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Cleaning out bag so many times...

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Posted 4/22/2014 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
What can I do to slow down going to the bathroom? I feel like I spend most of my day in the bathroom cleaning out my bag... at least 4+ times a day. It's always a mess. I don't want to take too many imodium because I don't have great kidneys and was told to limit my imodium intake. Any ideas? I really can't kept living my life like this.
Posted 4/22/2014 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Melissa,
I have the same issue, so I feel for you. Hope someone out there has an answer.
Posted 4/22/2014 6:24 AM (GMT 0)
Not sure what your expectations are, but the average is actually 6-8 times per day. I actually go more. To be honest, if you're going 4-6 (my guess at quantifying "4+"), that's really good. What do you mean by a mess? If it's a porridge like, or syrupy, consistency, then that's normal too. Sorry that's not overly helpful, but from what you've described so far, there's nothing to worry about.
What did your surgeon/GI explain before surgery?
Posted 4/22/2014 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
I have a colostomy.
I have tried the baby oil but it didn't work for me at all unfortunately.
Also, I am a bit of a neat freak when it comes to this stuff so if I go to the bathroom, I go into a crazy cleaning routine. I don't do that all the time... if it's too much, I just empty and that's that but typically I will clean it out - which takes me sometimes an hour each time. I just feel like I go to the bathroom all the time and it never gives me a break unless I'm sleeping.
Posted 4/22/2014 2:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Melissa Iris

I think 4+ times is totally normal. I empty my ileo 4-6 times in 24 hours, but it only takes a few minutes. On the rare time when my output is thick (and I understand my output will be much thinner that your colostomy's) I squirt some water in the bag via the tail end, shake it around and dump it out. That may take another 30 seconds. Then I wipe the tail end clean with toilet paper. Maybe 15 seconds.

Are you washing your bag out completely every time you empty it? It would be more expensive, but if you like a very clean bag maybe consider a close ended disposable pouch that you can click off and toss in the garbage instead of emptying it, therefore you can put a new, clean pouch on.

Like I said, maybe more costly, but it would save you time :)
Posted 4/22/2014 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Melissa, you should check out the UOAA message boards, there are very few colostomy patients here so most of the advice you'll get is ileostomy-centric. If your colostomy is fairly high up or you naturally have thin output, it might be productive to treat your colostomy more like an ileostomy (use a drainable pouch, get used to emptying 4-6 times per day.. this really is normal life for an ileostomy). Another option that I know a lot of colostomy patients use is irrigation -- I don't know a lot about it or whether it would work for you, but my understanding is it allows you to empty more "completely" once a day at a time of your choosing. Definitely check out the UOAA boards. Your WOCN might have advice as well.
Posted 4/22/2014 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have a colostomy- not sure who else, if anyone but you and me, does. I use a two piece, CLOSED system. This means that when the pouch is full enough to annoy me, I throw it away and snap on a new, empty bag. My output is solid and, until recently, pretty continent. No one told me in the beginning that open eneded bags don't tend to be for colostomies. I had to figure out on my own that a closed pouch was the ticket because my output is too thick to try and empty!! What a waste!
Posted 4/22/2014 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, ok so I just heard about another product you could look into, that are apparently great for colostomies.

They are a special liner that you put in your ostomy bag, there is an opening that fits where your wafer and bag attach to each other. Apparently they are quite inexpensive and you can buy them in bulk and when you need to empty, you just take the bag out, tie it up and toss it it the trash or the toilet! Then you can put a fresh liner in your bag.

http://www.colomajic.com/

I'm sure you might be able to find a few brands that do similar things!

I hope this helps :)
Posted 4/22/2014 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Those liners aren't safe for septic systems in case you have one!! My supplier gave me some to try but with my ileo, I didn't like them. Too icky.....and we have a septic so can't use them.
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