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I did it ! Showered without the bag

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Posted 1/18/2013 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
After almost 3 months with "Gracie" and the bag, I finally took a shower this morning "camando" without

my bag.  It was so nostalgic.  And Gracie stayed quiet with no output at all even through all the drying

off and putting on a new bag.  I've read posts about showering without the bag but was just doubtful about trying

it so thank you to all here who've shared and finally gave me the confidence to do this.  I did it right after I woke up having learned this is a good "quiet time" for a shower without the bag.  What took me so long ????

Tomorrow I will be attending the local area chapter of Ostomy Assocation.  They meet once a month and I am

looking forward to any benefits this group may have for me.

 

Posted 1/18/2013 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
I do it a little different.....I effectively have my shower and do hair and all other routines that use soap or products. Then I peel off the bag, open the shower door, throw it away in the bag I have waiting there and then I shower and clean Lillie. I am a little paranoid about the soap, shampoo, conditioner stuff affecting the application of the flange.

It does feel really good and soooo clean. I love change days! Looking forward to tomorrow already!

:o)
Posted 1/20/2013 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hubby does full changes on Wed and Sundays for a regular schedule.

First thing in the morning nothing to eat or drink at all, empty the bag, jump in the shower and he has a very high success rate of things staying very quiet so applying a new wafer and pouch is a snap. He does keep the shower running in case he has to pop back in there if the stoma decided to act up and he needed to rinse off again. We have an open walk in type shower which is very convenient too.
Posted 1/20/2013 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
That's great! I also take a shower without the bag on in the mornings and only on days I change the bag. I know it's bad but I don't drink anything nor eat and jump in the shower about an hour after I get up just to make sure nothing will come out.

I also used to wait until the end of my shower to take the bag off and replace it with a new one, but one day, I took off the bag right at the beginning of the shower, and I noticed what a huge difference it made. The skin around my stoma is much less irritated and it feels a lot more cleaner!

It's nice to hear that you finally found a way to clean Gracie and replace the bag without worrying about output :) It's funny how everyone names their "Gracies". I named mine "Umei", which means "plum" in Japanese since it really does look like a shribbled plum!
Posted 1/20/2013 4:08 AM (GMT 0)
It feels good doesn't it?
Posted 1/20/2013 6:42 AM (GMT 0)
It feels great doesn't it?
My plan of attack is I usually wake up and walk around for a little bit so that anything near the end of my stoma goes in the bag when my intestines wake up. Then I eat 3 marshmallows and set up all my supplies. Then I go in the shower and do my business. Before I get out I step out of the stream of shower and dry myself off, but stay in the tub so if anything comes out it's in the tub. Then I step out and put my appliance on. Works well every time.
Posted 1/20/2013 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
     I take long leisurely baths and quick showers, all with the bag on.  I don't trust that lil bugger.  Changing of the bag always takes place first thing in the morning, every third day, before ole sleepy eye gets up. 
Posted 1/22/2013 10:30 AM (GMT 0)
Before my surgery, I used to love my baths! It was my quiet time away from hubby and kids. I hate being cold and I used to take a bath to warm up or to help with the pain of my crohns. Since my surgery in August, I have only had one bath and I am not sure why. I think it's a head thing for me.....I mean I shower every day with my bag, what's the difference having a bath???

The mind is a pretty tricky thing. Anyone else have this issue? I do miss my baths.....perhaps I just need to try it a little more often.
Posted 1/22/2013 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
    Larasmom...I use the Coloplast Sensura one piece bags.  Like I mentioned, I take long, leisurely baths, the bag gets soaked and I never had an issue.   You can dry the back of the bag with your hair dryer, not TOO hot, or I just dry the back with a towel.  No problems ever.
Posted 1/22/2013 1:49 PM (GMT 0)
I sometimes take a bath on days when I am going to change the bag. After the bath, I simply take off the wet bag and put on a new one. That way, I don't even have to dry it.
Posted 1/22/2013 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
You have inspired me! I am going to take a bath tonight. It's so cold here that I think I will need it! Winter in Canada.....

Thanks!
Posted 1/23/2013 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Having my ostomy and not having the water hit your body throughout the entire shower was sad...and quite cold. It finally took me 2 years to get the courage and take one without the appliance. It was so liberating! I ponder too much about the 'what if's' and this is my flaw because if I were to just bite the bullet, I would be enjoying and embracing change. Same thing regarding bath's.

Glad you accomplished this task so soon post op!
Posted 2/28/2013 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
I have to say. Taking a shower without the bag feels great and it actually makes my stoma feel better afterwards. I tried it about two weeks ago after reading this thread and I have showered without the bag ever since. If you can handle the fact that a little output will come out during your shower...I highly recommend.
Posted 2/28/2013 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
will the output just run down the drain? have not had mine yet, one more week.
Posted 2/28/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it just goes down the drain. It's not that bad.
Posted 2/28/2013 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
I only have a shower every other day when I change my bag. I haven't dared shower without a bag and I change my bag after every shower or bath for fear it will peel off during the day due to it getting wet and losing its stickiness. Am I just being over paranoid??
Posted 3/1/2013 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
What's the big deal if the stoma leaks a little while in the shower???? It's nothing a big toe wouldnt help get down the drain!!! I take the bag off every day in the shower and clean things up....my flanges still last almost a week.
Posted 3/1/2013 2:39 PM (GMT 0)
What's the big deal if the stoma leaks a little while in the shower???? It's nothing a big toe wouldnt help get down the drain!!! I take the bag off every day in the shower and clean things up....my flanges still last almost a week.
Posted 3/1/2013 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
What's the big deal if the stoma leaks a little while in the shower???? It's nothing a big toe wouldnt help get down the drain!!! I take the bag off every day in the shower and clean things up....my flanges still last almost a week.
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