If you’re seeking to cover & protect your colostomy bag, you should know that it is crucial to know some useful, practicable habits to understand when and how to change the bag. If possible, you should replace the colostomy bag often, especially after clearing your bowels.
You would have to change the bag if you were dealing with a one-piece colostomy bag. You can do it often if you’re dealing with a two-piece. If you can do so twice a week, make sure the baseplate is changed. It is essential to know that there are people who have waste that is more liquid. For them, they must have a drainable bag. Also, it will be emptied often when necessary. The one-piece bag will be changed after two to three days if it works for you. If you have a two-piece pouch, you will change it regularly if necessary.
How to Live Comfortably with the Pouch
It can be frustrating for anyone who knows he or she has to endure the ostomy surgery. Some find it difficult to cope with the thought of having a bag on their abdomens. Still, for most people, the ostomy may not be a terrible experience. Most ostomy surgeries and the bags will be unnoticed. Not many people will know unless you let them know.
You will have to choose whether you need other people to know if you have a colostomy bag. In most cases, you can start with family and close friends. Also, let your workplace know if you’re in a job that will require you to carry bulky items.
What You Need to Know About Changing the Colostomy Bag
1. You will have to ensure that the most vital things are available. It will include the wipes, non-reusable bags, a new ostomy bag, and anything necessary.
2. Clean your hands regularly. You can make use of a hand sanitizer if there is no water in the environment you’re in.
3. You can ensure the skin is supported by one hand, then move the bag gently if you want to remove it. Also, you can take advantage of a medicinal adhesive remover if you’re going to get rid of the flange faster.
4. You can clear the colostomy bag that is used by cutting the bag at the bottom. Then you will need to clean the bag with water and dispose of it in a disposal container. (You can work with a reputable service provider who deals with the bags). Instead, you can cover the used ostomy pouch with a used newspaper and place it in the usual recyclable bag. The ostomy pouches are usually created to be used for one function and not to be reused. If you find it challenging to get the right amount of the stoma pouches that will perform correctly, you can use reliable delivery service providers. They will deliver the bags on time.
5. If you find it challenging to get rid of the pouch, you can dispose of it directly in a disposal container. The choice that you make when you are prepared to do so, you can take the box to the refuse.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Stoma
- You will have to clean the stoma using dry wipes and warm water. Don’t make the mistake of rubbing the area.
- Use dry wipes to make sure the stoma is completely dry. Make sure it is done correctly and avoid rubbing.
- Always dispose of the wipes in a container that will be disposed of.
- Clean your hands.
What to do Before you Fit a Colostomy Pouch
- You will have to buy a skin barrier that will help cover and keep the skin healthy. The barrier will offer the perfect base for you to place a colostomy bag. You will clean the stoma and allow it to dry.
- Always cut holes in the stoma are to make sure the colostomy pouch will fit correctly. If you find it challenging to do so, you can allow a professional to cut the holes. You don’t need to think about it.
- Get rid of the cover that is designed to protect the stoma. Then try and fit the bag and ensure it is not creased, which in most cases leads to the bag leaking.
- Make sure you use protective gear or the hands for almost 20 to 50 seconds. The warmth available will make sure the skin is protected.
It would be best if you used an ostomy fresh-smelling deodorant to get rid of the foul smell that comes from the colostomy bag. If there are any persistent odors, you can use any other proven solutions like striking a match.