UOAA Discussion Board

Hi everyone,
I recently had a leak while I was at work (I spend a lot of time driving for this job). I'm an old timer, having my ileostomy for 45 years, but I haven't had to make a change outside my home for years! Anyway, I stopped in a store, went into the public rest room, did a quick change using my 3-year-old emergency kit, and went on my way.

Here's my question: For disposal of my old pouch, I made sure it was empty (did that before starting the change), wrapped it well in toilet paper, placed it in a plastic zip lock bag (from my kit), wrapped that in more paper and placed it in the trash container that had a plastic trash bag. I covered it with a few paper towels. This is the same way I would dispose of it at home, sort of the way one would throw out a baby's dirty diaper. I thought about throwing it in the back of my car and disposing of it at home, but it would have been in my car for hours in close to 98F heat. That didn't seem like the best idea! Afterward I started having some anxiety about it -- and I wonder: how would (do) you all do it?

Thanks!

The WOCN that trained me told me to dispose of it as a woman would a Sanitary Napkin or a dirty disposable Baby Diaper. I think you did the right thing.

you did fine all i do is put it and all the trash i generate from changing in a bag and tie it up and dispose in the trash can before i wash my hands and leave restroom. also make sure you replace what you used.

You did more than enough. I like those small brown bags that come with my Hollister pouches. They are air tight once you tie them closed. If you can get it in an air tight enclosure, like your Ziploc, no one will ever know. I emptied a lot of trash cans in my youth, and I never went looking to see what was inside...especially if it didn't smell right!

Its much easier being a woman - I use the sanitary disposal bins at work or in public, although with a colostomy, my changes are not frequent. If I use the sanitary bin at work, I also use a scented plastic bag to seal it as I do not want to stink out the bathroom emptying the contents into the toilet first and I know the bi can get smelly as it is only taken away monthly.

I think what you're doing sounds perfect.

I always carry a couple of ziplock bags in my emerg bag and just all the item that shouldn't be flushed into the ziplock and drop it in the trash can. I think you went a bit overboard with all the wrapping business, but what you did was great. Rock on!