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Gauze to clean around stoma

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Posted 8/25/2010 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone,
Do you guys use non-sterile gauze to clean around your stoma or do you use something else? Also, when I was changing my wafer today my stoma was flowing .. I guess I didn't time it right. Do you eat the marshmellows 10 mins before changing or longer?

Thanks!! :)
Posted 8/25/2010 11:03 PM (GMT 0)
ucfree, I do not use sterile gauze because the area is far from sterile. :)

I have not tried the marshmallows yet....but I have definitely dealt with the stoma squirting all over the place....I have found that for me, it is best if I change the pouching system in the morning before I eat, drink, or even brush my teeth. My stoma wakes right up the instant I put anything in my mouth, even the toothpaste.

How are you feeling?
Posted 8/25/2010 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
ucfree, it's not necessary but I do order the sterile gauze sponges to clean around my stoma because I'm comfortable with them. I also use some peristomal wipes that my supplier carries to clean off any extra gunk.

Also, I second the idea of changing your pouch first thing in the morning. You should be pretty cleaned out by than and not flowing.
Posted 8/26/2010 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
My ostomy nurse (both of them) said most people just use paper damp paper towels to clean around the stoma.  I occasionally use the wipes to get adhesive build up off but normally... water and paper towels clean just fine.  
Posted 8/26/2010 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
i buy these cheap towels from walmart and cut them into squares and use those.
I just change whenever, mine is always busy in the morning. I just change it and hope it wont go off, lol.
Posted 8/26/2010 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
We are all different on when to change turn personally, I cannot change right when I wake up, but can take care of my dogs, eat breakfast with coffee and take my shower...then I change and it's so quiet...so, it depends on your body! There is no right or wrong.

You could try the marshmallow trick and wait 15 minutes...you have a 50/50 chance it will work for you. Pay attention to your output for a few days and I am sure you'll find the right time for you smilewinkgrin

Oh, I use paper towels (Bounty Select A Size) and cut them in half. Nothing to wash and I only need about 5 per change so it's not too costly!

Good Luck!!
Posted 8/26/2010 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
I use two paper towells.

Posted 8/26/2010 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys and gals!! This is such a learning experience. My change today was a bit tough but better than before:)
Every day gets better thank God.
I'm feeling a lot better, still very tired around 3pm and I think that's mainly from withdrawl symptoms from all the dilaudid they pumped me with for 2 weeks in the hospital. I may just need some time to get over this hump :)
They're probably stopping the IV fluids I'm getting at home tomorrow so that's great news. My followup appt is on Monday and I'm hoping the doc takes this PICC line out of my bicep!
Posted 8/26/2010 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
I peel off the old appliance, hop in the shower and scrub the peristomal area with soap and water. Exiting the shower I have a paper towel ready to dry and catch any discharge which I usually don't have first thing in the morning. I've been doing this for over 25 years and haven't soiled a new appliance yet. I generally change on a weekly schedule however I have made it two weeks but by then it's getting a little scary.
Posted 8/26/2010 9:48 AM (GMT 0)
glad you're getting better. i use paper towels too. i have 2 little small bowls, one with water and liquid soap and the other with only water, i wash it arount the stoma with the soapy water then with water alone, then dry the area and apply the wafer and bag :) - that's how the hospital's stoma nurse taught me to do it. it usually takes me 3 paper towels. but hummmm... was wondering something about showering w/o the appliance, i think i should start a new topic :)
Posted 8/26/2010 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
mxmstr

What appliance do you use?

Dan
Posted 8/27/2010 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Dan,

I use convatec one piece drainable, ref# 22771 with stomahesive paste.

I used hollister two piece for a time after surgery because that's what they gave me in the hospital.
They also taught me how to make a drying rack for the bag out of a clothes hanger I couldn't figure out why I would want to wash and dry the inside of a bag that's used for ....

ileo since, I don't know 25+ I guess that makes it mid 80s
Posted 8/27/2010 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
I use toilet paper and a wash cloth to clean, only dial soap. I did use 4x4's (non-sterile) they are gauze but not too practical expense wise. "Privey" usually tells me when it is time to change by leaking rarely do I get to choose bummer!! Lately I've been fighting skin ulcers under my stoma so we've been changing a lot. I did find some Friar's Balsm and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it works--it seems to keep the stool off the ulcer and that's that needs to happen in order for it to heal. But man does it ever burn -ouchee-. I use a convatec two piece, eakin seal, and paste but I've read that coloplast is good too so I may ask for samples.

I usually get the wafer all ready before getting into the shower so after I'm dry I'm ready to place. As I've said "Privey" chooses the changes so sometimes I have her spitting and acting silly and sometimes we can change w/out any problem.
Posted 8/29/2010 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
I bought a bunch of cheap washcloths, and i'll use one of those damp to clean, then air dry or dab with toilet paper to dry.  I always work over my bathroom sink.  if my stoma becomes active i just stand on my tip-toes and lean over the sink.  With enough practice i've gotten the process down to a pretty quick time, and if i poop...well i poop.  What are ya going to do?
Posted 8/30/2010 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
I use some toilet paper to wipe off most, then a wet, wrung out, baby washcloth to really get the area squeaky clean. I use the baby sized washcloths as I find they're not as awkward as the big ones, and they don't get too soiled as I've gotten off 90% of the gunk with the TP already.
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