So, the idea of posting about colostomy's and the shit that goes with it has been like a tennis match inside my head. Nobody wants to hear or talk about it really. If you're like me, you either try to figure it out on your own, or search until you find what you're looking for instead of asking. Well, here are a few tips I've learned that may be helpful to someone else:
First of all, baby wipes or wet ones are absolutely necessary. I started out with damp paper towels. Yuk!
When I begin my shower, if I don't have to change the flange, wafer or base(whatever you call it) that the bag snaps to, I remove the bag and clean the stoma area as best I can with the wipes. Once in the shower, I let the water rinse off any loose bits. I keep a few wipes in the shower at all times; to wipe the area after wet and for when I get out.
When done in the shower, I use one of the wipes to cover the stoma before wrapping a towel around me; so no worries about soiling the towel. The wipes cling pretty well until done drying off.
Before snapping on a new bag, I use baby powder on the stoma to help dry and defend against odor.
If I am changing the base/flange, (about every 3-5 days)with the bag off, I use the adhesive remover pads to dampen the tape against my skin. I rub the damp wipes over the top of tape which helps to loosen it. Then I grab a loosened piece of the tape and proceed to wipe around and under until all tape is loose from my skin.
With the inner ring still attached, I get in the shower and let the warm water and soap help loosen the rest. Once I'm done washing my body I use my wash cloth and direct water from the shower to pull the wafer off. I soak the cloth and squeeze under the ring until I am able to pull it off completely. I always keep the garbage next to the shower to throw all pieces of yuk into before, during and after my shower.
Once the flange is off, I use a generous amount of body wash, cheap shampoo, or soap, and baby oil, if needed, to scrub the remnants of adhesives from the tape off. When all is clean and I'm all done, I put a wipe over the stoma(they work better if dry) before putting the towel around me.
I don't use the stoma paste as I have found it just makes a bigger mess. As long as you keep the area clean every time you change, there shouldn't be any problems. But this is just my personal choice. I also do not use the skin barrier wipes that supposedly help with irritation. I simply use a minute amount of baby powder around the sticky part of the skin; but just a tiny amount otherwise the tape from the base/wafer won't stick. Even if it's a little loose in some spots, as long as the middle part that is cut to fit is secure, that's what matters. Also, a little baby oil in the bag against the stoma helps everything slide, so there is less bulging.
The baby wipes are also handy for cleaning the end of drainable pouches. Using air freshener before and after changing bags is helpful if opening the window isn't feasible for long periods of time; like winter in northern areas. Air freshener, blowing out matches or candles help with odor in the bathroom. Of course, fresh air is always best; along with an exhaust fan.
I make sure I have everything I need ready before I get in the shower: a cut flange, bag, wipes in and out of shower, waste basket, towel, baby oil, and bleach. Bleach comes in handy if any accidents should occur.
Comments are welcome if you have any easier tips.
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