Ileostomy / colectomy surgery successful so far...

So i finally had my ostomy surgery yesterday friday Oct 22nd. The pain is semi managable as of now, but very much so exspected when they had to do an incision and colon removal. Now im on my next step in life and i want to know from the experts on the BEST possible bags and how to keep the site the absolute cleanest i can keep it. I am very nerotic about germs and infection. Thank you all for any help once again. And any other tricks and advice as far as when and how to change. I would appreciate anything. thanks again        ......

Hi Curt

Unfortunately there are no "best bags" just one that suits you best personally. People may recommend bags here but you might not get along with the bag they recommend.

The best thing to do is contact the manufacturers and get as many free samples as you can. You can order them from their websites. The main ones are:

www.coloplast.com

www.convatec.com

www.hollister.com


Right now you need to keep the wound clean of course and you should have been instructed in the hospital how to do that, but once you've healed, no need to be neurotic about germs. Your stoma is your intestine - it's used to having poop on it :) The skin surrounding it needs to be kept clean to prevent skin problems but simple soap (not oily soap - that will prevent the wafer from sticking) and water will do that for you.

Best of luck.

So far I'm happy with the Coloplast Assura two-piece system. I also use their paste strips. I was given all kinds of hollister samples when i left the hospital and had a few leaks at random times. So far leak free with my Coloplasts! But I'm still learning as well :)
I like the Assura better because the wafer part is clear. If the poop gets underneath it youll see it before it reaches the edge and leaks on your clothes.

I'm a convatec girl.