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One or two piece bags...?

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Posted 1/20/2009 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
After my operation a year ago, I woke up afterwards and saw the ...... bag... on me.. Not really being prepared for it.. for several weeks.. and having the luxury of a nurse change this new "thing" on me. I just accepted what I was given .. which was a one piece bag that you cut with the curvy scissor to fit the stoma...

Now i'ts been a year and I've gotten used to the single piece bag, and I hear some of you talking about a "flange" and changing it daily.. I have to ask. this is the two piece one.. yes?

Are there any advantages/disadvantages of the one piece vs the two piece?

Are they attached to the skin in the same manner?

Do they require cutting holes for the stoma or are they pre-cut?

My ostemy nurse actually advised against the pre-cut ones, as they don't really fit well to the stoma...

Any advise? Comments??
Posted 1/20/2009 7:51 AM (GMT 0)
I just had my surgery about a month ago so I am no pro....But I have used both the one and two piece bags. I found that the one piece bags are less bulky than the two piece bags and lay nicely against the stomach. The one piece also felt more secure for a longer period of time due to it being lighter in weight. Both of the bags I used required measuring and cutting a hole for the stoma. Good Luck.
Posted 1/20/2009 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Are there any advantages/disadvantages of the one piece vs the two piece?

For me, the one piece is just setting me up for disaster! My stoma isn't quite round, more of an oval shape and it seems to be changing (getting smaller and smaller) so at least with the two-piece, I can cut it and then put it over my stoma to see if its a tight enough fit to where poo can't get under it. With the one-piece I didn't have that advantage so I had more leaks under my wafer.

Are they attached to the skin in the same manner?

They are attached the same way, but with the two-piece, you cut the wafer to fit and then put it on just like you would the one-piece, but with the two-piece you have to snap a bag on the wafer afterwards. That's the only difference I think.

Do they require cutting holes for the stoma or are they pre-cut?
They come pre-cut or you can cut them yourself

:-)
My ostemy nurse actually advised against the pre-cut ones, as they don't really fit well to the stoma...

I think the only reason she said that was because sometimes your stoma will vary in size. Some days it will be smaller and if you get them pre-cut, you can't make the hole any smaller.

Hope this helps a little :-)  Im not an expert just yet. lol  

Posted 1/20/2009 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Now its been a year and I've gotten used to the single piece bag, and I hear some of you talking about a "flange" and changing it daily.. I have to ask. this is the two piece one.. yes?

well they don't have to be changed daily...the pouches can be if you want to but that gets costly!

Are there any advantages/disadvantages of the one piece vs the two piece? 

It is more preference.  I prefer the two piece since I can see where I am putting it in relation to my stoma...I get a more even fit

Are they attached to the skin in the same manner?

yes

Do they require cutting holes for the stoma or are they pre-cut?

There are both.

My ostomy nurse actually advised against the pre-cut ones, as they don't really fit well to the stoma...

It depends what your stoma is like.  Mine is very round (thank you Doc!) so I can use the pre cut.  I also use an Eakin Seal and that helps protect right up to the stoma.  Since you've had your stoma a year the likelihood of it changing size is slim.  Yes mine does look smaller some days, but that is usually because it is sleeping and once it wakes up it plumps again so I don't measure every time...

Any advise? Comments??

Go on line and get some samples from the major companies (go to UOAA.org and use their list).  They will send you out several samples and you can determine for yourself if it is what you want!  After using the same brand/style for MANY years, I took some one's suggestion to do that and tried many before deciding on the one I use now.  I wish I had done it sooner:)

Posted 1/21/2009 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
I prefer the two peice because at night I use irrigation sleeves (long bags, so I don't have to wake up in the middle of the night) and it makes it possible to snap the bags on and off
Posted 1/21/2009 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I didn't read if you said you had a colostomy or ileostomy---for me, with a colostomy, it is much easier to use the 2 piece bags, rather than have to squeeze out and empty the one piece bags daily.  With the 2 piece bag, you just unsnap it (kinda like a tupperware seal connects the wafer or flange, to the bag), and put a new one on.  Only the wafer stays stuck to your body for 3-5 days (or whatever), the bag part is replaced whenever needed.  When you are fairly regular, and stool is fairly firm, I think the 2 piece bags are the way to go.  I was sent home from hospital with 1 piece, and at that time my output was fairly liquid, but as it became more solid, I started having difficulty emptying the bag well enough, and never felt "clean".  Try many types...find one that you like, companies will send you samples, I have even gotten some samples from Edgemark (that's who I get all supplies from). 

Posted 1/21/2009 5:24 PM (GMT 0)

emma12s said...
I didn't read if you said you had a colostomy or ileostomy---for me, with a colostomy, it is much easier to use the 2 piece bags, rather than have to squeeze out and empty the one piece bags daily. With the 2 piece bag, you just unsnap it (kinda like a tupperware seal connects the wafer or flange, to the bag), and put a new one on. Only the wafer stays stuck to your body for 3-5 days (or whatever), the bag part is replaced whenever needed. When you are fairly regular, and stool is fairly firm, I think the 2 piece bags are the way to go. I was sent home from hospital with 1 piece, and at that time my output was fairly liquid, but as it became more solid, I started having difficulty emptying the bag well enough, and never felt "clean". Try many types...find one that you like, companies will send you samples, I have even gotten some samples from Edgemark (that's who I get all supplies from).


You've raised another issue with the emptying and cleaning out of the bags.

I've found that by rinsing them with water, the waste material is a bit easier to get rid of.. especially if it's firm and the bag can last a day or two longer.

Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. I'm going to see about getting some samples and take them for a test drive and see what happens... :)
Posted 1/22/2009 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
Wade,

Let us know which one's you try and what you like....
Posted 1/22/2009 2:28 AM (GMT 0)

i like the two piece system the best.  mainly because if you put on a one-piece and you don't get the bag hanging at a comfortable angle, you need to replace the whole thing.  with the two piece you just adjust to whatever is most comfortable.

Matt

Posted 1/22/2009 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
I started with the two piece when I first received my ileostomy back in July 2007, but probably for the last year, have found that I like the 1 piece Sensura light convex the best. I also use an Eakin Seal. I put it on the wafer and use the blow dryer on it for about 30-60 seconds to warm it up before putting on. I then press on the wafer to get a good seal starting in the middle pressing and holding around the stoma working my way outward. I've had no problems with leaks by doing this. I hated snapping on the pouch to the flange. I had more problems with leaks with them.
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