used before I got the minis. Hope all goes well today! Keep us posted!

You are doing well Sue;

I always irrigate with the sleeve clamped, prevents Code Browns.

As for showering, if I am changing the flange then it is a naked shower for me. if I am not changing the flange then I shower with the sleeve on..

Sue,

If you irrigate while sitting on the toilet facing backwards you will not have the problem that you described. Been doing that for a number of years without incident. Regarding showering, you need to understand your body signals. If the irrigation went normally, no need for a pouch. If the irrigation was sketchy, (not normal returns) then use a pouch for insurance.

Mark

I sit on the side of my sleeve with the tail in the bowl, but not touching the water. I'm able to keep the sleeve in place with just simple body weight. It never goes anywhere, and the sleeve is still wide enough at that point for output to flow by and go into the bowl.
I shower with just the flange. I do take my sleeve in with me, remove it, and clean it there. The water doesn't hurt the flange or its adhesion. Then, when I get out of the shower, I can put on a clean pouch, and don't have to worry about drying it before dressing.
Hope that helps.

David

Thanks everyone. So nice to hear what I am doing is normal, for us!

I LOVE having a dry pouch, That has been the most rewarding.

Lisa I like the idea of a mini bag or cap to use just for the shower. My family will just have to get used to my equipment lying around a little bit.

David, I'll assume you sit on the toilet when irrigating? I have been sitting on a chair in front of the bowl. Haven't decided on correct procedure yet. Or even what bathroom will be best, due to traffic. (2 dogs, son, husband)

Any way, had a little late return last night again, Less than a 1/2 cup I'm gusssing. Today after irrigating, put on a closed end pouch, a little more liquid output. Changed to a drainable to be safe. Just started eating at regular times and not after 6 yesterday. Hoping that helps in the regulatory process.

Either way, it is WAY better than poop all day long.

Thanks again.

Sue

Yeah Sue!! As others mentioned, I too shower with just the flange and have never had adhesion problems. I change my flange about once a week. And I'm a stander in front of toilet and let the sleeve tail dangle into the toilet bowl.

Best to you, Bob